Chareidi parties in Knesset remain adamant in their opposition to an egalitarian prayer area near the Kosel, having stated more than once this is a deal-breaker that could topple the coalition.
A bill backed by Yahadut Hatorah, Shas and MKs from Bayit Yehudi and Likud seeks to grant exclusive authority to the Chief Rabbinate of Israel to codify regulations for the holy site to bring an end to those in the non-Orthodox camp who constantly challenge the long-standing religious status quo at the location.
The bill seeks to set firm regulations into place to government activities and behavior at the site as the state is going to mark the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the Kosel. Shas has initiated the bill, explaining there is no doubt the wording of the bill represents the majority of Israelis and the bill is intended to restore “the Kosel’s honor and dignity”. Actually, the bill began with the Chief Rabbis and then to Minister of Religious Affairs (Shas) David Azoulai and now in the form of a Knesset bill to the coalition.
The bill prohibits chilul Shabbos anywhere in the Kosel Plaza as well as prohibiting any kind of religious ceremony not approved by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel. The new regulations also address attire (lack of modesty), as well as prohibiting one from providing any religious services not approved by the Kosel Chief Rabbi. Delivering speeches and holding placards, signs, playing musical instruments or music or singing without the approval of the Chief Rabbi of the Kosel would be banned as well.
Men are prohibited from entering the ezras noshim and vis versa. Persons not complying with regulation face a fine up to NIS 10,000 and up to six months imprisonment.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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3 Responses
it’s about time to have these WOW(women-off-the-wall) NUTJOBS kicked out for good….send them packing to GAZA…let them try their crazyness over there…
“Delivering speeches and holding placards, signs, playing musical instruments or music or singing without the approval of the Chief Rabbi of the Kosel would be banned as well…”
So these rabbonim, who in reality are political appointees chosen for their affiliations and coalition support, will have exclusive authority over singing around the kosel?? If they don’t like your nusach, 6 months in jail?? I very much doubt this legislation has the support of the majority of Israelis.
@Gadolhadorah
Obviously not.
The Chief Rabbinate may hold government appointed positions, but that doesn’t lessen their ability to define what is acceptable behaviour at the Kosel.
I think you’ll find that the majority of Israelis, even thought they may not be personally observant, do appreciate and recognise what is authentic Judaism – orthodox Judaism, the Judaism of their ancestors.
I expect that many Israelis are every bit as outraged by the behaviour of the Reform and other pseudo-religious ‘enlightened’ Jews as are the more traditional orthodox Jews.