Ynet reported today, albeit in not the most positive tone of voice, about a new gezeirah being disseminated throughout Charedi communities: strengthen the hands of those businesses which are Sabbath-observant.

Rabbis: Buy only from Shabbat observing firm

In ad published in ultra-Orthodox newspapers last week, haredi rabbis urge marketing chains, public to refrain from buying paper products manufactured by companies which work on Shabbat

A committee of rabbis called on ultra-Orthodox consumers to buy paper products such as toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, and tissues, only from the Shaniv Paper Industries company, which observes the Shabbat.

Shaniv turned out to be the only paper product manufacturer in Israel that fits the description, according to an ad published Friday in the haredi newspapers. Haredi rabbis published the ad, urging marketing chains and private consumers to purchase paper products exclusively from Shaniv.

The ad said that "the Shaniv factory keeps Shabbat, with all its machinery completely halted on Saturdays and holidays…"

This is not punishing secular businesses. On the contrary, this is haredi people putting our money where our mouths are. All of us who believe in the divinity of the Torah believe that G-d wants, especially in the land of Israel, that the Sabbath be kept, not only by Jews but also by Jewish companies and things under Jewish auspices. The Orthodox Jew believes that commandments observed in the Land add to the Land's spiritual character. This added spirituality adds to the Land's security and lifeblood and, in turn, allows for the keeping of more commandments.

Why would one not want to give a financial "pat on the back", a monetary "yasher koach", to those who trust in G-d enough to put their entire business on hold for Him?

I think encouraging Sabbath-observant businesses is a trend which more Orthodox people need to jump on. Throughout the Islamic world, shariah-compliant investments are touted. Why should an Orthodox person be wrong for wanting to put his or her money where their faith is?

Trading with ticker symbol SHAN on the TA Stock Exchange, Shaniv's stock price jumped up to 450 NIS following the gezeirah,after being in a 3-month slump.