Situations such as this are usually described in the terms most favorible to the writer.   Living in the same county (not the same area) I can vouch for the fact that there are other issues involved that touch upon variances being requested in other areas in proximity to that which Rabbi Sol speaks of. Variance requests for quite different reasons by the Orthodox communities.

That has to be taken into consideration when reading the original posting and that these other issue was not mentioned. I won't go into the geography or the requests since most people here do not know the area and will not understand the issue.   Suffice it to say it is not medical.

"Good Sam" (as the hospital is affectionately know)is exactly as you describe---open and friendly to all, as is Nyack Hospital in the South end of the county.   

The issues are---as many writers here state---not one of discrimination but, rather, one of legalities. Banks , Government P, and many such entities have things known as "grandfather clauses"---new rules apply to new situations but the old rules remain in place for for earlier situations and people.

In my own community a number of years ago a small group of Orthodox purchased a house and fully intended to use it as a Synagogue because there was not an Orthodox one in the area. They applied for the zoning variance after the purchase knowing full well that this was a residential street and not zoned for that purpose. Interestingly all faiths (Jewish included) showed up at the zoning hearing to defeat the variance. They proceeded to sell the house---at a handsome profit.

With all due respect I would add, Rabbi Sol, that naming the thread as you did is in itself inflamatory. It is a statement and not a question.

I have a positive suggestion to offer here that would solve the problem you speak of. If, as you say, there is not even one Orthodox family within walking distance of "Good Sam" then I humbly suggest the renting of motel rooms for those needing to stay over. There is a motel in walking distance.    Not being fully versed in the religious rules of Orthodoxy I seem to recall situations where one is excused from observing certain rituals because of health or other hardships. If that be the case then it would seem to me that what you describe is such a situation.

I mean my post in the most respectful way to bring some light to a situation that I have long abhorred---namely---things are not always discriminatory just because one says they are.   "Wolf" is not always a good thing to cry, as the legend has it.


Bill Hahn