Bellaire Jewish Center Case

City Issues Rabbi Written Citation for Small Religious Meetings in His Home

In October 2013, Rabbi Jacknin contacted First Liberty Institute after the city of Bellaire issued him a written citation for holding small religious meetings in his home. The meetings included anywhere from five to fifteen people.

Legal Action

First Liberty Institute and the Bellaire Jewish Center’s local attorney, Richard Grimes, met with Bellaire city officials in November 2013. At the end of the meeting, city officials agreed to dismiss the citation, acknowledging that Rabbi Jacknin did nothing inappropriate and that he could continue holding his religious meetings.

At the November meeting, Rabbi Jacknin informed the city of his plans for a Hanukkah party, and the city did not express any concern. In addition, the city agreed to contact First Liberty Institute before taking further action should any other issues arise.

However, after his Hanukkah gathering, Rabbi Jacknin received another citation—despite the city’s agreement that Rabbi Jacknin could continue holding religious meetings and the city’s commitment to contact First Liberty Institute before taking action if any other issues came up.

The matter regarding the city’s citation proceeded to trial before a municipal judge. At the trial, First Liberty Institute, along with volunteer attorneys, defended the constitutional rights of Rabbi Jacknin to freely exercise his faith.

Churches, synagogues, and religious organizations across America are facing growing anti-religious hostility from local governments. First Liberty Institute is dedicated to working to ensure that churches and religious organizations of all faiths are protected from overzealous government officials and unlawful city actions that violate the religious liberty rights of individuals and religious institutions.