In Sweeping Decision, High Court Rules For Women’s Western Wall Prayer

By Amanda Borschel-Dan
Posted on 01/11/17 | News Source: Times of Israel

Government given until February 1 to show ‘good cause’ why women can’t read from Torah scrolls at the holy site

In an historic High Court decision Wednesday, the government of Israel has until February 1 to find “good cause” why a woman may not read aloud from a Torah scroll as part of prayer services at the Western Wall.

The sweeping decision, joining three petitions, ruled that not only may women read from the Torah at the Western Wall, but also that the government may no longer argue that the Robinson’s Arch area of the plaza constitutes “access to the Western Wall.”

Further, contrary to current practice under the plaza’s administration by the Western Wall Foundation, women will no longer be subjected to body searches for “contraband” Jewish ritual objects by foundation staff.

If the government fails to...read more at Times of Israel