The mechitzah (Hebrew for “partition”) separates men and women in synagogue and at other religious functions. This allows for concentration in prayer without distraction. This follows the practice of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem, where there were separate sections for men and women when large groups of people were in attendance.
What Is the Mechitzah?
In many (older) synagogues, the women’s section of the synagogue is on a balcony overlooking the men’s section below. This reflects the arrangement in the Holy Temple as recorded in the Talmud.1
Today, it is more common for both sections to be on one level, separated by a partition.
This partition can be made of latticed wood, frosted glass, curtain, faux leaves, or other materials, depending on the tastes of the congregants. However, it needs to be opaque so that one cannot distinguish the face of someone on the other side.
Why the Separation?
Separate seating in a synagogue helps ensure that the main focus is on the prayers and not on the opposite gender.
There is an ancient source to this separation. In the Book of Zechariah, there is a prophecy that “the land shall mourn . . . every family apart, and their wives apart.”2
The Talmud explains that if in times of mourning—when people are generally subdued and not prone to frivolity—there is need to separate men and women, then it is all the more necessary in times of celebration.
More on Mechitzah
My Beloved Mechitzah: a woman shares her appreciation for separation during services.
What’s Wrong With Mixed Services? A conversation from our Ask the Rabbi service.
Looking Over the Mechitzah: a Perspective on Women in Judaism.
Join the Discussion