One of the most inspiring people I have ever met is Rabbi James Mirel of the B'Nai Torah. When the Temple was in Mercer Island, Deb and I took a class in Judaism from him. We have gone to his Sabbath and High Holy Day services and been deeply moved by his thoughts and wisdom.
Temple B'Nai Torah is suing the City Of Bellevue to ease restrictions on it's hosting of Tent City 4, which is a chance to house almost 100 homeless people. The encampment is moving from Woodinville.
According to a story by Ashley Bach in Seattle Times, The City Of Bellevue has adapted some of the most restrictive laws in the region on Tent Citys. The City Planning director issued the permit allowing the Tent City, but did not ease up on the restrictions.
The Temple and the Seattle Housing And Resource Effort (SHARE) are challenging the restricions based on religous Freedom. They are basing their lawsuit on a 2000 Federal Law protecting religous institutions in land use decisions.
Suing the City is nothing new in Bellevue, but it usually involves greedy developers. There are many sides to this issue, but one thing is for sure, Rabbi Mirel's cause is a noble one.
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