Ask The Rabbi  Divided We Stand  The Color of HeavenArtscroll
Topic: Men & Women in Synagogue  David Salvadori from Italy
wrote:  Dear Rabbi,  Please, why can men and women not stay near
each other in the synagogue? Somebody told me that it is because
women can disturb men during the prayer with their voices. Is
this the answer or there are other matters? Where is written in
the Torah such rule?   Dear David Salvadori,  The law requiring
a mechitzah, division, between men and women in the synagogue
dates back to Biblical times and is mentioned in the Babylonian
Talmud. There are a number of reasons given for this:    • So as
not to cause those who are unmarried to feel left out. We come
to synagogue to relate to G-d as Jews, not as spouses, husbands,
wives, fathers or mothers. With a mechitzah, spouses do not sit
together. That way, we are more of a congregation than groups of
individuals.   • To prevent there being a light, social
atmosphere during prayer. The atmosphere during prayer should be
serious. One