ReligionWestern WallJudaism

Jewish Federations Support Egalitarian Space At Western Wall

Jewish Federations Support Egalitarian Space At Western Wall
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Members of the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images)

By Michele Chabin
Religion News Service

JERUSALEM (RNS) The Jewish Federations of North America announced Monday (June 3) that its trustees had passed a resolution in favor of a nonsegregated place where men and women can pray and read from the Torah at the Western Wall, the Jewish holy site.

Worshippers at the Western Wall now have two options: separate men’s and women’s sections, both under the auspices of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, an Orthodox institution.

The egalitarian plan will allow the Western Wall to “become a spiritual center for all Jews and a symbol of unity for the entire Jewish community world-wide,” the federation statement said.

The plan is the result of months of negotiations between Jewish Agency Chairman Natan Sharansky and the heads of the non-Orthodox movements in the U.S. and Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked Sharansky to find a way to accommodate both Orthodox and non-Orthodox prayer at the wall, which operates as a de facto Orthodox synagogue.

In May, just days after a court ruled that the feminist prayer group Women of the Wall can legally pray at the wall wearing traditional prayer shawls, thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews tried to stop the activists, some by throwing rocks and spitting.

The Netanyahu government responded to escalating tensions by reaching out to North American Jews.

“By issuing this resolution, the Jewish Federations are giving voice to the strong desire across our community to resolve this critical issue and ensure that all Jews can experience the most spiritually powerful place in Judaism,” Jerry Silverman, JFNA’s president and CEO, said in the statement.

The plan still faces a long road to implementation. Recently, archaeologists said the place earmarked for the egalitarian section contains ancient artifacts that cannot be disturbed.

Our 2024 Coverage Needs You

As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.

Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.

to keep our news free for all.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Women Of The Wall Attacked
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(01 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Ultra-Orthodox protestors clash with Israeli police officers during a prayer service held by the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(02 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Ultra-Orthodox protestors clash with Israeli police officers during a prayer service held by the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(03 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Members of the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(04 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Israeli police officers attempt to block ultra-Orthodox protestors from members of the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' holding a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(05 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Ultra Orthodox Jewish girls pray before members of the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(06 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Members of the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(07 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Members of the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(08 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Members of the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(09 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: An ultra-Orthodox protestor clashes with an Israeli police officer during a prayer serviceheld by religious group 'Women Of The Wall' to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(10 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Members of the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(11 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Members of the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(12 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: A girl prays as Israeli police officers block ultra-Orthodox protestors from reaching the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' while they hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(13 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Members of the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(14 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Israeli police officers arrest an ultra-Orthodox protestor objecting to the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' while they hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(15 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Israeli police officers block ultra-Orthodox protestors from reaching the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' while they hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(16 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Members of the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
Clashes Erupt At Women of The Wall Prayer Service in Jerusalem(17 of22)
Open Image Modal
JERUSALEM, ISRAEL - MAY 10: Members of the religious group 'Women Of The Wall' hold a prayer service to mark the first day of the Jewish month of Sivan at the Western Wall on May 10, 2013 in Jerusalem, Israel. Thousands of ultra-Orthodox protestors clashed with Israeli police during the first monthly prayer service to be held by Women Of The Wall following the recent landmark ruling by Jerusalem District Court allowing women to wear prayer shawls at the Western Wall. (Photo by Uriel Sinai/Getty Images) (credit:Getty Images)
(18 of22)
Open Image Modal
Ultra-orthodox Jewish people gather during a protest against a prayer organized by the "Women of the Wall" organization, not pictured, at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem's old city, Friday, May 10, 2013. The "Women of the Wall" group has been holding monthly prayer services on the first day of the Hebrew month at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for more than two decades, wearing prayer shawls and performing religious rituals reserved for men under Orthodox Judaism. Accused by ultra-Orthodox leaders of violating "local custom" at the holy site, many members have been arrested. On Friday the tables were turned because of the court ruling. Police protected the women and arrested three ultra-Orthodox men for disorderly conduct, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) (credit:AP)
(19 of22)
Open Image Modal
A Jewish women from the "Women of the Wall" organization, leads a prayer, at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem's old city, Friday, May 10, 2013. The "Women of the Wall" group has been holding monthly prayer services on the first day of the Hebrew month at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for more than two decades, wearing prayer shawls and performing religious rituals reserved for men under Orthodox Judaism. Accused by ultra-Orthodox leaders of violating "local custom" at the holy site, many members have been arrested. On Friday the tables were turned because of the court ruling. Police protected the women and arrested three ultra-Orthodox men for disorderly conduct, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) (credit:AP)
(20 of22)
Open Image Modal
A Jewish orthodox women follows a prayer organized by the "Women of the Wall" organization, not pictured, at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem's old city, Friday, May 10, 2013. The "Women of the Wall" group has been holding monthly prayer services on the first day of the Hebrew month at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for more than two decades, wearing prayer shawls and performing religious rituals reserved for men under Orthodox Judaism. Accused by ultra-Orthodox leaders of violating "local custom" at the holy site, many members have been arrested. On Friday the tables were turned because of the court ruling. Police protected the women and arrested three ultra-Orthodox men for disorderly conduct, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) (credit:AP)
(21 of22)
Open Image Modal
Ultra-orthodox Jewish men scuffle with Israeli security forcers during a prayer organized by the "Women of the Wall" organization, not pictured, at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem's old city, Friday, May 10, 2013. The "Women of the Wall" group has been holding monthly prayer services on the first day of the Hebrew month at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for more than two decades, wearing prayer shawls and performing religious rituals reserved for men under Orthodox Judaism. Accused by ultra-Orthodox leaders of violating "local custom" at the holy site, many members have been arrested. On Friday the tables were turned because of the court ruling. Police protected the women and arrested three ultra-Orthodox men for disorderly conduct, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) (credit:AP)
(22 of22)
Open Image Modal
An Ultra-orthodox Jewish man scuffles with Israeli security forcers after a prayer organized by the "Women of the Wall" organization, not pictured, at the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray in Jerusalem's old city, Friday, May 10, 2013. The "Women of the Wall" group has been holding monthly prayer services on the first day of the Hebrew month at the Western Wall in Jerusalem for more than two decades, wearing prayer shawls and performing religious rituals reserved for men under Orthodox Judaism. Accused by ultra-Orthodox leaders of violating "local custom" at the holy site, many members have been arrested. On Friday the tables were turned because of the court ruling. Police protected the women and arrested three ultra-Orthodox men for disorderly conduct, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) (credit:AP)
Suggest a correction
|
Submit a tip