Contact: Lauren Theodore at 212-650-4154
New York, NY; September 12, 2016 -- Rabbi Rick Jacobs, President of the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), issued the following statement today in response to Israel's Supreme Court statement addressing the Israeli government's failure to implement its earlier decision to create an egalitarian prayer space for non-Orthodox worship at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:
Today, in an unexpected statement, Israel’s Supreme Court took the Israeli government to task for dragging its heels, and ignoring its own decision to institute changes in the current status at the Kotel."Enough is enough," the Supreme Court of Justice President Miriam Naor said, and we agree. It’s time to show Israel and Jews around the world that all Jews have a place in the Jewish state, that all forms of Judaism are welcomed and that the ultra-Orthodox rabbinate doesn’t have a monopoly on what it means to be Jewish. This new Supreme Court statement gives us added momentum, but we will keep up the pressure and we encourage others to join us.
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About the Union for Reform Judaism
The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) builds community at every level—from the way we collaborate with congregations, organizations, and individuals to how we make connections across North America to advance contemporary and inclusive Jewish life. Providing vision and voice to transform the way people connect to Judaism, we help congregations stay relevant and innovative, motivate more young Jews to embrace Jewish living, agitate for a more progressive society, and foster meaningful connections to Israel.
Founded in 1873, URJ has grown into the largest and most powerful force in North American Jewish life, with nearly 900 member congregations and work that inspires, connects, and educates millions of people. Our legacy, reach, leadership, and vision mean that we can unite thousands of years of tradition with a modern, evolving Judaism to strengthen Jewish communities today and for future generations.
Visit us at www.URJ.org to learn about our social justice initiatives, camps and programs for young Jews, services for congregations and communities, and how you can work with us to create a more just, whole, and compassionate world. Enjoy related content at ReformJudaism.org and connect with URJ on Twitter and Facebook.
