WomenoftheWall

NCJW Shocked by Arrest of Women of the Wall Leader in Israel

NCJW Shocked by Arrest of Women of the Wall Leader in Israel

As she was carrying a Torah during morning services at the women’s section of the Western Wall in Jerusalem, Anat Hoffman was arrested by Israeli police. This arrest of the leader of Women of the Wall is a shocking wake-up call that all women in Israel are not free to practice their Judaism there. This police action is part of a systematic plan to erode the right of women to access Judaism’s most sacred site.

Shabbat Parashat D’varim – 6 Av 5770 – Taking Responsibility

Shabbat Parashat D’varim – 6 Av 5770 – Taking Responsibility

he Kotel, of course, is one of the few remnants of the Temple Mount, where the 1st and 2nd Temples stood. It is especially ironic that this incident should take place on this particular day, as we begin the “9 days” leading to Tisha b’Av, the day on which Jews mark and mourn the destruction of both Temples (and other historical national disasters as well).

Detained for Prayer

Detained for Prayer

This morning, a woman was arrested at Judaism’s most holy site, the Western Wall, for carrying a Torah scroll. While I have been doing some work for her organization, Women of the Wall, nothing could have prepared me for the outrage I felt watching several policemen tackle a group of women raising their voices together in prayer, and the admiration I experienced witnessing these women’s bravery.

Anat Hoffman of Women of the Wall Arrested

Anat Hoffman of Women of the Wall Arrested

Anat Hoffman, who is often the most public face of Women of the Wall (Nashot HaKotel) was arrested this morning during WoW’s Rosh Hodesh Av service. It’s not yet clear what the charges are.

Account of Anat’s arrest by Fran Immerman

Account of Anat’s arrest by Fran Immerman

Chevre, I am blessed and honored to have been a participant in the davening this morning. As a result of my participation, I am also a firsthand witness to what happened this morning as Anat, carrying the Sefer Torah, attempted to proceed to the area known as Robinson’s Arch, so that we could continue with our Rosh Chodesh celebration.

Account of Anat’s Arrest by Tree Mccurdy

Account of Anat’s Arrest by Tree Mccurdy

We bolted up the alternate
staircase and reached the surface in time to see Anat being stuffed
into a police van, her body still curled protectively around the Sefer
Torah pressed against her heart. Again the men were our loudest
voices, bellowing, “B’sho! B’sho” (Shame! Shame!)

Carrying the Torah with Pride

Carrying the Torah with Pride

This morning at OSRUI, Torah was read all over camp. Our readers were women and men. The Torah was carried by rabbis and teachers, counselors and staff – male and female. The Torah for which Anat was arrested is the Torah from which we teach and learn each and every day. The country that allowed for the arrest of a woman carrying the Torah is the country for which we pray for peace and safety each and every day.

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