Pay to Pray

We will soon be celebrating Yom Ha-Atzma-oot, Israel Independence Day. It’s Wednesday, May 3, 2006 – the 5th of Iyar. Any way you look at it, the modern State of Israel (it’s called “State of Israel” to distinguish from “Land of Israel”, as it is referred to in the Bible. The Land of Israel extends further than the borders of the modern State of Israel) is a miracle. It is a true ingathering of the exiles.

That is not to say that the modern State does not have its problems, both external and internal, religious and secular. One issue that you may not be aware of but is important to me since I lead frequent trips to Israel, is davening in the Old City. Truly, there is nothing like davening at the Kotel (The Western Wall). I, and the groups I have led, have had many supremely spiritual experiences there. And yet, many of my greatest prayer experiences have also been with my family. I like it when we can daven together. Of course, at the Western Wall that is not possible because of the division of men and women. I respect that. Still, as a Conservative Jew, I would like to be able to pray up against the retaining Walls of the Second Temple with men and women together.

Back in 2000 a compromise was reached between the Masorti Movement (as Conservative Jewry is known in Israel), and the Rabbinate of Israel. Another section of the Wall, called Robinson’s Arch (because of the remnant of an ancient ramp that was used by the Kohanim to access the Temple Mount) was open for mixed davening. This was back in the time of the Intifada when tourists were staying away from Israel. From 7-8 every morning, the gates to the archeological park that Robinson’s Arch is in were open. Mixed davening could take place out of view of those davening at the Kotel, and yet those at the Arch could still be davening at the same Wall.

Now, thousands more Reform and Conservative Jews are coming to Israel and they (we) want to be able to have services at Robinson’s Arch. The problem is that if one comes after 8 AM those in charge now want to charge an admission charge of 30 shekels, about $7.00 / person. It is hard for groups to get to the Arch area by 7 AM, and there are many groups who want to use the same area. The Masorti Movement is crying “Foul”. We believe that is a “Pay to Pray” situation that denies so many Zionist, Israel supporting Jews access to a very sacred place. As a result, Masorti has filed suit to allow greater access, and for free. For more information on the issue you can read this article - http://www.thejewishweek.com/news/newscontent.php3

I hope that a compromise can be reached. More importantly, I hope that everyone who reads this will take the opportunity to go (or get back) to Israel. It is impossible to describe the spiritual exaltation that comes from offering heartfelt prayer (from the siddur or spontaneously) in Jerusalem at the base of our Holy Temple – unless you’ve been there. Let’s not celebrate Yom Ha-Atzma-oot from afar. Let’s make plans to go!