Western Wall
Orthodox Jews attempt to reclaim part of Western Wall where other Jews pray
By Yonat Shimron — January 3, 2017
JERUSALEM (RNS) The Israeli Cabinet voted last year to turn Robinson’s Arch into a government-funded space for more liberal streams of Judaism, but Orthodox Jews are resisting the measure.
Reform and Conservative Jews try a new tactic in battle for Israeli religious pluralism
By Yonat Shimron — November 22, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) Many believe the time for quiet diplomacy has passed.
Donald Trump writes a prayer for Western Wall crevices
By Yonat Shimron — October 31, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) Trump’s team photographed and sent a copy of the letter to Ynet News and Yedioth Ahronoth, Israeli sister publications.
Is ‘Pokemon Go’ good for the Jews?
By Lauren Markoe — July 18, 2016
(RNS) The "Pokemon Go" craze can teach us about God, if we know where to look for it.
Liberal rabbis stake out their ground at Western Wall
By Lauren Markoe — July 11, 2016
(RNS) In a letter to the prime minister, liberal Jewish leaders have signaled their frustration that the Western Wall deal has been swept aside.
Ultra-Orthodox Jews scuffle with worshippers at Western Wall
By Michele Chabin — June 16, 2016
(RNS) A dozen police officers stood by but did not intervene as the ultra-Orthodox men tried to drown out the Reform and Conservative service.
US Jewish groups warn of ‘rupture’ if Western Wall deal collapses
By Michele Chabin — June 2, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) “There is a deep concern, bordering on disbelief, that this deal may not be implemented,” said Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism.
Behind the scenes of the Western Wall deal: A negotiator’s view
By Lauren Markoe — February 9, 2016
(RNS) Progressive Jews didn't get all they wanted in the deal, but they still have reason to celebrate, says the rabbi who heads the synagogue arm of Conservative Judaism.
Why we will not negotiate our rights to pray at the Western Wall (COMMENTARY)
By Vanessa L. Ochs — February 5, 2016
(RNS) While some proclaim a deal to provide women an alternative prayer space near the Western Wall as a step toward religious and gender diversity in Israel, an American Jewish feminist says it's an act of betrayal.
Western Wall deal hailed by US Jewish groups
By Michele Chabin — February 1, 2016
JERUSALEM (RNS) Many Jews contested the status quo, in which prayer at the Wall followed only the strictest interpretation of Jewish law.
Israel approves mixed-gender Jewish prayer site at Western Wall
By Reuters — January 31, 2016
JERUSALEM — An Israeli official said the new plaza will take at least a year to complete. Unlike the Western Wall, it will not have a state-employed rabbi, but will be run by a committee.
Let women light Hanukkah candles at Western Wall, Israeli official says
By Michele Chabin — December 2, 2015
JERUSALEM (RNS) "Preventing the participation of women in state ceremonies, such as the ceremony in our case, just because they are women, is unacceptable discrimination,” Israel's deputy attorney general said.
End ban on women reading Torah at Western Wall, group petitions
By Michele Chabin — November 30, 2015
JERUSALEM (RNS) An Israeli women’s rights organization says the administrator of the Western Wall lacks the legal authority to withhold Torah scrolls from any Jewish worshipper.
Sarah Silverman attends Western Wall Hanukkah menorah lighting in support of women’s rights
By Michele Chabin — December 18, 2014
JERUSALEM (RNS) For decades, the site’s sole menorah has been lit on the men’s side of the wall, a fact that has angered Israeli and American women’s rights activists.
Jewish girls want to read from the Torah at the Western Wall, new bus ads proclaim
By Michele Chabin — October 13, 2014
JERUSALEM (RNS) Bar mitzvah boys are encouraged to read from the Torah at the Western Wall, but the state-supported Western Wall Heritage Foundation, which is run by Israel’s Orthodox establishment, prohibits girls and women from doing so.
