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Articles by Michael A. Helfand
A Rabbinic Court Case Presses the Limits of Religious Freedom
Editors’ Pick October 23, 2026 Why the Supreme Court was asked to intervene. When observant Jews have a civil dispute, they are required by halakhah to take it to a rabbinic court or beit din. The American legal system generally upholds the decisions of these courts as it would any binding arbitration. But sometimes things go wrong and state and federal courts are asked to step in.
The Oklahoma Case That Could Pave the Way for Free Jewish Education
Editors’ Pick October 19, 2026 A setback for Ben Gamla, but not for the cause. Let us now turn from international to American law, where developments are afoot that could have a major effect on Jewish education. Last week, Oklahoma’s Statewide Charter School Board decided, by one vote, against approving a Jewish charter school called Ben Gamla. Had it voted differently, Ben Gamla would have become the country’s first religious charter school.
The Supreme Court considers ‘chutzpah’ case as rabbinical and civil courts collide
The U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., shown on July 30, 2024. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images By Michael A. Helfand and Chaim SaimanOctober 18, 2026 Can courts instruct a rabbinical court to withdraw accusations of chutzpah? This unlikely question was posed to the U.S. Supreme Court this month when a nursing home dispute offered a rare window into how American courts and rabbinical courts operate in parallel.
Two High-Stakes Church-State Cases for the Jewish Community
A proposed Jewish charter school — Ben Gamla — fell one vote short of approval in Oklahoma on Monday, garnering only four of the five votes needed from the Statewide Charter School Board.
The Department of Justice Strengthens Religious Freedom
On August 25, the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) issued a landmark opinion: it directs federal agencies to stop enforcing rules that require faith-based providers to refrain from engaging in religious conduct as a condition of participating in federal programs. The order is great news for countless religious charities, social service agencies, and schools. The Supreme Court has made it clear that such rules are unconstitutional.
The Case of the Home Minyan Goes to the Supreme Court
Editors’ Pick July 28, 2026 Religious freedom vs. the legal-bureaucratic runaround. Last month, the Supreme Court announced that it will hear the case of Daniel Grand, an Orthodox Jew who in January 2021 decided to start holding prayer services in his home in a Cleveland suburb. He then received a phone call from the mayor, who informed him that he would have to get a special permit in accordance with zoning laws. Since then, he has been held up in a legal-bureaucratic catch-22. Michael A.
Hosting a prayer at your house? You might have to ‘cease and desist.’
Hosting a prayer at your house? You might have to ‘cease and desist.’ (washingtonpost.com) Hosting a prayer at your house? You might have to ‘cease and desist.’ By Michael A. Helfand 2026072211010200 The Supreme Court agreed last month to hear a case that asks a remarkable question: Can the government require a homeowner to obtain a permit before inviting friends to his house for prayer? Grand v.
These States Are Leading The Way To Restore Religious Freedom
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These States Are Leading on Restoring Religious Freedom
Over the past decade, the Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that the First Amendment prohibits excluding religious institutions from public benefit programs. Yet some states have resisted this clear constitutional mandate. The Court has agreed to hear yet another case involving rules that allegedly discriminate against religious schools seeking to participate in Colorado’s universal pre-K program.
Why the Ten Commandments Don’t Belong in Public Schools
We’ve overcorrected on church-state separation. A copy of the Ten Commandments is displayed in a classroom at Bagdad Elementary School in Leander on November 19, 2025. (Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images) A copy of the Ten Commandments is displayed in a classroom at Bagdad Elementary School in Leander on November 19, 2025. (Jay Janner/The Austin American-Statesman via Getty Images) Turn any article into a podcast. Upgrade now to start listening.
The Supreme Court’s Next Church–State Battleground
In a Colorado case, the justices will confront the limits of funding rules under the First Amendment. / Politics and Law, Education, The Social Order / Eye on the News / Politics and Law, Education, The Social Order Religious schools are back at the Supreme Court, in the next blockbuster church–state case. After a decade of decisions barring governments from excluding religious institutions from public-funding programs, St. Mary Catholic Parish v.
No, a Jewish Charter School Isn’t a Front for Shadowy Christian Nationalists
Editors’ Pick May 8, 2026 Jews have every right to fight for their religious freedom. Yesterday’s newsletter addressed the Supreme Court’s evolving attitude toward state funding of religious schools. One variant of this question concerns charter schools, which are neither fully public nor fully private institutions. Last month, following other similar disputes regarding Christian charter schools in the state, a Jewish one filed suit after being denied its application for charter-school status.
The Fight for a Jewish Charter School Isn’t a Christian Nationalist Plot
The fight for religious charter schools is back in court — and this time with a new protagonist: Jews. Late last month, the Ben Gamla Charter School filed suit in Oklahoma after the state charter school board denied its application solely because the proposed school is religious.
Illinoislawyers.com Celebrates 25 Years in Business
In 25 years, Illinoislawyers.com has helped over half a million people, for free. Our legal guidance and lawyer referral service is unmatched. CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, April 2, 2026 / EINPresswire.com/ -- People are using AI tools like ChatGPT for answers to all sorts of things. Some people are smart and use it like a search engine. They take the AI results with a grain of salt and as one source of information. Others treat AI like it is an expert and knows everything about everything.
Tribute to Rabbi Moshe Hauer zt"l
I remember exactly when I first heard from Rabbi Moshe Hauer. It was a Saturday night in early December 2021. “We have not met,” the email began, but he “wanted to express appreciation” for a legal brief I had written on behalf of the Orthodox Union (OU). The note was brief and characteristically gracious — and it was the first of many we would exchange in the years that followed.
A Judge Just Upheld Religious Liberty in New York
For years, states and school districts have discriminated against religious families who turn to faith-based schools to meet their children’s special education needs. The Supreme Court has made abundantly clear that the First Amendment prohibits the government from discriminating against religious believers, institutions, or conduct when it creates programs that enlist private organizations to advance public goals.
The Abortion-Clinic Law Protecting Synagogues
Last week, the Department of Justice filed a civil rights lawsuit against a group of protesters who surrounded a New Jersey synagogue during an anti-Israel demonstration, accusing them of using force and obstruction to prevent Jewish worshippers from entering. The complaint — the first of its kind filed by the Department of Justice — describes protesters pushing past police barricades, entering synagogue property, and creating a scene so chaotic that congregants fled indoors for safety.
Oscar Wilde's Oxford Notebooks: A Portrait of Mind in the Making
The Front Matter begins with A List of Scholarship on Sources and Corrections that directs readers to scholarly books and articles, published after the first printing of this book, containing additional sources for notebook passages and a few corrections of our misattributions of sources. Next, the Preface briefly describes the edited and annotated notebook texts and outlines in more detail the argument of our critical three-part critical monograph.
Suing Your Doctor Or Lawyer In Illinois After Consensual Sex
We have helped hundreds of people who have been the victims of sexual abuse in Illinois. Most of those people have been forcibly raped or assaulted in some way. Whatever acts occurred were not consensual in any way. It’s also possible to have a sexual abuse lawsuit when the sex is consensual. In fact, we have helped people sue a lot of Illinois doctors and lawyers who were sleeping with their patients or clients. but not raping them.
Stroke Lawsuit Attorneys In Illinois
We are experienced Illinois lawyers. Contact us at 312-346-5320 for a free consultation about medical malpractice lawsuits. When you’re having a medical emergency, every second counts. Having a delay in care can lead to serious or life-changing consequences. One of the scariest situations is when a doctor or hospital doesn’t recognize the signs of a stroke.
Exposing the Hidden Web of Religious Discrimination in Government Funding
Despite clear Supreme Court rulings, religious discrimination continues to infect government funding across the country. Hundreds of laws and regulations—at the local, state, and federal levels—shut out religious individuals and institutions from public programs ranging from health care and education to the arts.
Have You Been To A Telsa Takedown Protest?
If so, we’d like to speak to you for free and in confidence at 312-346-5320. A lawyer we know is interested in bringing a class action against Elon Musk for his response to the protests. Attendees in Chicago are preferred, but could be from anywhere. Please reach out if you were there. Thanks!
Illinois Work Comp And Lost Wages
A reader of our blog asked us the following: I was hurt on the job and have a back injury. I’ve been off work for three weeks now. When do I start getting paid work comp benefits. I have bills! This is a really common situation. The answer is that you should get paid within the first two weeks of missed time. Under Illinois workers’ compensation law, benefits start on the 4th calendar day of missed work. Once you miss 14 calendar days, you get those first three days back too.
The Supreme Court is taking on 3 cases that could help reshape American Jewish life
After a year of relative quiet, the Supreme Court has jumped back into the church-state wars with a vengeance: Three blockbuster cases to be heard in coming weeks could significantly impact the relationship between church and state generally, with particular consequences for American Jews. What's at stake: When can Jewish families opt out of public school curricula? What kind of Jewish schools ought to be eligible for government funding?
Since 2001, we have helped hundreds of people who are victims of sexual abuse in Illinois. For a free, confidential consultation with an attorney, call us at 312-346-5320. We cover all of Illinois. We have been proud to help so many victims of sexual abuse and assault get justice by suing their attacker. There are a lot of misconceptions about this area of law. Here are ten things you should know. Victims have two options.
Are Charter Schools Public Schools? The Question That Has Divided Educators Now Has Religious Implications.
By Michael A. Helfand Last month, the Supreme Court agreed to weigh in on the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School — what would be the country’s first religious charter school. The case has all the hallmarks of a blockbuster church-state case, addressing the constitutionality of publicly funded religious education and potentially opening the door to tuition-free Jewish day schools.
Are Charter Schools Public Schools? The Question That Has Divided Educators Now Has Religious Implications.
By Michael A. Helfand Last month, the Supreme Court agreed to weigh in on the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School — what would be the country’s first religious charter school. The case has all the hallmarks of a blockbuster church-state case, addressing the constitutionality of publicly funded religious education and potentially opening the door to tuition-free Jewish day schools.
Word Prompt - BEIS DIN - Michael Helfand
Parshat Mishpatim is beis din week. It is the parsha that provides the source for the prohibition against resolving disputes in secular courts. Given the halachic dimension of this obligation, it is far from surprising that beis din is typically viewed as a legal institution. That is, most people think of beis din as the place where legal rules are applied and legal disputes are resolved. This, of course, is true.
Are charter schools public schools? A question that divided educators now has religious implication
This question has divided educators for decades, ever since charter schools were developed as a strategy to improve public education. Last month, the Supreme Court agreed to weigh in on the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School — what would be the country’s first religious charter school.
Are charter schools public schools? The question that has divided educators now has religious implications.
Last month, the Supreme Court agreed to weigh in on the constitutionality of Oklahoma’s St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School — what would be the country’s first religious charter school. The case has all the hallmarks of a blockbuster church-state case, addressing the constitutionality of publicly funded religious education and potentially opening the door to tuition-free Jewish day schools.
Are charter schools public schools? The question that has divided educators now has religious implications.
( JTA) - Last month, the Supreme Court agreed to weigh in on the constitutionality of Oklahoma's St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School - what would be the country's first religious charter school. The case has all the hallmarks of a blockbuster church-state case, addressing the constitutionality of publicly funded religious education and potentially opening the door to tuition-free Jewish day schools.
Government cannot discriminate against faith-based special needs schools Original
For years, the Supreme Court has ruled that government funding programs cannot discriminate against religion, yet states continue to operate programs that do just that . The Ninth Circuit—a court often considered the most liberal among its federal appellate counterparts— recently said enough is enough, declaring a California law that disqualified religious institutions from becoming state-certified special needs schools unconstitutional.
Government cannot discriminate against faith-based special needs schools
After the Amsterdam riots, chants against Jews must be evaluated as potential incitement to violence
Can Government Fund Religious Education?
Can government fund religious education? This ageless question is back in the news with the Oklahoma Supreme Court’s recent decision invalidating what would have been the country’s first religious charter school—St. Isidore of Seville Catholic Virtual School. For the casual observer, the decision might not be surprising. For more than half a century, the courts invariably rejected attempts to fund religious education.
NYSED's Legal Battle With Orthodox Jewish Schools
Late in June, in a 4–1 decision, a New York appellate court tried its hand at resolving the near-decade-long battle between the New York State Education Department (NYSED) and various Orthodox Jewish schools over the government’s authority to regulate the content and quality of nonpublic school education.
Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law tests the future of church-state separation
JTA — “I can’t wait to be sued,” Louisiana’s governor, Jeff Landry, said last week just before signing a law requiring all public schools in the state to “display the Ten Commandments in each classroom” no later than January 1, 2025. He didn’t have to wait long: On Monday, the ACLU did just that — filed suit on behalf of a wide range of plaintiffs, including several Jewish families, arguing that the new law violated the First Amendment. The Supreme Court has, in the past, struck down similar laws.
The battle over Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is over the future of church-state separation
“I can’t wait to be sued,” Louisiana’s governor, Jeff Landry, said last week just before signing a law requiring all public schools in the state to “display the Ten Commandments in each classroom” no later than Jan. 1, 2025. He didn’t have to wait long: On Monday, the ACLU did just that — filed suit on behalf of a wide range of plaintiffs, including several Jewish families, arguing that the new law violated the First Amendment. The Supreme Court has, in the past, struck down similar laws.
Word Prompt - SANHEDRIN - Michael Helfand
The Sanhedrin serves as the quintessential institution of Jewish legal autonomy – the idea that the Jewish people would be subject to Jewish law as interpreted by Jewish authorities. In this way, the Sanhedrin represents a core feature of Jewish sovereignty; and the lack of a Sanhedrin is a reminder that the Jewish people’s full redemption from exile still remains ever elusive.
California’s anti-Jewish education law needs to be thrown out
A group of Los Angeles Jewish parents, children and two schools were in court this week challenging a California law that explicitly bans religious schools from becoming state-certified special needs schools, all the while allowing other private schools the ability to apply for the same state-certification.
Anesthesia Malpractice Lawsuits In Illinois
We have a track record of helping people win Illinois medical malpractice lawsuits. Call us at 312-346-5320 for a free consultation with an attorney. Anesthesia is combination of drugs administered by a doctor or nurse that makes medical procedures and surgery easier and more comfortable for patients as well as the medical professionals conducting the procedures. There are three types of anesthesia. Local anesthesia numbs only a small part of your body for a short period of time.
Illinois Workers Comp - Where's The IME Report
We are Illinois attorneys who will help you find the best lawyer for your case. Call us at 312-346-5320 for help anywhere in Illinois. We have helped tens of thousands of injured workers since 2001. When you are injured on the job in Illinois, you generally speaking have the right to choose your own doctor. And the insurance company has to pay for 100% of that care.
A Tennessee court ruled that Jews have a religious liberty right to abortion. Here's why that matters.
( JTA) - Since the Supreme Court's 2022 decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the right to abortion is no longer protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. But that seismic constitutional change has triggered a new legal debate: In the absence of federal constitutional protection, does state law provide Jews with a religious liberty right to abortion?
A Tennessee court ruled that Jews have a religious liberty right to abortion. Here’s why that matters.
Here's what Indiana's Republican gubernatorial candidates have to say about cannabis Indiana is an island when it comes to legal cannabis — all of its bordering states have taken steps to legalize the drug in some way, whether for …
An Indiana court ruled that Jews have a religious liberty right to abortion. Here’s why it matters.
The ruling presents a persuasive case for other state courts to follow, potentially opening the door for Jews — and others with similar religious commitments — to secure abortions. Since the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the right to abortion is no longer protected by the Fourteenth Amendment.
A Tennessee court ruled that Jews have a religious liberty right to abortion. Here’s why that matters.
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25 Things To Know About Illinois Divorce Law
Someone I care greatly about is a week away from their 25th anniversary. While they are lucky to have a great marriage, the reality is that around 50% of marriages do end in divorce. Here are 25 things you should know about Illinois divorce law. While there is technically a waiting period to get divorced, if you both want it to happen, it will happen. And if one of you doesn’t want it, the waiting period will be over by the time the case is ready for trial. Divorce is filed in the county you live in.
The 7 Essential Features of Anti-Judaism
Over the last three months, I facilitated an 18Forty Book Journey with a community of extraordinary people to discuss the subject of antisemitism (we used the term “anti-Judaism” since “antisemitism” has modern valances).
Top Ten Legal Issues At Wrigley Field
Baseball is back! Hope spring eternal and Cubs fans can dream of winning our first World Series since 2016. And White Sox fans can dream of not losing 100 games. When I was in law school, a professor pointed out to us how everything around us could potentially be a legal issue. It’s really changed the way I think. With that in mind and in celebration of the new season, here are the top ten legal issues that will happen at and around Wrigley Field this year.
The Difference Between A Lawyer and An Attorney And Other Questions
We get so many great questions from people who don’t necessarily need a lawyer of just want to find out if they have a case. Here are some good ones we’ve received recently. If you have any Illinois legal questions, you can call us any time for free at 312-346-5320. What is an alias summons? Any time there is a lawsuit, a defendant has to be served with a copy before the case can proceed.
Fetal Distress Malpractice Lawsuits In Illinois
We are experienced Chicago malpractice attorneys with over 25 years of experience helping people who have birth injury claims. Call us any time at 312-346-5320 to speak with attorney for free and in confidence. Fetal Distress In simple terms, fetal distress is a sign that your baby is not well or having problems. Fetal distress occurs when the baby is not getting enough oxygen. Fetal distress can sometimes happen during pregnancy, but it is more common during labor.
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