January 4, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Women of the Wall Celebrate Shevat at the Western Wall
Jerusalem, Israel - On January 6, 2011 at 7 am, Women of the Wall will gather at the Western Wall to pray and celebrate the beginning of the Jewish Month of Shevat.
The month of Shevat features the holiday of Tu Bshevat, the New Year for trees. This year, Tu Bshevat will have deep significance in light of the millions of trees devoured in the recent Carmel fire. As Anat Hoffman, chairwoman of Women of the Wall explains, "Shevat is the month of rebirth and renewal. This month, we will dedicate our prayers to the rehabilitation of Northern Israel."
The tragic fires called attention to the neglect of public safety by government officials. Women of the Wall hope that the Israeli public will be similarly moved to address other areas where government officials neglect, and even perpetuate, injustice and the trampling of basic civil and human rights.
This past week, dozens of newspapers ran articles about the new iphone application developed by the Western Wall Heritage Foundation that allows users to watch a live feed from the Western Wall. The Kotel camera's close-up footage only displays the men's section. In reaction Anat Hoffman stated: "Once again, the women are hidden. From the perspective of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, they do not even exist."
This month's oneg, featuring the seven species of the Land of Israel, is sponsored by Anat Hoffman and Batya Kalush in memory of Peggy Cidor's mother, Rahel Himoni z"l.
Since we have been barred from bringing our Sefer Torah to the Kotel, we are looking for volunteers to stand holding it at the gate from 7-8 am during services. If you are able to do this important task, please contact us at media@womenofthewall.org.il
Women of the Wall is a group of Jewish women from around the world who strive to achieve the right, as women, to wear prayer shawls, pray and read from the Torah collectively and out loud at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The Western Wall is Judaism's most sacred holy site and the principal symbol of Jewish people-hood and sovereignty and Women of the Wall works to make it a holy site where women can pray freely.
For more information, contact:
Emily Shapiro Katz
054-953-5651
media@womenofthewall.org.il
| Connect With Us Online Become a fan of WOW on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Check out our website | Future Event February 4, 2011 at 7 a.m.
Services begin on women's side of the
Kotel | Support WOW
with your donations
| |
