The government's description of the Kotel compromise is described in Hebrew here: [link], and in English here: [link] The Kotel compromise is like manna. (Exodus 16:4) The sages say that manna tasted like whatever the Israelites felt like eating, but Rashi quotes Midrash Sifri to explain that manna could not taste like cucumber, melon, leek, garlic or onion, because those … [Read more...] about Rabbi Pamela Frydman regarding the Kotel Compromise
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A response to Kotel agreement skeptics by Rabbi Stanley Davids, RRFEI Executive Committee
This agreement IS a compromise. The Rabbanut has won full legal control over what the world normally considers to be the Western Wall and its plaza. In return, liberal forces have gained a promise and guarantee (for whatever that is worth) that within two years a large space next to that other side of the Western Wall will be fully open for pluralistic services with no control … [Read more...] about A response to Kotel agreement skeptics by Rabbi Stanley Davids, RRFEI Executive Committee
The Kotel compromise agreement – an historic moment?
Is this an historic moment? Only time will tell. I have often wished for the gift of prophecy, alas, it has never been granted. We come to this crossroad in history: the expansion of the praying area of the Kotel and a sort of recognition of liberal Judaism, specifically the Reform and Conservative movements, in the eyes of the current Israeli government. Some would say for … [Read more...] about The Kotel compromise agreement – an historic moment?
Is “V’ahavta l’reyecha komocha” really only about our relations with Jews?
After the tragedy in France, a local woman said to me, "I know the right thing to do, I just don't want to do it." She didn't want to allow Muslims into the U.S. She knew it was wrong. She knew we have for decades protested that had Jews been allowed into the U.S. before WW II hundreds of thousands of lives may have been saved, with millions of Jewish descendants. Now others … [Read more...] about Is “V’ahavta l’reyecha komocha” really only about our relations with Jews?
A resource: Lenient Halakhic rulings on conversion
Many in Israel are working toward a return to halakhah as intended by our tradition, and not as a political gambit to secure power in the Jewish State. We have heard in past weeks from Rabbi Aaron Leibowitz, who is working for a rational and traditional standard of kashrut that does not coerce Israelis into paying exorbitant fees or discriminating against other religions: a … [Read more...] about A resource: Lenient Halakhic rulings on conversion