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 ARZA Canada Newsletter 
 
17 Sivan 5773
May 26, 2013
Dear ARZA Canada Member, 

This month I'm pleased to report on the continued success of liberal Jews in Israel promoting religious pluralism at the Western Wall.
 
More Good News for Reform Jews at the Kotel
 
women of the wall tallitot
Women of the Wall

Rosh Chodesh Sivan saw more progress for Women of the Wall (WOW) in their effort to increase the freedom of women to pray openly at the Kotel.

 

With a recent District Court ruling that WOW are not "violating local custom" and do not "disturb the peace", the women were out in full force this month, as were busloads of haredi detractors.  The difference was that this month the police protected the women from the haredim trying to disrupt the service.
 

ARZA Board member Mark Anshan was present and provides this more complete description.   He notes that "the potential for physical violence remained", but that the younger haredim were the least active: "I watched with interest the expressions on the faces of young Haredi students (male and female) who were standing there in silence as the older Haredi men engaged in shouting and disruptive behavior."

Click to show your support 

 

women of the wall arrest

The story will continue, as the haredim challenge the District Court ruling, and new Diaspora and Religious Services Minister, Naftali Bennett, is planning laws to restore restrictions on women's prayer. Click here to ask Naftali Bennett not to take action against the rights of women to pray at the Kotel.

 

Interestingly, Women of the Wall have reignited interest in the Kotel among secular Jews, who had abandoned the important landmark to the haredim. And not a few Orthodox women are quietly supportive of WOW.
   
Rita Rocks the UN

 

rita 

In a case of truth being stranger than fiction, Israeli pop star Rita recently performed a concert in the hall of the UN General Assembly. 

 

Delegates from around the world clamored for invitations to see an Israeli entertainer in the very hall where an "automatic majority" is always ready to pass countless resolutions vilifying the Jewish state.

 

You can read about it or watch the show.

 

Israel's Rita Rocks the U.N.

Sports - Yshai Oliel - Future Tennis Champ
 
yshai oliel
Yshai Oliel
Israel's 12-year-old Yshai Oliel recently won a junior tennis championship in Florida that previously launched the careers of many tennis greats. Watch for him to become a future international star.
Virtual Visit - the Negev
 

negev timnaThe Negev desert is becoming a popular tourist destination. The multi-coloured rock and sand are strikingly beautiful, as are the mountains and valleys carved by flash floods. Jeep tours are becoming the rage, although hiking is also popular, as are the traditional camels.

 

The Negev has a wildlife reserve, agriculture and two Reform kibbutzim - Yahel and Lotan - either of which can be used as a base for Negev adventures.
 
  

A Word of Hebrew - Freeloader

 

moocherWith the nicer weather, an uninvited guest could show up at your barbeque or picnic.

 

In Hebrew, they're an ochel chinam (or ochelet chinam, fem.)

 

אוכל חינם

 

The term literally means someone who eats for free, but it's a general term for freeloader and can be used in any situation where someone unreasonably takes advantage of your hospitality or kindness.
  

On behalf of ARZA Canada I wish you and your family an enjoyable spring. 

 

Les Rothschild
President, ARZA Canada
The Zionist Voice of Reform Judaism in Canada 

 

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