The Mifletzet Bar & Café in the Kiryat Yovel neighborhood of the capital opened last summer, becoming a hot spot for Chilul Shabbos in the growing chareidi area. It is named after the popular Mifletzet (Monster) playground in the community.

The bar/café is owned by a local cooperative that has 72 shareholders, most young area residents who had an interest in launching the non-profit enterprise located in the complex that houses the community council. The operation is open on Shabbos.

The bar has a fire department and other permits but has not been granted an operating license. Owners explain that have waited years and finally made the decision to open, providing a bus entertainment schedule for residents as it operates as a café during the day and pub at night. Residents explain it provides an entertainment venue without have to go to the center of the city.

As the chareidi community grew, the calls were heard for the closure of the Shabbos entertainment venue. A closure order was issued after chareidi councilmen explained it was a violation of the Shabbos status quo. Operators closed this past week but promise to fight the order. The closure sparked small local protests.

City Hall explains the closure was due to operating a business without a license.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)