It’s not clear that zoning laws could ban a shtiebel. After all, back when it was illegal to build a synagogue in the United States (in some states until the Jacksonian era) people could still have a private minyan in their house (note: the same rule also applied to Roman Catholics when their churches were banned). The common law rule that everyman’s home is his castle at least covers what you do in your house. And this is without dealing with the discrimination issues addressed in federal and state constitutions and statutes.
Menu