Former Knesset member Rabbi Dov Lipman debates Rabbi Dov Halbertal, a representative of the Chief Rabbinate, on the Kosel and related matters.
This is yet another response to the cabinet decision to freeze the status of the Kosel, to prevent the establishment of an egalitarian prayer area near the Kosel.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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2 Responses
afra l’pumei!!!!!
Why don’t we just have a referendum as in Brexit which would be the most legitimate demonstration of national will that few will be able to argue with. I hope the rav is correct and most Israelis reject giving even symbolic legitimacy to deformed Judaism that never believed in kotel sanctity. Surveys have been purposely misleading. Lipman may be right from a strategic point of view since censorship often backfires and people are often provocative just to be censored and receive sympathy and recognition that way. But most Israelis will vote their heart and that may take the wind out of their sails. It’s not the ‘evil’ ultra orthodox and corrupt politics but the Jewish heart they are fighting against. If they fight for Israel with genuine intentions this should not make an ounce of difference to their support. We can recognize their efforts in other ways. What most don’t realize is that they can have mixed minyanim there today. I have witnessed them. Its official recognition they want. And a foot in the door. If the results are to “give” it we can survive it: reform is dieing out and paradoxically their victory may be their loss as the political left lost with the Gaza retreat.