A Collin County judge has ruled against a North Texas homeowners association that was trying to prevent an Orthodox Jewish congregation from using the residential area as a place of worship. Judge Jill Willis’ ruling comes just days before the Jewish holiday of Passover.  The Highlands of McKamy homeowners association in Dallas filed an injunction on April 7 asking the court to halt religious services in the neighborhood, citing breach of use. The Congregation Toras Chaim says it has been meeting at homes in the neighborhood for about three years without incident. A neighbor’s lawsuit against the congregation is still pending.

The Orthodox Jewish organization consists of about 30 North Dallas families; its rabbi lives in the Highlands of McKamy. As Orthodox Jews are not permitted to drive on the Sabbath, members must live in walking distance of a synagogue. According to Congregation Toras Chaim, at most three cars are parked in front of the rabbi’s home for services. Read more: