All animals are equal; but some animals are more equal than others.
The Orwellian quote was the first thing that came to mind, as I tried to process the fact that this Rosh Chodesh the Israel Police, for the first time since 1967, prevented hundreds of Orthodox Jews from reaching the Kotel Plaza to pray. Why? To enable Women of the Wall to hold their service at the Wall, the very wall that Anat Hoffman’s movement had proclaimed “should not consider … as possessing any sanctity.”
Read the full Op-Ed from Leah Aharoni at the Jerusalem Post.
A similar piece appeared in Hebrew at NRG/Maariv.
I posted this response on my blog today:
I have been asked about my feelings concerning the Women of the Wall fiasco. I have made contact with both the Women OF the Wall and the excellent Women FOR the Wall groups and have tried to help. Why? I am convinced that (1) since everything is from Hashem, (2) that we are in the end of the end of days and (3) that the worst testing will occur at this time; this is all serving the purpose of testing each one of us. If you refer to my post entitled “Prophecy Being Fulfilled” dated 20 April 2012 you will understand what Hashem is telling us and how the WoW is serving the purpose of testing us. Each one of you has the opportunity to see the nonsense of their agenda and to turn to Hashem for the answer. Hashem is judging every concerned individual as to who knows the truth and who is buying the craziness of these women. Those of us who turn to Hashem with complete trust, know that all we need to do is continue our instructions (repentance, prayer, charity, Torah study, fulfilling all the commandments, helping others, etc) and Hashem will take care of these misguided women. If you know any of these women or anyone being sympathetic to their misguided ways, then your test is to reach out and help them find the correct path. If you show anger or even hatred, you have failed the test. Hashem is watching you and will judge, measure for measure, what your reaction is. If you don’t know anyone being affected by their wayward actions, then just praying for them may be all that you need to do and Hashem will resolve the situation. All I am saying is take care of yourself and your loved ones that you understand why this is happening (according to Malachi) and what it means to each one of us. I have said it many times: “If you are following the ways of Hashem, you will be happy and successful.” How simple an answer.