Religion And Zoning: A Home Or A Synagogue?

"At its simplest, this is a story about zoning laws and building permits. But Congregation Etz Chaim's three decades in Hancock Park are, in fact, a much more convoluted tale about a neighborhood aching from the pains of change... The homeowners say Etz Chaim's building, and another now under construction, aren't homes at all, but synagogues that threaten the pristine, residential identity of their neighborhood. The Orthodox Jews of Etz Chaim insist that they have equal claim to the neighborhood and a legal right to pray where they wish."

Thanks to Chris Steins