The High Court of Justice on Wednesday, 28 Kislev, heard yet another petition connected to the egalitarian prayer area at the Kosel. Today however, ‘religious’ women whom have disconnected themselves from the Women of the Wall (WoW) organization petitioned for permission to bring Sifrei Torah into the ezras noshim of the Kosel. They filed in the High Court against Kosel Rav Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, who refuses to permit them to bring Sifrei Torah.

During the court session the petitioners asked to have the mechitzah removed from the Kosel, explaining if there are chareidim who insist on a separate area, the dividers can be set up in certain areas for a number of hours daily to accommodate tefilos.

Justice Elyakim Rubinstein asked Rabbi Rabinowitz what he thinks the solution should be, to which he replied the prayer area delegated at the area known as Robinson’s Arch. The women however reject this, insisting they have every right to daven at the Kosel and should not have to settle for a place nearby.

The women also told the court that to the best of their knowledge, the rabbi is exceeding the authority of his position by preventing them from bringing in Sifrei Torah.

The justices explained they wish to hear the opinions of the Chief Rabbis of Israel and Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit before ruling on the matter.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)