High court to revisit decision allowing mini-marts to open on Shabbat

The High Court of Justice orders an additional hearing on allowing convenience stores in Tel Aviv to remain open on the Jewish day of rest.

The new hearing comes in response to a petition filed by Interior Minister Minister Aryeh Deri last month.

In April, the High Court upheld a 2014 Tel Aviv City Council ordinance allowing the stores to remain open on Shabbat, with the court saying it would protect the cosmopolitan character of the coastal and mostly secular city.

The ruling drew scathing criticism from religious groups, who said it threatened the Jewish character of the state. In his petition, Deri argued “the Shabbat and its observance is a cornerstone of the existence of the Jewish people,” and said “given the honor of the Sabbath and its importance to halacha, it deserves an additional discussion.”