Days before the city was to close public schools to religious groups that have been holding services there, a federal judge issued a ruling on Thursday that reopened the schools for worship, caught city officials off guard, and could set the stage for years of legal battles.

The judge, Loretta A. Preska, issued a terse temporary order that provided no explanation but directed the city not to proceed with its plan to eject dozens of churches and religious organizations this weekend.

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