It is an awkward thing in a complex society to balance pragmatic rules designed to benefit and guide the populace generally with the special needs of various minority groups. The handicapped can't easily get on many busses....so how much should a community have to spend to provide either special taxi service expensive busses that lower on hydraulics? (my area recently struggled with that one).

    I'm sure many people sincerely believe that making 'unusual' arrangements for the convenience of religious groups should be, as the hospital does, through generosity and not by mandate. Just as Amish communities have to work hard to deal with the safety problem of slow moving buggies on public roads, the Jewish communities have many complex laws regarding cleanliness and activity restrictions on the Sabbeth...as well as the rules noted about crosses and prayers. To an outsider it may look not only strange, but intrusive, when it feels like someone else's 'needs' translate to 'demands' on the community at large, and require exceptions to some of the ordinances .

    Jeri notes that "Laws do not have to discriminate intentionally to discriminate,", but it is still important to differentiate, if possible, between 'intentional discrimination' and mere disagreement over a pragmatic decision. If animosity can be kept out of the negotiations, both sides may eventually benefit.


   In this case as described, I think a house supported and used in the manner noted should not be a problem for the zoning board, and Bikur Cholim should be allowed to maintain it with the blessings of the community, as it DOES benefit both sides. Perhaps the hospital itself could be persuaded to intervene (or explain) how it's changes brought about this situation, and how making allowances, as much as possible, would ease things for all concerned. At the same time, Bikur Cholim should proceed gently, remembering that their needs are not necessarily understood and/or appreciated by many in the bureaucratic realm. "Discrimination" IS a loaded word, even when only meant in a legal, technical way, and needs to be used carefully.