wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] New partitions at shrine in Jerusalem bring wailing from

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Note #8979 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

05567
Oct. 21, 2005

New dividers at shrine in Jerusalem 
bring wailing from women, non-Orthodox

by Michele Green
Ecumenical News International  

JERUSALEM - New partitions have been erected to keep males and females apart
at Jerusalem's Western ("Wailing") Wall, to the dismay of many women and of
non-Orthodox Jews who have advocated more access to the shrine for female
worshippers.  
  
	Dividers have long been in place to separate men and women in accord
with the custom of Orthodox Judaism. However, early this month new partitions
labeled "Men" and "Women" were put up in the nearby plaza, where men and
women have always intermingled.  
  
	The rabbi in charge of the shrine, Shmuel Rabinovitch, said the
barriers were erected for the Jewish High Holidays and will be taken down at
the end of the weeklong Succoth harvest feast on Oct. 24.  
  
	Non-Orthodox Jewish groups have expressed concern about the change
and said they will appeal to the Israeli Supreme Court unless the new
partitions are removed.  
  
	"Sadly, the Western Wall is becoming a place of division instead of
unity," said Anat Hoffman, a representative of the Reform Movement, which has
fought for better access for female worshippers. 

	Women are now able to pray beside a small section of the wall.

	The wall is revered by Jews as a part of the Biblical Second Temple. 

  
	Last year, partitions separating male and female worshippers were
extended into an adjacent section, and their height was raised. Hoffman said
she fears the latest "temporary" change will become permanent.

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