What is the purpose of the Mechitza? Why do we have it?

 D. The reason for the requirement:[1]

The Talmud[2] states that the reason for building the balcony is in order to prevent “Kalus Rosh.” The Poskim discuss the exact parameters and definition of this statement.

Prevent intermingling: Some Rishonim[3] and Poskim[4] 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 men and women from mixing with each other and intermingling [i.e. speech and touching[5]]. This is also the reason behind appointing the police patrol during the holidays, to prevent men and women from intermingling.[6]

Prevent forbidden sight: Some Rishonim[7] and Poskim[8] 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 the men from staring at the women. Some Poskim[9], however, negate this as being the reason behind the need for a Mechitza between men and women.

Prevent lightheadedness and frivolity: Some Rishonim[10] and Poskim[11] 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[12]] between the men and women.

Prevent forbidden thought: Some Poskim[13] write that the purpose of a Mechitza in Shul is to prevent forbidden thoughts during prayer which can prevent the prayer from being elevated.

[1] See Om Ani Choma 2:23; Pardes Chabad ibid in length

[2] Sukkah 51a

[3] Rambam Mishneh Torah Hilchos Lulav 8:12; Hilchos Beis Habechira 5:9; Pirush Hamishneh Midos 2:5; Meiri Sukkah 51b; Piskei Harid Sukkah 52 “And they blink with their eyes [at each other]”

[4] Igros Moshe O.C. 1:39

[5] Igros Moshe O.C. 1:39

[6] Admur 529:13; Michaber 529:4; Rambam Hilchos Yom Tov 6:21

[7] Rambam Pirush Hamishnayos Sukkah 5:2; Tosafos Yom Tov on Sukkah 5:2; Piskei Harid Sukkah 52 “And they look at each other”

[8] Maharam Shick O.C. 77; Zichron Yehuda O.C. 72; Divrei Yoel O.C. 1:10 in great length; Tzitz Eliezer 7:8 in name of 70 Rabbanim; Rebbe in Igros Kodesh 7:309; 14:228; 19:73; 23:156; Otzer Hamelech 3:146; Shevet Halevi 1:29; Beir Moshe 4:147; Mishneh Halachos 7:12

[9] Igros Moshe O.C. 1:39 based on the fact that originally in the temple the women were on the inside and the men were on the outside, and could see the women through the gates, and nonetheless it was viewed as a valid Mechitza, until they noticed that it brought intermingling. Hence, we see that mere prevention of site of a woman is not the reason behind the Mechitza.

[10] Meiri Beis Habechira Sukkah 52a; This follows the simple wording of the Talmud Sukkah ibid that it was done to prevent “Kalus Rosh”

[11] Igros Moshe O.C. 1:39

[12] Igros Moshe O.C. 1:39

[13] Chasam Sofer C.M. Hashmatos 190; Igros Kodesh 10:394; See Vayan Yosef O.C. 1:58