Pacific Justice Institute Files Amicus Brief Supporting Orthodox Jewish Man’s Right to In-Home Worship

Pacific Justice Institute Files Amicus Brief Supporting Orthodox Jewish Man's Right to In-Home Worship

Case before U.S. Supreme Court highlights government restrictions on in-home worship and religious liberty protections

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio - The Free Exercise of Religion has stood as a cornerstone of American liberty for more than 200 years. That foundational principle is now at the center of a case involving an Orthodox Jewish man's right to host prayer gatherings in his own home.

Daniel Grand, an Orthodox Jew, believes deeply in the importance of prayer, fellowship, and opening his home to others within his faith community. His commitment to these sincerely held religious beliefs has led him to pursue justice all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

In January 2021, Mr. Grand invited twelve individuals to his home for prayer and fellowship. Shortly thereafter, the mayor of the City of University Heights issued a cease-and-desist order, claiming the gathering would violate University Heights Codified Ordinance Chapter 1274 ("UHCO 1274"). At the same time, local residents expressed opposition through letters and emails, some of which included antisemitic sentiments.

Despite Mr. Grand's efforts to clarify that the gatherings would occur only during Sabbath hours and Jewish holidays, city officials required him to obtain a Special Use Permit (SUP), pay a fee, wait several weeks, and participate in an adversarial quasi-judicial hearing. He was not formally permitted to present evidence or be heard in support of his request. As a result, prayer gatherings in his home were effectively prohibited.

Mr. Grand filed suit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, asserting violations of the First Amendment, the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, and the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), among other claims. The district court dismissed the case, concluding that the claims were not ripe for judicial review.

In March 2025, Mr. Grand appealed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, arguing that the district court erred in dismissing his claims. The Sixth Circuit affirmed the lower court's decision. Undeterred, Mr. Grand filed a petition for certiorari with the United States Supreme Court on February 11, 2026.

Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), a national nonprofit legal organization dedicated to defending religious freedom, has submitted an amicus brief in support of Mr. Grand's petition.

"Religious freedom includes the right to gather for worship-even in one's own home," said Brad Dacus, President of PJI. "When government officials impose burdensome requirements that effectively prohibit such gatherings, it threatens the liberty of all faith communities, both majority and minority alike."

Mr. Grand expressed his appreciation for PJI's support, stating:

"I just wanted to say I saw and subsequently read your amazing amicus brief. I was not only touched, not only learned a bunch about the intricacies of RLUIPA, not only was fascinated, but also, I believe the Supreme Court will be moved by this wonderful craftsmanship. Thank you so so so much for your support and cooperation on this matter…"

Pacific Justice Institute affirms its ongoing commitment to defending the First Amendment and protecting the free exercise of religion for all Americans. The organization will continue to support cases like Mr. Grand's and keep them in prayer.

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