This week’s cabinet decision creating an area for pluralistic worship adjoining the Western Wall has been hailed by the non-Orthodox community and many in the Orthodox establishment while, as expected, condemned by the ultra-Orthodox.

… Despite the victory, the question remains if the worship decision is an aberration or will be recorded as the first in a number of enlightened reforms in Israel’s religious practice.

There are many more steps to follow if Israel is ever to realize the promise of equality in its Declaration of Independence.

… [E]stablishing pluralistic worship at the Western Wall shows that coordinated efforts between Diaspora and local activists can influence Israel’s policy-makers and be an effective tool for change.