Groff v. DeJoy is rare Supreme Court decision every Jew can celebrate

By Michael A. Helfand

In one of its most anticipated cases of the year, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Groff v. DeJoy in June, significantly expanding the federal protections afforded religious employees in the workplace.

The decision itself was unanimous, reflecting a broad consensus that employers should be doing more than previously required when it comes to accommodating religious employees.

Jewish organizations from across the ideological spectrum — from Agudath Israel and the Orthodox Union to the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee to the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism — applauded the ruling as providing long-elusive workplace protections.

This new ruling will no longer allow employers to avoid providing accommodations simply because it comes at some minimal cost.

Employers will now have to prove such costs are substantial when considered in the broader context of their business.

When Gerald Groff took his job at the U.S. Postal Service, he was not required to work on Sundays. However, after the Postal Service subsequently entered an agreement to deliver packages for Amazon on Sundays, Groff was informed that he could no longer take off on his Sunday Sabbath, as was his custom, which ultimately led to his termination.

The crux of the case revolved around two words in Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: “undue hardship.” According to the text of Title VII, employers are