Israel’s Chief Rabbinate Council convened Sunday for a special session to address last week’s High Court ruling, issuing a strong protest over the court holding deliberations on Shabbos.

During the meeting, council members expressed sharp objection to the very scheduling of the hearing on Shabbos, calling it a serious affront to the sanctity of the day and its place in Israel’s public sphere.

In its official statement, the council emphasized that Shabbos observance is a foundational pillar of the Jewish identity of the State of Israel.

The council specifically protested a High Court hearing that took place during Shabbos regarding the number of demonstrators permitted to participate in a protest scheduled for Motzei Shabbos.

“This is not an isolated case of disregard for Shabbos in the public domain,” the council stated. “Anyone who harms this sacred day harms the entire spiritual heritage of the Jewish people. Shabbos not only adds holiness to the nation, but provides meaning and life as the foundation of the six days of the week.”

The statement further warned that undermining the sanctity of Shabbos strikes at the core identity of Israel as a Jewish state.

The council also took issue with what it described as a “cynical” justification presented during the court proceedings, where the matter was framed as one of “pikuach nefesh.”

“Determining whether a situation constitutes ‘pikuach nefesh’ is a Torah-based decision that must be evaluated by those entrusted with such authority,” the statement read. “Not everyone can assume the right to decide in areas beyond their expertise.”

The council added that prioritizing “freedom of protest” over the sanctity of life and Torah values reflects a worldview “far removed from Judaism.”

Concluding its remarks, the Chief Rabbinate Council stated that such incidents are part of a broader pattern, accusing certain authorities of using their position to reshape the fundamental values upon which the State of Israel was founded.

“Only through Shabbos has the nation endured—and, with Hashem’s help, will continue to endure,” the statement concluded.

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