International Federation of Reform and Progressive Religious Zionists

All Blog Posts Tagged 'Wall' (8)

Natan Sharansky calls for dialogue about prayer at the Kotel

Following the arrest of Anat Hoffman on October 16 at the Kotel (Western Wall) and her subsequent harsh treatment by the police, the right of every Jew to pray at the Kotel has been discussed at The Jewish Agency for Israel’s (JAFI) board meeting. At the meeting Chairman Natan Sharansky said, “We are very angry and very upset at the behavior of Israel’s police”.

The plenary resulted in the passing of a resolution (following a 7-5 recommendation…

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Added by Louise Riewerts on November 15, 2012 at 1:46pm — No Comments

Anat Hoffman arrested at the Kotel for saying Sh’ma Israel

On Tuesday night, October 16, Anat Hoffman was arrested during a prayer service at the Kotel for saying Sh’ma Israel aloud and for wearing a tallit. The service was held at the women’s section of the wall and was attended by some 250 participants including members from Women of the Wall and Hadassah.

Anat Hoffman was subsequently taken to the police…

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Added by Louise Riewerts on October 19, 2012 at 3:12pm — No Comments

Anat Hoffman: A decade of fighting for civil and human rights

This week, Anat Hoffman, executive director of the Israel Religious Action Center (IRAC), celebrated her 10-year anniversary with the organization. Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Religious Action Center (RAC) of Reform Judaism in the US, and Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), offered…

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Added by Arzenu Admin on April 4, 2012 at 8:30pm — No Comments

In Israel, A Fight to Make the Wall More Inclusive, By Hillary Brenhouse

Anat Hoffman, chairwoman of the "Women of the Wall" organization holds on to a Torah scroll as Israeli police attempt to take it from her outside the Western Wall in July.

Last month, former Jerusalem city councilor Anat Hoffman, a brightly colored prayer shawl draped about her neck like a scarf, took a stand. Backed by a band of dancing, chanting, clapping women and the mound of stones that is Judaism's…

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Added by Arzenu Admin on August 12, 2010 at 1:00pm — No Comments

Jewish women fight for equality at Jerusalem Western Wall - Interview with Anat Hoffman

Israeli law prohibits women from reading the Torah at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, one of Judaism's most sacred spots. Anat Hoffman wants to change that. She's the chairwoman of Women of the Wall and a leading figure in the Reform movement in Israel. Earlier this month, she was arrested for carrying the Torah at the wall. Hoffman tells guest host, Rebecca Roberts on National Public Radio in the US, about the incident and why she is so steadfastly working to upend the… Continue

Added by Arzenu Admin on July 30, 2010 at 4:30pm — No Comments

We did it! Conversion Bill vote called off. By Anat Hoffman

Dear Friends of IRAC,

Amazing news. We just learned that the Conversion Bill will not go to vote this Wednesday – a huge success! You deserve a gigantic thank you. Because of your overwhelming opposition, MK Rotem realized that he did not have the support to pass the Conversion Bill at this time. Thank you to all of the organizations and movements worldwide, to all who sent thousands of letters, faxes, and phone calls, and to all who spread the word to your friends, family, and…

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Added by Arzenu Admin on July 19, 2010 at 10:09pm — 1 Comment

Anat Hoffman's letter to IRAC members - Request to write to the Prime Minister

In The Pluralist today's (the newsletter of the Israel Religious Action Center), Anat Hoffman wrote of the controversial events of the past two days - her arrest and the Conversion Bill. Her letter includes a request for help from the Jewish community worldwide - to put pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu (see letter below her email).

Dear Friends of IRAC,

Today appeared to be an excellent day for the ultra-Orthodox hegemony here in…

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Added by Arzenu Admin on July 12, 2010 at 7:11pm — No Comments

IRAC's Anat Hoffman arrested for carrying a Torah!

Anat Hoffman, chair of IRAC and one of the leaders of the Reform movement in Israel and Women of the Wall (WOW) was arrested for holding a Sefer Torah during a Rosh Chodesh celebration at the Western Wall (Kotel).

Women of the Wall (WOW) gathered this morning for their monthly Rosh Chodesh services at 7 am on the women's side of the Kotel. Hoffman, with a Sefer Torah in her arms, led the 150 women-strong prayer group in…

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Added by Arzenu Admin on July 12, 2010 at 6:32pm — No Comments