Comments on: Take Back the Kotel Part II: Open Up Robinson’s Arch by Rabbi Asher Lopatin

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:37:56 +0000

Dee

By: Asher Lopatin

Asher Lopatin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:27:30 +0000

The Western Wall itself may be a beit Knesset but the area near it – dalet amot away- does not have the automatic status of a Shul. In old pictures you see men and women davening there mixed with no mechitza.

Shalom and best wishes,

Rabbi Asher Lopatin

By: D

Thu, 20 May 2010 13:51:10 +0000

All major posekim have the opinion that the entire Western Wall has the status of Beit Knesset. Saying that “freedom worship” should be granted to those who seek to have mixed “minyanim” there is denying the fact that the Western Wall does in fact have an in herent kedusha aspect to it and has certain definitive halachic standars.

By: Asher Lopatin

Asher Lopatin — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:12:08 +0000

Hi Rivka,

I admire and respect the Women at the Wall. I am with you: keep up the good work. At the same time, when God gives us a gift, we cannot refuse it. When God allowed us to take back the Kotel in 1967, Israel had the foresight to create the Kotel plaza and expand the area where Jews had prayed for generations. Thank God for that wisdom. Then in the 70′s and 80′s we were able to do the proper work to create another space on the Western Wall, the southwest area known now as the Robinson’s Arch area. And miraculously, the precedent has been set that all types of davening are allowed there: Orthodox and non-traditional and more. It is just a shame that we are leaving this area neglected: shouldn’t there be people shouting: Mincha, mincha! ever day at the Western Wall South, just as they do at Western Wall North? Shouldn’t there be the voice of women and men on Rosh Chodesh – and every day – in this beautiful area which is now known for tolerance and openness? Yes, we should make efforts to allow women to daven in the women’s section at the kotel – which the girls from The Rova seminary do on a regular basis, even singing Hallel! – but I think the real game-changer will be getting the Western Wall South to be run by a foundation whose mission it is to make it a welcoming place for Jews to pray as they will. First let’s get 24/7 at the Kotel South, then we can work on issues in the Kotel North.

Purim Same’ach,

Asher Lopatin

By: rivka haut

rivka haut — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:04:38 +0000

The suggestions made here are fine and good, but they do not relate to Women of the Wall (WOW). WOW has rejected any alternative space. For the past 21 years, other sites have been offered, they have all been rejected. WOW has made one major concession, limiting their request (demand) to safely conduct halakhic prayer services at the kotel to one hour a month, at seven AM each Rosh Chodesh. The ezrat nashim at the Kotel is the appropriate place for the non minyan women’s only service. It is there that WOW chooses to pray. That is the site where jewish women from all over the world gather to pray. That is the site that a woman’s prayer group is most needed and belongs.
We read now about the Mishkan. there was only one, meant to serve all the people. Until we have another prayer space for all of am Yisrael, the Kotel serves this purpose, whether it is the most “sacred” space historically, or not. WOW chooses not to be exiled from other jewish women who pray there.
The struggle for religious tolerance is important and the courageous women of WOW do not plan to abandon their quest and repair to any other site.

By: Asher Lopatin

Asher Lopatin — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:21:13 +0000

Marne – thanks so much for your helpful and informative response. Let’s find out how much we would need to raise to pay in order to have the area open 24/7 for free. I don’t want to get into a whole sichsuch (argument) over which ministry is going to pay for this or that: let’s go back to the Davidson family and maybe a Reform giver and an Orthodox giver and see if we can establish a Trust Fund for Freedom of Worship at the Kotel. I’m happy to work with you on this one and to nudge the appropriate people. If it’s just $$ we should be able to get it done!

Looking forward to a free and open – and welcoming! – Kotel!

Rabbi Asher Lopatin

By: Marne Rochester

Marne Rochester — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 09:16:33 +0000

As the Coordinator for the Masorti Kotel (aka Robinson’s Arch)I very much agree with your sentiment. There is an agreement between the Masorti Movement, the government, and the Davidson Center that allows for limited access.
However, anyone entering after 9:15 has to pay an entrance fee to the Davidson Center, even if they do not wish to tour the archeological site. There is also no access after the Center closes in the evenings nor on Shabbat.
In addition, all the equipment there is provided and maintained by the Masorti Movement, including sifrei Torah, tables, and siddurim. (Chairs are not allowed.) The government does not contribute at all with equipment nor towards the upkeep. The Masorti Movement does not charge for the use but must rely on donations to continue providing the equipment and service. In addition, the Masorti Movement pays for an attendant to help out at the site.
Most importantly, we provide this service regardless of what stream, if any, the families and rabbis affiliate with. The Kotel belongs to all of Am Yisrael.

By: Joel Katz

Joel Katz — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:52:59 +0000

I believe you are referring to IDF Chief Rabbi Shlomo Goren's 'radio transmission'(not by telegram). Joel Katz Religion and State in Israel @religion_state