January 31, 2016
Dear Friends,
Today, the Israeli Cabinet approved a historic plan to create a permanent space for egalitarian prayer at the Kotel.
As you know, Jewish Federations, along with the Conservative and Reform movements and many others, including Women of the Wall, Jewish Agency for Israel Chairman of the Executive Natan Sharansky and Israeli Cabinet Secretary Avichai Mandelblit, have been deeply involved in this effort for years, as we have long called for one Wall for one people.
There is still more to do. But with today’s vote, the Israeli government sent a powerful message to Israel and to Jews around the world acknowledging the value of Jewish pluralism.
Above, you will find a short video explaining what we were able to accomplish when we worked together. Below, you will find the media statement we are issuing alongside the Conservative and Reform movements.
Sincerely,
Jerry Silverman
President & CEO
The Jewish Federations of North America
MEDIA STATEMENT: Jews Across North America Cheer Historic Decision by Israeli Government to Create Permanent Egalitarian Prayer Space at Western Wall
We applaud Israel’s historic decision to create a permanent egalitarian prayer space at the Western Wall. The Cabinet’s approval Sunday of the new space is a dramatic, unprecedented and critical acknowledgement by the State of Israel that Judaism’s holiest site — the Kotel — should incorporate the traditions of the Masorti (Conservative) and Reform streams, in which men and women pray together.
The new prayer space will be jointly governed by a new body that will include Women of the Wall and the Masorti and Reform movements and will be led by the Chair of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel.
The decision sends a powerful message to Israelis and Jews across the Diaspora about the permanent value of Jewish pluralism and about what we can do when we work together. Though much work regarding the implementation of this decision still remains, it is because of our perseverance and commitment to Jewish peoplehood that we are measurably closer today to the ultimate symbol of that reality — one Wall for one people.
We are grateful to Women of the Wall and Anat Hoffman, who spent 27 years working toward this moment in our collective history. Without their efforts this historic achievement would not have been realized. The role of Jewish Agency Chairman of the Executive Natan Sharansky also cannot be overstated. We thank Israeli Cabinet Secretary Avichai Mandelblit and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Jerry Silverman, President & CEO, The Jewish Federations of North America
Rabbi Steven C. Wernick, CEO, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President, Union for Reform Judaism
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