If you’re in Toronto, the answer should be coming to this event. 

On November 18, 2009, an Israeli woman, Nofrat Frenkel, was arrested for wearing a tallit and holding a Torah scroll at the Kotel. On January 5, 2010, Israeli police called another woman, Anat Hoffman, in for questioning because she wore a tallit at the Kotel. If this kind of police action had taken place in any other country, the global Jewish community would have accused the state of anisemitism and violating basic human rights. This happened though in our beloved Israel and we must not stand idly by.

On Sunday, February 14th we have the opportunity to express our desire for religious pluralism in Israel.  The event will include a brief, silent morning service and opportunity for study.  Most importantly it will be an opportunity for all Jews in Toronto–men and women–to join in one space to model the goal of pluralism for Jews.

We hope to see you at the Lipa Green Centre for Jewish Community Services at 10am on Sunday, February 14, 2010.  Bring a tallit and kippa if you wear them.  There will be Temple Sinai siddurim available for our members.  Feel free to bring your own siddur if there is one you prefer.

If you are unable to attend, you can view a letter of solidarity and send an email to publictefillah at gmail.com with the subject heading “support” and your name will be added to the list.

I will definitely be there and hope you will be, too.  If you want to know some of my previous thoughts on this issue, click here or here.

Please be in touch if you have any questions.