Jerusalem: Israel has approved a plan that will dramatically change the holiest site in Judaism, creating a space for egalitarian prayer and mixed-gender ceremonies for non-Orthodox Jews. The new area, which will enable men and women to pray side by side, is to be adjacent to the existing Western Wall plaza run by Orthodox rabbis. That area is split into prayer sections for men and women, although women are not allowed to read aloud from the Torah, wear prayer shawls or sing there. Along with creating a change to the delicate status quo, this marks an unprecedented move by the Israeli government to officially recognise the rights of Conservative, Reform and other Jewish denominations to...
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