Israel Matzav

40 Bar Mitzvas at Kotel during blizzard, no women in tallitoh and tefillin

Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz, the rabbi of the Western Wall, reports that some 40 Bar Mitzvas took place at the holy site during this past weekend's blizzard. No Women of the Wall were seen during the storm.

At least 40 Bar Mitzvahs (Jewish coming-of-age ceremonies) were held at the Western Wall over the weekend, despite Jerusalem being blanketed with historic levels of snow, according to a statement from the office of Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz. 

The statement notes that at least 30 of the ceremonies were carried out as part of the Western Wall Heritage Foundation, which organizes Bar Mitzvah ceremonies free of charge. 

Rabbi Rabinowitz also noted that the Jewish holy site saw regular attendance to prayer services despite the bitter cold. Groups of people attended services throughout the chaotic weekend, the statement noted, walking to Jerusalem's Old City by foot through freezing temperatures.

And where were the Women of the Wall? Heck, there was no one there to see them.... Maybe because it wasn't Rosh Chodesh? What happens if it snows again on Rosh Chodesh (the week after next)? Hmmm.

Labels: Jerusalem, Kotel plaza, snow, Western Wall, Women of the Wall

posted by Carl in Jerusalem @ 3:21 PM