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Why are men and women not allowed to sit together in a synagogue?

Why are men and women not allowed to sit together in a synagogue?

The mechitzah is the physical barrier separating the men’s section and women’s section of an Orthodox synagogue. In Orthodox congregations, men and women are not permitted to sit together during prayer services. The height of the mechitzah varies, and it can be a curtain, screen or even shelving or plants.

Where are the men and women mechitzah in a synagogue?

The height of the mechitzah varies, and it can be a curtain, screen or even shelving or plants. In some synagogues, instead of being divided by a mechitzah, the women’s section is in the balcony and the men’s section is on the main floor of the sanctuary.

What kind of seating system does a synagogue have?

The seating system in the synagogue should conform to the character and preferences of the congregation. Upholstered seating system, Shalva Synagogue , Jerusalem. In some synagogues, the chosen seating system includes a storage cell for the prayer shawl and Tefillin.

What does it mean to separate men and women in Judaism?

A mechitza (Hebrew: “Division”) is used to divide the men and women, and often to block the view from one section to the other. The first mention of a mechitza is in the context of the second temple itself, the temple contained an inner court and a Women’s court.

What are the benefits of separate seating in synagogue?

In fact, one of the effects of separate seating is that it creates a women’s community. Standing alongside other women in prayer enhances one’s sense of sisterhood. Yet this is arguably only a side benefit of separate seating, not the underlying reason for it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzqGVq7SPZ0

What are the internal features of a synagogue?

Internal features of a synagogue. 1 Aron Hakodesh (the ark) The Aron Hakodesh, often known as the ark, is the most important place inside all synagogues. The Aron Hakodesh is where the 2 Ner Tamid. 3 The bimah. 4 The Ten Commandments. 5 Seating in the synagogue.

Why is the Ark at the front of a synagogue?

This is symbolic of the importance of the prayer being said. If the door of the ark is open, it is a symbol that the prayer is important. The door is often opened for certain prayers during Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. The Ner Tamid is situated at the front of the synagogue above the ark.

Can a woman pray in a synagogue with a mechitzah?

Orthodox decisors today all agree that one can only pray in a synagogue with separate seating and a mechitzah. The halachic process surrounding this one issue involves many levels of interpretation, differential weighting of sources, a variety of reasons, and a serious difference of opinion concerning women’s “disturbing” presence during prayer.

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