Rabbis for Religious Freedom and Equality in Israel

A trans-denominational rabbinical network

Pamela Frydman

In defense of the right to care – by Rabbi Pam Frydman*

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I believe it is unfair to claim that Jews of the Diaspora have developed an obsession for the Kotel, the Western Wall, as Peter Joseph stated in his article in The Forward. Love of the Kotel has been a carefully cultivated interest and passion fostered by Jewish leaders for centuries in order to keep our people connected with the only remaining remnant of the structure that … [Read more...] about In defense of the right to care – by Rabbi Pam Frydman*

Ruach Hiddush is Born!!!

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Rabbis for Religious Freedom and Equality in Israel has changed its name to Ruach Hiddush which stands for: רבנים וחזנים למען חופש דת ושוויון Ruach Hiddush was founded as a rabbinic organization in 2015. Beginning this week, we are also accepting cantors. Ruach Hiddush is a project of HIDDUSH, a nonprofit based in Israel and the U.S. Our membership roster is available at … [Read more...] about Ruach Hiddush is Born!!!

What is Yours is Also Mine by Rabbi Pamela Frydman, RRFEI Chair

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Click HERE for the RRFEI bulletin: 'Reform and Conservative Movements write the Police Inspector General'   The government spent three years negotiating a Kotel compromise that includes building a dignified worship space at the Kotel (Western Wall) for mixed gender egalitarian prayer. Jerusalem’s Sephardi Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar appears to view the … [Read more...] about What is Yours is Also Mine by Rabbi Pamela Frydman, RRFEI Chair

Standing Up to Hate by Rabbi Pamela Frydman, RRFEI Chairwoman

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Sinat hinam, free flowing hatred between different branches of Judaism is not new, but it is once again virulent. As we watch the cauldron of intra-Jewish hatred boil over in the Israeli government and the Haredi and Orthodox Zionist establishments, many of us are at a loss for how to proceed toward Jewish unity. Perhaps it is time for the leaders of the major non-Orthodox … [Read more...] about Standing Up to Hate by Rabbi Pamela Frydman, RRFEI Chairwoman

Rabbi Pamela Frydman regarding the Kotel Compromise

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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