The place of Shabbat in Israeli public life has been debated since the very establishment of the State of Israel. There are those that advocate for Shabbat playing a role in Israeli life, even if it is not observed according to Jewish law. Read this opinion piece by Uri Heitner.

• What are his main points?
• What aspects of his argument do you agree with?
• What do you disagree with?
• Do you think that the municipality has the right to decide on special laws for Shabbat or Jewish holidays?
• Have you ever had difficulty sleeping because of street noise?
• Would you like your city to pass a similar law?
• Would you be willing to give up beeping in order to help keep the peace?

• Who published the sign?
• Who is it signed by?
• What, according to the sign, is now prohibited at night, on Shabbat, and on Jewish holidays?
• What does it state is the reason for this prohibition?
• What might happen due to the implementation of this new prohibition, and what does the poster advise the residents of Tel Aviv to do?​
• Why do you think the Tel Aviv municipality felt the need to publicize this new municipal law?
• Do you think it would have been easy for residents to follow this law?

Tel Aviv is largely known as a secular city.

• Why, despite this, do you think that the municipality prohibited beeping on Shabbat and Jewish holidays?
• Do you think that this law affected the atmosphere in Tel Aviv on these days? If so, how?
• In what ways is Shabbat in Israel different from the other days of the week?
• Do all Israelis observe Shabbat in the same way?

Compare the ways in which religious and secular Jews make Shabbat a special day.

• Think of another rule that would make your city more pleasant to live in.
      Write a sign announcing the new rule.
• Take photographs of signs that remind residents of rules that enhance the quality of life in your city. Display them online or on a poster.
• Interview people about their Shabbat experiences. Make an online presentation with their responses.