Temple Emanu-El ordered to reduce seats by half

After petitioning the Palm Beach Town Council for a zoning exemption allowing additional space for services, the 542-seat Temple Emanu-El has been informed that it is in violation of city codes and must reduce its number of seats by nearly half by August 10, the Palm Beach Daily News reported. The synagogue, which is located at 190 North County Road, is only allowed 245 permanent seats, but in the early 1990’s it doubled its size without first seeking permission and has also been operating an unapproved retail shop on the premises.  The issue first came to the Town Council’s attention after locals complained of increased traffic and other issues. The council served the congregation with a code violation on July 12. [Palm Beach Daily News] — Christopher Cameron