In response to numerous reports of abuse by so-called shaimos truck vendors who take money to bury religious books and articles but fail to do so, Senator Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn) will introduce legislation in the Senate imposing a civil penalty on shaimos truck operators who fail to properly bury the religious items. The bill will require those wishing to operate a shaimos truck to obtain a permit from the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, and to provide advanced proof of access to a proper burial ground. Civil penalties range from a minimum of $1,000 up to $5,000.
“It’s time to bring an end to this unspeakable chillul Hashem,” said Senator Felder. “Every year we hear tragic stories of shaimos truck operators who willfully betray the public’s trust and desecrate G-d’s name. People who do the right thing in adherence of the Jewish law should not become the unwitting victims of nefarious and selfish individuals who seek to profit from the public’s good will. This legislation is intended to distinguish between honest and deceitful brokers.”
The provisions of the bill will require prospective operators to provide their legal name, address, and photo ID in order to obtain the permit. Applicants will be required to pay an administrative fee of $50. Permits must be posted in a conspicuous manner on the truck, and operators will also be required to provide customers with a printed receipt containing their permit number, name, address, and the amount paid. The legislation will apply to cities of one million or more.
Felder plans to circulate for sponsors when legislative session resumes after Pesach on April 23.
(YWN Desk – NYC)
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8 Responses
It’s questionable if regulating a religious practice by secular American law will withstand Constitutional scrutiny in regards to the First Amendment.
If a government is involved, then the secular Jews who dominate the government get to posken halacha. He should respect the limits of the “state” (meaning the secular authority), and rely on Daas Torah to take care of the frum community.
Felder, I don’t think you need to involve the government it this area. It quite frankly scares me! Too much have the government stepped in in our “Ruchniyusdike” life already… Bloomberg, MBP…etc…
The idea of them “snooping” around in our business too much is asking for trouble. If you’re asking my opinion…
I think the perps should be sanctioned within the community. Period!
Why can’t our representatives work hand in hand?
I like Felder very much, I have spoken to him a few times, however this scares me, I concur with previous comments.
Mixing in the government in our garbage is very dangerous!!!
It’s the same as the kosher laws. We have a government to ensure that people are not deceived when making a purchases etc. Being that rabbonim have no enforcement power, we need the legislatures to step in.
Felder “Jumps On The Shaimos Bandwagon”. But when Council Member Greenfield will try to do something YWN will write “The Astute Politician Serves the People”. If you are writing news are editorials then don’t complain when others do the same.
IN THE meantime where can i find a reputable shaimos service? with a hashgochoh?