Hot Topic: Kotel

As a bat mitzvah present, Sophie's parents surprised her and her older brother Gabriel with a trip to Israel. Sophie could barely contain her excitement. Sophie was overwhelmed when she first saw its beautiful wall, but as she got closer, she became disheartened. She could not understand why there was not a place where her entire family could stand together and pray, touching the wall. Despite the diversity of Jewish practice that exists in the world, the Kotel remains under Orthodox control. What do you think is the best way to handle access to the Kotel, so that the most people's religious and spiritual needs are met?

GRADES: 7-10, 50 minutes

ESSENTIAL QUESTION: What is the nature of the Kotel, and what laws should govern the use of it for religious and secular purposes?

LESSON AT A GLANCE Although the Kotel is a sacred site for all Jews, the rules governing its use are currently dictated by Orthodox authorities. In this lesson, students consider the implications of the current rules and their implications for religious, national, and archaeological use.

OBJECTIVES

Students will learn about the relationship between religion and state in Israel, and explore how those issues pertain to the Kotel.
Students will examine the competing interests for use of the Kotel, and attempt to develop a plan that satisfies the competing needs.