According to the Talmud, Sarai and Abram each had their own ‘kiruv program’ to convert each to monotheism. Sarai took care of the women and Abram took care of the men. Apparently religion does not tolerate mixed groups. Why not? Within Christianity, separation between men and women during the service is unknown. It is considered discrimination. However, Judaism sees this differently. In Jewish tradition, men and women sit separately during prayer. In many (older) synagogues there is a seating area for women in a gallery above the sanctuary . However, it is more common for men and women to both sit on the same level with a mechietsa (,separation,) between them.
- What is the Jewish prayer?
- Historical argument
- Synagogue
- Family life
- Concentration
- Footnote
What is the Jewish prayer?
Jewish prayer is G-d’s way of telling the Jewish people, ,speak to Me and I will listen., Three times a day, Jews pray to G-d, thanking Him, praising Him and beseeching Him for personal requests. It is often held in the synagogue, but also in private homes, at airports or in offices. Prayer is a time to step back and reflect. The prayer services include the Shema, the Silent Prayer (Amidah), Torah reading and more. In a unique blend of communal ritual and private devotion, Jewish prayer is described by the sages as the essential ‘service of the heart’.
Historical argument
Some think that Judaism has adapted to Islamic culture. But that is incorrect. Divorce has been taking place since the revelation of the Torah. Jewish men and women were also separated during the time of the Second Temple. Separate divisions are also reported in the Mishnah and the Talmud. Because there was separation in the Temple, this must also take place in the synagogue, which is considered a miniature Temple.
Source: Davidbena, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA-4.0)
Synagogue
A synagogue (shul) is a place of Jewish worship. In addition to housing a sanctuary for services, synagogues serve as the center of Jewish life. Known in Hebrew as beit knesset, “gathering house,” the synagogue can be found virtually anywhere there are Jews and has been in use since the Babylonian exile.
The divorce (mechietsa) therefore has a Jewish origin. The Jewish faith has remained pure because it kept aloof from the views of the rest of the world. One’s own identity must be cherished. The fact that women and men are separated in the synagogue has nothing to do with inequality but is a difference in functional equality. It is precisely because men and women are different that they can complete each other. There are biological and psychological differences. For example, only women are capable of bearing children. If she had the same obligations as the man, she would be burdened more heavily. The man is obliged to be present in the synagogue; the woman is present in the synagogue voluntarily.
Family life
Christians think that ‘families that pray together stay together’ leads to a better family bond. But that’s not right. Judaism assumes that a stable family life must be built up at home. The shul (synagogue) is the place for relationship with God. The Jewish concept of davvenen – praying – is expressed in the word tefilla – prayer. Tefilla has, among other things, the meaning of ‘judging oneself’. Standing before God, one subjects oneself to a critical assessment from God’s vision. You open your heart to God.
Concentration
This complete concentration on the Creator is called kavvana concentration in Jewish law. Without kavvana, prayer is a chain of empty phrases. Nothing should distract. So you’re not allowed to talk. The presence of women can also distract attention. 1 It is a preventive measure because Jewish law recognizes man’s weaknesses. A synagogue is a holy place. And holiness is the desire to transcend oneself, to reach higher.
Footnote
1 If, according to Chabad Rabbi Tzvi Freeman, men are not distracted by women carrying the Sefer Torah or reciting Psalms, then there is something mentally wrong with these men. The Torah reports that the first human was created both male and female. The Torah calls this ‘created in G-d’s image’. The divine presence – the Shechinah – rests in the union of man and woman as one – when that union is sanctified by marriage, by preserving the times of separation, and by the hearts and mental focus of two becoming one.