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Chief Rabbis Push for Gender Separation at Western Wall

2/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Israel's Chief Rabbis submitted a halakhic ruling to the Supreme Court ahead of a hearing on Western Wall prayer arrangements.
They say the Western Wall plaza is a synagogue, requiring gender separation during prayer.
The Rabbinate says the court should not intervene in religious matters.
It also notes Ezrat Yisrael, the southern plaza, as an alternative for non-Orthodox groups.
The Supreme Court hearing is set for tomorrow at 9:00 AM.

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Story summary

Israel's Chief Rabbis submitted a halakhic ruling to the Supreme Court ahead of a hearing on Western Wall prayer arrangements.
They say the Western Wall plaza is a synagogue, requiring gender separation during prayer.
The Rabbinate says the court should not intervene in religious matters.
It also notes Ezrat Yisrael, the southern plaza, as an alternative for non-Orthodox groups.
The Supreme Court hearing is set for tomorrow at 9:00 AM.