Exclusive – ‘Women of the Wall’ on the fight for the equality of Jewish women

What are the religious and societal consequences of banning women from freely practicing their religion at the Western Wall?

The ultra-Orthodox monopoly over Judaism in Israel has fueled widespread misconceptions about women’s roles in Jewish practice, restricting their ability to fully participate in religious life.

Women are not only excluded from meaningful religious rituals but are also systematically silenced in public spaces and denied leadership opportunities – despite the lack of any halachic basis for such discrimination.

The entanglement of state and religion reinforces these inequalities, leaving many Israeli women without a viable path to engage in Jewish life as they believe they should.

Could you tell us more about the tools you use to achieve your mission?

Women of the Wall employ multiple strategies to achieve our mission of religious equality at the Western Wall. We engage directly with government officials, decision-makers in Israel, and influential figures abroad to advocate for the implementation of the Kotel Agreement – a historic compromise reached in 2016 but later canceled by the same Netanyahu-led government that approved it.

Legally, we continue to fight in Israel’s Supreme Court, where the issue of the Kotel Agreement’s cancellation has been under review since 2017. We remain committed to pursuing justice through legal avenues while simultaneously taking action on the ground. Each month, during our Rosh Chodesh prayers, we challenge the status quo by attempting to bring a Torah scroll into the women’s section – symbolizing our demand for change and equality at the Kotel.

Beyond legal and political efforts, we focus on education and social activism. Through educational programs and social media outreach, we empower women and girls to reclaim their rightful place in Jewish life.

We challenge the misconception that women are excluded from time-bound commandments – such as wearing a tallit and tefillin – not due to halachic restrictions, but because of ingrained societal norms that have sidelined women from leadership and ritual participation.

By fostering awareness and engagement, we are shaping a future where every woman can freely practice her faith and take her place as a leader in Jewish tradition.

You choose Rosh Hodesh as the day to gather and pray on the women’s side of the Kotel. People around the world can also follow the prayer online. Could you tell us more about the importance of gathering on Rosh Hodesh and how Rosh Hodesh groups in today’s society play a crucial role for Jewish women?

Rosh Hodesh, the beginning of the new Jewish month, has long been associated with women as a sacred and spiritual time. According to tradition, it was a reward for women’s resistance in the biblical story of the Golden Calf, and over centuries, it evolved into a day of renewal, reflection, and communal gathering.

Women of the Wall chose Rosh Hodesh as our day of prayer at the Kotel because it symbolizes women’s strength, resilience, and spiritual leadership. When WOW first began in 1988, the goal was simple but revolutionary: to gather as Jewish women to pray together with tallit, tefillin, and Torah – rituals traditionally reserved for men in Orthodox spaces. Over time, this act of prayer has become a symbol of the ongoing struggle for gender equality in Judaism.

Today, Rosh Hodesh has taken on an even greater meaning. It is not just a time for prayer but a global moment of sisterhood. Women around the world join us in person or via livestream, demonstrating solidarity with the fight for religious freedom and gender equity.

The existence of Rosh Hodesh groups in Jewish communities worldwide is crucial -these spaces empower women to connect, study, and celebrate their Judaism on their own terms. Whether at the Kotel or in living rooms across the world, Rosh Hodesh remains a day where women raise their voices, reclaim tradition, and strengthen each other.

How can people around the world support your cause?

Religious freedom is not just a matter of faith – it is a gender equality issue, especially in a country like Israel, where there is no separation between religion and state. When women are excluded from religious spaces, it reinforces their marginalization in society as a whole.

There are several ways to support Women of the Wall and the fight for religious equality:

Learn and Educate – Raising awareness is crucial. Schools, universities, and community groups should engage in discussions about religious freedom and gender equality in Judaism. Understanding the issue is the first step toward change.

Join Us in Prayer – If you visit Israel, attend our monthly Rosh Hodesh prayer at the Kotel. If you’re in Jerusalem at another time, make a point to visit the Ezrat Yisrael prayer section, the egalitarian plaza that the Israeli government promised to renovate and place under pluralistic management – a promise that remains unfulfilled due to ultra-Orthodox political pressure.

Your presence there is a statement against religious coercion.

Raise Your Voice – Whether in prayer, song, or public advocacy, make your voice heard. Challenge religious restrictions that exclude women, and ensure that gender equality is part of decision-making spaces – both within Jewish communities and in broader society.

Women of the Wall’s struggle is about more than one group of women at one holy site; it is a fight for every woman’s right to full participation in Jewish life. By standing with us, you are standing for justice, equality, and religious freedom worldwide.

Looking back on Women of the Wall’s 36-year resistance, what have you learned throughout this journey? Could you share your insights with fellow activists worldwide fighting for equal rights in various areas of life?

Change is a Marathon, Not a Sprint – Social change doesn’t happen overnight. There are victories and setbacks, but persistence is key. Activists must be prepared for the long haul, knowing that every step forward matters, even if progress feels slow.

The Power of Community – No movement succeeds in isolation. WOW has thrived because of the solidarity of women (and men) worldwide who stand with us in prayer, advocacy, and action.

Stay True to Your Values – Opponents will try to intimidate, silence, or discredit activists. We’ve learned that standing firm in our beliefs, even when it’s difficult, ultimately wins respect and drives change.