An Orthodox Jewish rabbi in Irvine, California, is challenging fines issued by the city for hosting private prayer and Torah study gatherings in his home. The First Liberty Institute, a religious liberty law firm, sent a demand letter to the city on June 12, calling for an immediate halt to the enforcement actions and the revocation of past citations.
Rabbi Rafi Dadon regularly hosts friends at his home for religious observances, including prayer, Torah study, and meals associated with Shabbat and holidays. His legal representatives assert that these gatherings are private, invitation-only events that are integral to his faith.
According to First Liberty attorney Ryan Gardner, the city began issuing fines in August 2025, and Rabbi Dadon has since accumulated approximately $5,000 in penalties. The law firm states that the city's justifications for the fines have shifted inconsistently over time. Initially, the city cited "Church activities" requiring a Conditional Use Permit under local zoning regulations. Subsequently, officials allegedly revised their reasoning, pointing to violations related to "Accessory Use" and "commercial activity," and suggesting the home was operating as a "place of worship."
"The City's shifting and inconsistent characterization of Rabbi Dadon's activities raises serious concerns that the enforcement action is pretextual and directed not at any neutrally applied land-use issue, but rather at protected religious exercise," the demand letter states. First Liberty Institute suggests these actions may violate the Free Exercise Clause, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), and the Fair Housing Act.
Gardner emphasized the constitutional right to religious exercise at home. "It is chilling that City of Irvine officials have resorted to serving fines to a small group of Jewish residents who meet together for worship, prayer, and religious observances," he said in a statement. "Rabbi Dadon has a constitutional right to engage in religious exercise at his home with family or friends, free from government burden and interference."
The case in Irvine draws parallels to a situation in Brooklyn Heights, Ohio, where an Orthodox Jewish man also faced fines and permit demands for hosting home prayer meetings. His attorneys have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case, arguing that his religious liberty rights were violated.
The city of Irvine had not immediately responded to requests for comment.