The Chief Rabbinate of Israel Council has suggested limiting the chametz ban in the nation�s hospitals to facilitate conditions for non-Jewish patients and Jews uninterested in conforming with halacha, Walla News reports. The council decided to permit a segregated area in a hospital that would not be kosher for Pesach.

The council is faced with yet another challenge to halacha, as it appears the total ban on chametz in the nation�s hospitals on Pesach may be challenged in the Supreme Court. Attorney Harel Goldberg, the Chief Rabbinate�s legal counsel explained to the rabbonim that he does not believe the total ban that exists today would stand up to a High Court challenge, hence the decision to amend the long-standing Pesach ban on chametz.

The Chief Rabbinate Council has requested the ministry weigh the decision to permit a having a segregated chametz area in hospital this Pesach.

Interestingly, the Health Ministry has expressed opposition to the move. Rabbi Pinchas Frenkel, the Health Ministry�s expert on matters of halacha expressed strong opposition to the council�s decision. He feels it is preferable to let the current ban on chametz remain, without any exceptions.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)