The Mechitza and Community

Publication Date:

Publisher: National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership (U.S.)

Author(s): Steve Greenberg

Research Area: Culture and religion; Social conditions

Keywords: Gender; Discrimination; Jewish Law (Halacha); Orthodox Judaism

Type: Brief

Abstract:

The author reflects on the social aspects of the mechitza - the physical divider between men and women in Orthodox synagogues. He discusses ways in which it creates separate and unequal experiences for men and for women, as well as presenting the strengths of separation by gender. He calls for the religious inequality to be overcome while retaining the mechitza.