Non-Jewish Owners Close Crown Heights Laundry on Shabbat to Respect Hasidic Neighbors

A laundry business that operated for decades on the main shopping street of Crown Heights, known as the only store open on Shabbat on Kingston Avenue, is closing its doors on the Jewish Sabbath under new ownership. The new owners, a non-Jewish immigrant couple, decided to cease operations on Shabbat out of deep respect and appreciation for their Hasidic neighbors and their lifestyle. This change marks the completion of a historic goal for the neighborhood residents, achieving full Shabbat observance among all businesses along the famous shopping strip in the Hasidic community. The closure symbolizes a significant cultural shift in Crown Heights, aligning the commercial area with the religious practices of its majority population.