Flankerl
Well-Known Member
Ola
With the fun at the Kotel never stopping and increasing hiccups in the American communities I thought it might be a good idea to talk about Mechitzot and how to do them.
As this is in the General Judaism DIR I hope we can be understanding of other opinions, especially when they come from other denominations.
As we all know (or don't) there are different kinds of them.
1. Balcony
It's just a Balcony, nothing hinders the view of the women on the balcony.
2. Mechitza made out of wood through the middle Synagogue
Men and Women both side by side but separated by the wooden Mechitza.
3. Mechitza made out of a curtain through the middle of the Synagogue (on moveable poles or not)
Perhaps somewhat transparent but you usually can't make out who might be sitting on the other side as you only see a shade.
4. Extra Room for the women
There is either no view, a TV screen or a balcony like wall with one-way glass.
5. Balcony with one-way glass or curtains
6. Moveable "Booth"
Usually for the elderly women when they can't climb the stairs to the balcony or in case the balcony is full.
I think those are all I can think of.
#1 and #5
I've been on balconies and generally felt like it didn't made a difference whether we were there or not. This feeling might be even stronger if there was a stronger separation due to glass or a curtain.
#4
I cannot possibly imagine how that must feel like. Perhaps I should check one out during my next Israel visit.
#2
I don't hate them but I find them rather weird. It has such a "wall" feeling to it. Like something you'd build in your garden to separate yourself from your noisy neighbour. But since men and women are basically equal in the separation I have no problem with it.
#3
We got one at our Synagogue. I personally view them as the best way to keep the sexes apart during service.
Both are equally apart, no sex is favoured over the other.
#6
I am not that old and have yet to see one myself. They obviously serve a purpose when a balcony is present.
With the fun at the Kotel never stopping and increasing hiccups in the American communities I thought it might be a good idea to talk about Mechitzot and how to do them.
As this is in the General Judaism DIR I hope we can be understanding of other opinions, especially when they come from other denominations.
As we all know (or don't) there are different kinds of them.
1. Balcony
It's just a Balcony, nothing hinders the view of the women on the balcony.
2. Mechitza made out of wood through the middle Synagogue
Men and Women both side by side but separated by the wooden Mechitza.
3. Mechitza made out of a curtain through the middle of the Synagogue (on moveable poles or not)
Perhaps somewhat transparent but you usually can't make out who might be sitting on the other side as you only see a shade.
4. Extra Room for the women
There is either no view, a TV screen or a balcony like wall with one-way glass.
5. Balcony with one-way glass or curtains
6. Moveable "Booth"
Usually for the elderly women when they can't climb the stairs to the balcony or in case the balcony is full.
I think those are all I can think of.
#1 and #5
I've been on balconies and generally felt like it didn't made a difference whether we were there or not. This feeling might be even stronger if there was a stronger separation due to glass or a curtain.
#4
I cannot possibly imagine how that must feel like. Perhaps I should check one out during my next Israel visit.
#2
I don't hate them but I find them rather weird. It has such a "wall" feeling to it. Like something you'd build in your garden to separate yourself from your noisy neighbour. But since men and women are basically equal in the separation I have no problem with it.
#3
We got one at our Synagogue. I personally view them as the best way to keep the sexes apart during service.
Both are equally apart, no sex is favoured over the other.
#6
I am not that old and have yet to see one myself. They obviously serve a purpose when a balcony is present.
