Even before the historic Kotel agreement was reached, the Internet was flooded with information and opinions about the compromise. RRFEI has compiled and categorized many pieces on our website here: [link], in both Hebrew and English, recognizing that the Hebrew articles reflect the feelings of Israelis who have taken a stand on these issues, which may not have been reported … [Read more...] about Breaking down the arguments over the Kotel agreement by David Bogomolny, Hiddush & RRFEI staffer
Newsletter Article
Rabbi Pamela Frydman regarding the Kotel Compromise
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
RRFEI response to the Western Wall compromise agreement
The agreement is described in Hebrew here: [link], and in English here: [link] RRFEI gives great credit to the Reform movement and Conservative movements, and the Women of the Wall for making the painful sacrifice of giving up their demands of being allowed to hold egalitarian prayer services and women’s minyanim at the traditional Western Wall plaza. While a section of the … [Read more...] about RRFEI response to the Western Wall compromise agreement
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?