Orange County is facing a federal lawsuit from the Orlando Torah Center, which alleges religious discrimination after its application for synagogue expansion was denied.The synagogue in Orlando said that denying the application to expand its building is infringing on its religious freedoms. “This is not a matter of mere convenience. This is a matter of necessity,” said Rabbi Menachem Kramer, highlighting the need for more space as the congregation has outgrown its current home.The center wanted to expand its 1,600-square-foot home into a three-story worship and programming space, but Orange County denied the request following neighbor opposition.”They were told four years ago when you get big, you’ve got to go someplace else,” one neighbor said. “Zoning is zoning. It’s black and white. There should be no exceptions.”The lawsuit points out other religious institutions along Apopka-Vineland Road. Neighbors opposing the expansion argue those churches do not sit on such small lots.”The Orlando Torah Center has been a burden not only to the neighborhood but the overbearing burden on the county staff. Many, many departments have been dealing with the problems,” said another neighbor.Supporters of the center note its unique nature, emphasizing that most congregation members walk to the center to keep Jewish law surrounding the Sabbath.”The many families who now call this area home are not going anywhere, and neither is their faith,” Kramer said.
Orange County is facing a federal lawsuit from the Orlando Torah Center, which alleges religious discrimination after its application for synagogue expansion was denied.
The synagogue in Orlando said that denying the application to expand its building is infringing on its religious freedoms.
“This is not a matter of mere convenience. This is a matter of necessity,” said Rabbi Menachem Kramer, highlighting the need for more space as the congregation has outgrown its current home.
The center wanted to expand its 1,600-square-foot home into a three-story worship and programming space, but Orange County denied the request following neighbor opposition.
“They were told four years ago when you get big, you’ve got to go someplace else,” one neighbor said. “Zoning is zoning. It’s black and white. There should be no exceptions.”
The lawsuit points out other religious institutions along Apopka-Vineland Road. Neighbors opposing the expansion argue those churches do not sit on such small lots.
“The Orlando Torah Center has been a burden not only to the neighborhood but the overbearing burden on the county staff. Many, many departments have been dealing with the problems,” said another neighbor.
Supporters of the center note its unique nature, emphasizing that most congregation members walk to the center to keep Jewish law surrounding the Sabbath.
“The many families who now call this area home are not going anywhere, and neither is their faith,” Kramer said.
