DETROIT
JEWISH NEWS

COVER STORY

Page 6

A Wall Divided

t belongs to Jews everywhere. But the custom there is
Orthodoxy.
Therein lies the crux of the debate over whether
women in prayer shawls should be able to chant
together in prayer in the women's sec-
tion at Jerusalem's Western Wall —
Judaism's holiest site.
At issue is whether the haredim (fer-
vently Orthodox) in the men's section
can hear the voices of women raised in
prayer, a violation of Halachah (Jewish
law).
It's less volatile than the issue of
open mixed-gender prayer, but it's no
less divisive.
ROBERT A.
It has been a centuries-old tradition
SKLAR
to separate men and women in prayer
Editor
at the Wall, the only remaining wall of
the mount of the biblical Second Temple, destroyed by the
Romans in 70 C.E.
In today's cover story, "A Wall Divided" (page 6), Special
Writer Jill Davidson Sklar, working with Story Development
Editor Keri Guten Cohen, chronicles the 12-year struggle by
Women of the Wall (WOW) to secure government approval
to chant at the Wall in a limited capacity. Her report
includes the sentiments of WOW leaders as well as rabbis of
different religious streams.
It's an insightful report that helps frame the controversy
as the Israel Supreme Court ponders the validity of women
raising their voices in prayer at the most revered spot in the
Jewish homeland.

I

Shabbat Shalom!

10-4,-/ Avy

0

A 2000 winner of Michigan Press Association
and American Jewish Press Association awards

December 8, 2000

Kislev 11, 5761

Vol. CXVIII, No. 17

This 14 Diverse
Week
Jerusalem

Jerusalem's mayor sees the holy city
as testing ground for peace.

24 Respected Rabbi Resigns

Violation of sexual ethics
guidelines are cited.

Editorials
37 The Scourge Of AIDS

Killer disease is something
Jewish community must fight.

Community
41 Finding Lost Ties

Grandfather's journey to Poland
yields unexpected living relative.

Camp
65 Family Fun

Grand Resort at Mullett Lake leaves
lasting memories for families.

AppleTree
73 Hard Facts

In honor of winter, chilling facts
about Israel and Jewish life.

its
lertainment

77 Double Identity

Say it loud: Half-Jewish and proud!

Living
Well
99 Trivial Pursuits

Good game plan almost works
for Millionaire wannabe.

105 Whose Land Is It?

Charles Finkelstein of Rochester Hills with his distant cousin
Marianna Romatowski. Community, Page 41

JN

www.detroitjewishnews.com

Teen's winning essay presents
the case for Israel's claims.

DEPARTMENTS

5
Alefbet'cha
73
AppleTree
Ask Wendy ..... 111
53
B'nai Mitzvah
52
Births
50
Calendar
Carla Schwartz .. 106
41
Community
124
Crossword
131
... Answer
128
Cyber Spot
Danny Raskin .... 94
37
Editorials
57
Engagements
5
For Openers
102
Food
105
Health
35
Insight
108
Marketplace
52
Maze! Toy!
137
Obituaries
78
Out & About
59
Spirituality
105
Sports
Staff Notebook . . . . 22
The Scene 100
Torah Portion .... 63
Weddings 57

Candlelighting
Friday, Dec. 8, 4:42 p.m.

Shabbat ends
Saturday, Dec. 9, 5:48 p.m.

Cover:
At the Western Wall .. .
Photography, Jack Hazut
Page design, Debbie Schultz

©COPYRIGHT 2000
DETROIT JEWISH NEWS

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Southfield, Michigan.
Periodical Postage Paid at SouTh-
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mailing offices. Postmaster: send
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12/8

2000

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