Rabbi warns proposed Kotel bill could criminalize egalitarian prayer

A proposed bill advancing in Israel's Knesset could criminalize egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall, threatening access for non-Orthodox Jewish communities globally, warns Rabbi Robyn Fryer Bodzin. The Canadian Conservative rabbi, who experienced detention at the site in 2013 for praying with Women of the Wall, expressed deep concern over the legislation.

Rabbi Bodzin explained that the Knesset Constitution, Law and Justice Committee is pushing a bill that would place the entire Western Wall complex under the authority of the haredi Chief Rabbinate. This would prohibit religious services not conforming to Orthodox standards, impacting the egalitarian section established in 2016.

"The bill is an insult to millions of Conservative, Reform and progressive Jews who are deep supporters of Israel," Rabbi Bodzin wrote. She argued that Diaspora Jews, who have strongly supported Israel, should oppose the legislation, which she believes would make her unwelcome both as a practicing Jew and a committed supporter of the country. She noted her own home ownership in northern Israel and her vocal support, especially since the October 7 attacks.

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The bill is an insult to millions of Conservative, Reform and progressive Jews who are deep supporters of Israel and have been advocating tirelessly for the Jewish state before and after Oct. 7, 2023, and during the war with Iran.