JERUSALEM, June 22 (Xinhua) -- A religious controversy erupted on Friday in Jerusalem, after a member of the Jewish religious movement Chabad was allegedly fined for his disputed activity.
The Chabad Hassid, a religious Jewish follower, received a ticket of 475 new shekels (131 U.S. dollars) for offering passers-by "Tefillin."
Tefillin is a set of small black leather boxes, containing scrolls of parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah (the first five books of the Bible). They are worn by observant adult Jews during weekday morning prayers.
The Hassid, who has been running the stall near the Jerusalem Central Bus Station for the past four years, received the ticket from a municipal inspector after he refused to shut down the stand as told.
"Chabad members generally accept the permits required by law to install facilities and stalls in the street," the municipality said.
"Unfortunately, despite our requests and advance warnings, the stall owner refused to obtain the legal permit, and even expanded the stand with a shed and signs without permission," it added.
However, following publications and protests on social networks, Nir Barkat, the mayor of Jerusalem, eventually ordered to cancel the ticket.
The municipality said it will be made clear to the stall operator that the fine will be canceled and he will be asked to continue his activity in accordance with law.
