A mechitza (Hebrew: מחיצה, partition or division, pl.: מחיצות, mechitzot) in Judaism is a partition, particularly one that is used to separate men and women. The rationale in halakha (Jewish law) for a partition dividing men and women is derived from the Babylonian Talmud. [1] .

In this historic synagogue in Budapest’s 7th district, the mechitzah takes the form of two layers of balconies for women. (Credit: Wiki Commons) The mechitzah (Hebrew for “partition”) separates men and women in synagogue and at other religious functions. This allows for concentration in prayer without distraction.

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. It is unclear exactly when mechitzahs came into use, and the (Jewish law) issues are equally ambiguous.

Jewish texts and source sheets about Mechitza from Torah, Talmud and other sources in Sefaria's library.

With the advent of the haskalah (Jewish Enlightenment) in Western Europe just over 200 years ago, and its wholesale attack on religious observance (including Shabbos, kashrus, milah, etc.), mechitzos in shuls were also compromised or done away with over the vigorous protest of Rabbonim [3] who decried this desecration and forbade daven ing in an...

A “mechitza” is a physical barrier between men and women in an Orthodox synagogue which divides the space into two separate sections. Mechitzas often vary in terms of size and placement. They can also be made of a variety of materials including “curtains, a screen, shelving, or plants.”

This article will examine the roots of the mechitza as it pertains to prayer and synagogues 1, and argue that rather than discriminatory against women, it is a structure that helps us to empower our relationship with Hashem.

2020年2月26日 · Previously, we learned that, overall, the mechitza allows men and women to participate in communal prayer together in an atmosphere of seriousness and sanctity. Specific approaches to the mechitza ‘s purpose include: Preventing men’s inappropriate gazing at (and thinking about) women.

2024年7月3日 · Prevent lightheadedness and frivolity: Some Rishonim and Poskim record that the reason behind the building of the women’s section balcony in the temple, and consequently the reason for needing a Mechitza in a Shul, is in order to prevent lightheadedness and frivolity which could lead to intermingling [i.e. speech and touching] between the men ...

2024年6月30日 · In this article we will discuss the Halachic sources behind the Mechitza requirement, in the Talmud and Poskim, and discuss the events in which a Mechitza is required. Likewise, we will clarify the definition of a valid Mechitza, its required height, and material.