Orange County is facing a federal lawsuit from the Orlando Torah Center, which alleges religious discrimination after its application for synagogue expansion was denied.

The synagogue in Orlando said that denying the application to expand the county is infringing on its religious freedoms.

"This is not a matter of mere convenience. This is a matter of necessity," said Rabbi Menachem Kramer, highlighting the need for more space as the congregation has outgrown its current home.

The center wanted to expand its 1,600-square-foot home into a three-story worship and programming space, but Orange County denied the request following neighbor opposition.

"They were told four years ago when you get big, you've got to go someplace else," one neighbor said. "Zoning is zoning. It's black and white

See Full Page