Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray Tzedek, Tzedek Tirdof! By Cantor Deborah Katchko-Gray, Founder of the Women Cantors' Network, and International Vice Chair, Cantors for Women of the Wall May 12, 2013, 3 Sivan 5773 Justice, justice, we must pursue! It is clear to me that justice means mutual respect and religious pluralism, especially in our holy Jerusalem and at the Kotel, the Western Wall. There must be room for religious diversity and pluralism, mutual respect and shalom bayit (peace within the family) in our most holy place. It is symbolic of a democratic society which Israel continues to be. Those who live an ultra Orthodox life should be entitled to live that way, but they must not impose their way on a democratic society in Israel. About thirty years ago I felt it was not right that women couldn't graduate with a cantorial degree from JTS and women couldn't be admitted to the Cantors Assembly. I formed my own organization as a response to feeling left out, and The Women Cantors' Network began and continues to be a source of joy and support for over 300 women cantors. There were no opportunities to study with a mentor and get certification which I also thought wasn't fair. Today all of those injustices are history. In fact, the first woman president of the Cantors Assembly, Hazzan Nancy Abramson is about to be installed in a week. The Kotel needs liberation once more. It must not be the private shul for the ultra-orthodox. It must be a place of prayer for the Jewish people, and that includes women who choose to wear tefillin and tallit. We are not forbidden, it is our choice. Let all of us work for the day when this situation is also history, and women can pray with pride and equality at the Kotel if they so choose.