Information AboutMechitza |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT MECHITZA | |
| jewish law and rituals | |
| judaism and women | |
| synagogue architecture | |
| mechitza | |
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USES Separate seating in synagogue , and features carved glass ornamentation.]] One of the most common uses of the term is as a physical divider placed between the men's and women's sections in Orthodox Synagogue s and at religious celebrations. The idea behind this is twofold. First, mingling of the genders is generally frowned upon, as this leads to frivolity, which itself may lead to promiscuity. Secondly, even if the sexes are separated, they shouldn't be able to interact to a high degree during a religious service, lest this lead to gazing and impure thoughts. Because of these restrictions, mechitzas are usually opaque (at least looking from the men's side to the women's side). The women's section of the synagogue is called the ''ezrat nashim'' (women's courtyard) after a similar area in the Temple In Jerusalem . Men and women are generally not separated in Reform and Conservative synagogues. Eruvin Another common use of the term mechitza is when referring to the boundary walls of an Eruv For Carrying (to carry within a given area on the Sabbath the area must be entirely enclosed). There are many specific rules for what constitutes a valid mechitza, although the mechitza does not have to be solid. (For example, there are many instances where part of an eruv may be a string run across several poles, and this could constitute a valid mechitza). Sukkah The walls of a Sukkah can also be referred to as a mechitza since they too must be valid walls under Jewish Law . EXTERNAL LINKS |
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