With the sudden passing this weekend of Justice Antonin Scalia, the Supreme Court is now split 4-4 between liberals and conservatives, throwing into doubt how the court will rule on a raft of cases — including several watched by Jewish organizations.
Scalia, who was 79, is being mourned by Orthodox Jewish groups, which embraced his robust originalist doctrine, as well as Jewish church-state separation advocates, who railed at some of his decisions but admired his sharp wit and dedication to upholding the Constitution.
Jewish groups are also monitoring with concern the emerging political battle: President Barack Obama has pledged to nominate a replacement and Republican leaders in the Senate are vowing not to consider a replacement until a new president takes office next year.