Western Wall
Tensions build around Jerusalem shrine after Syria rockets
By Ilan Ben Zion — April 10, 2023
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli warplanes and artillery struck targets in Syria following rare rocket fire from the northeastern neighbor, as Jewish-Muslim tensions reached a peak Sunday at a volatile Jerusalem shrine with simultaneous religious rituals.
Critics say Israeli judicial reform would end checks on Orthodox Jewish establishment
By Michele Chabin — February 16, 2023
(RNS) — Critics of proposed judicial reform fear that it would allow the so-called religious parties that make up a crucial swing vote in Israel’s Knesset, or parliament, to impose fervently religious norms on the country’s non-Orthodox majority.
Birthright Israel brings Jews in recovery to Israel
By Michele Chabin — August 8, 2022
JERUSALEM (RNS) — 'Recovery is all about change and healing,' said one person in recovery who took a tour of Israel that allows Jews in recovery to explore their Jewish heritage and faith. 'I feel like a changed man because of this trip.'
Why we still need Tisha B’Av
By Jeffrey Salkin — August 5, 2022
(RNS) — What would happen if America could name its national sins?
The saddest bar mitzvah in history
By Jeffrey Salkin — July 21, 2022
What happened recently at the Western Wall is an outrage. Orthodox leaders must speak out. Loudly.
US Jewish movements ‘outraged’ by Israeli PM’s decision to quash Western Wall deal
By Yonat Shimron — January 31, 2022
(RNS) — The prime minister said members of his right-wing Yamina Party opposed the plan, which would expand the current mixed-gender section of the Western Wall and create a joint management committee with leaders of the Conservative and Reform movements.
Future of prayer site in doubt under Israel’s fragile government
By Tia Goldenberg — January 4, 2022
JERUSALEM (AP) — A plan for an egalitarian prayer site at Jerusalem's Western Wall has been stymied as new government struggles with internal divisions.
As Jews pray on Temple Mount, status quo in Jerusalem’s holiest site begins to shift
By Eetta Prince-Gibson — December 15, 2021
(RNS) — A group that advocates for Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount reported that more than 10,000 Jewish worshippers had visited it between September and November in violation of an agreement between Israel and Jordan — an increase of 80% compared with recent years.
Holocaust survivors mark Hanukkah at Jerusalem Western Wall
By Associated Press — November 30, 2021
The candle-lighting was organized by the Jewish Claims Conference at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, the holiest place where Jews can pray.
Israeli police protect women’s prayer group from ultra-Orthodox protesters
By Michele Chabin — November 5, 2021
JERUSALEM (RNS) — Until now, Israeli security forces have done the bare minimum to enforce crowd control during the controversial prayer group’s once-a-month services in the women’s section of the Western Wall.
‘Anti-feminist’ vandals in Israel deface images of women
By Laurie Kellman — October 1, 2021
JERUSALEM (AP) — The joyful glint in Peggy Parnass’ eyes is so sharp it can be seen from the walls of Jerusalem’s bustling Old City. Posted across the street at the gateway to City Hall, twin images of the Holocaust survivor and activist gaze out at the ancient warren of holy monuments of Christianity, Judaism […]
Politics foil replacing hazardous bridge to Jerusalem site
By Ilan Ben Zion — July 22, 2021
JERUSALEM (AP) — The tenuous state of the Mughrabi Bridge has raised fears of another disaster after a stampede at a religious festival left 45 people dead.
Israel criticized for silencing call to prayer from Al-Aqsa Mosque
By Daoud Kuttab — April 16, 2021
AMMAN, Jordan (RNS) — The move reportedly came after the agency that oversees Jerusalem’s holy sites refused to voluntarily turn off loudspeakers for a ceremony at the Western Wall.
Five faith facts about former President Barack Obama’s new book: ‘A Promised Land’
By Adelle M. Banks — November 18, 2020
(RNS) — Obama mentions his ‘broader skepticism toward organized religion’ but says he often turned to private prayer.
She reclaimed her faith as a woman. Now she’s teaching others to reclaim theirs.
By Yonat Shimron — November 7, 2019
DURHAM, N.C. (RNS) — A harrowing journey toward gender transition led Yiscah Smith to find God's dwelling within. Now she teaches others to do the same.
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