Regarding granting the Reform movement control over the Southern Kosel, (or Kosel Dromi) Head of the Shas faction in Knesset MK Yoav Ben-Tzur explains “We must know the limitations and that one should act in the concept of ‘תפסת מרובה לא תפסת’.”
According to Ben-Tzur, it is incorrect that giving the Reform movement control over the Southern Kosel will constitute a recognition of Reform Judaism. “The Southern Wall (Kosel Dromi) is not a continuation and the same wall as the Kosel. Are Chareidi politicians giving in on the issue of (control over) the Kosel?”
In the interview with Channel 2 journalist Yaakov Eichler, Ben-Tzur said that the limitations of our power should be recognized, and that the concept ‘תפסת מרובה לא תפסת’ should teach us we may lose everything if we try to take too much.
Ben-Tzur said that the Southern Kosel has been in the hands of the Reform for the past 15 years and in reality, the area is vacant most hours of the day. He explains the Prime Minister’s Office is working on some type of tefilla schedule for the Kosel Dromi and some have turned this into de facto recognition of Reform Judaism.
Ben Tzur insists that the Kosel Dromi is not a continuation of the Kosel and said “it’s not our business what occurs there. Is someone wishes to control it, let them. We are interested in maintaining the status of the Kosel as it has been.”
“We think may think Tefilos should be different but ‘תפסת מרובה לא תפסת’, and there is also justice and the High Court.”
Ben-Tzur was asked if his opinion is accepted by HaGaon HaRav Shalom Cohen Shlita. He explains “No one has offered recognition for this. I want to say again, I think we need to concentrate today on the main plaza. It is possible that the tactic would have been to be advocating for control of the Kosel Dromi but in fact, it was lost fifteen years ago”.
“If things remain as they are; that they use the Kosel Dromi, then there is no reason to go to war. We must know the limitations of our power and permit them to have the Kosel Dromi”.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
Perhaps, the the “Kotel Dromi” can beidentified as a general prayer plaza for all Jews and Gentiles [without any religious restrictions or requirements]. Thus eliminating any recognition to any other movement. Personally, I think once this area comes to fruition, it will eventually disappear from lack of interest.