For Israelis, the debate over egalitarian prayer at the Western Wall is trivial compared to other matters of Orthodox control over marriage and conversion, Sabbath bans on public transit, and haredi Orthodox draft exemptions.

When a group of women gather at their retirement home to prepare kosher soup for homebound seniors, Barbara Clippinger serves as head chef. Never mind that she isn’t Jewish — she ensures that her fellow volunteers follow the rules of kashrut.