Why Yes, There Are Orthodox Members of Jerusalem's Women of The Wall
LatestCritics of the Women of the Wall—female Jewish advocates of the equal right to prayer at the Western Wall by reading aloud from the Torah and wearing the religious garments of tallitot and tefillin (considered traditional for men only)—assume that it’s comprised entirely of female Reform Jews. However, some feminist Orthodox women have been migrating towards the movement and now make up two of their eight board members, according to Haaretz.
Dr. Hannah Kehat, the founder and executive director of Kolech, speculates the reason behind the shift: “Because it is now perceived more as a struggle of women against men – in this case against ultra-Orthodox men and the police – it has become easier for Orthodox women to join the cause.” The newer Orthodox woman to assume a board position, Leora Bechor, took this step just a week ago after years of discomfort at what should have been the highest point of her spiritual life: