New York City gave $40,000 to an Orthodox Jewish nurse to settle a discrimination claim filed after a city hospital withdrew a job offer because she wouldn't work on the Sabbath.

Alisa Dolinsky, a 34-year-old New Jersey resident, accused Color-Goldwater Specialty Hospital & Nursing Facility on Roosevelt Island of discriminating against her because of her religious practices. Observant Jews don't work from sundown Friday until sundown Saturday.

The city denied any wrongdoing. But its Commission on Human Rights agreed last week to the settlement with Ms. Dolinsky, who never worked a day for the facility.

Evelyn Erskine, a spokeswoman for Mr. Bloomberg, said many agencies, including the police and fire departments, make religious accommodations for staff when possible. "Our city has a strong anti-discrimination policy and a strong independent Commission on Human Rights that works to ensure all New Yorkers are treated fairly," she said.