Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

May one put up a Mechitza in a Sukkah?[1] A Mechitza may only be set up in a Sukkah if it leaves a dimension of 7×7 Tefachim on each side of the Mechitza, otherwise that area that contains less than 7×7 Tefachim becomes invalidated. Thus, when setting up Mechitzos in […]

Public transportation:[1] There is no requirement for there to be a Mechitza between the men and women on a bus, train, or plane, as the passengers have no connection with each other and are each there for their own purpose. [1] Shaareiy Yitzchak of Rav Ratzabi Bookmark

By a concert: The entire source of a Mechitza brought from the Talmud is regarding the Simchas Beis Hashoeiva [see source #2]. Hence, a Mechitza between the men and women should be required by a concert. [However, some are lenient to have a concert without a Mechitza between the men […]

F. Private meal taking place in a public setting, such as a hotel or restaurant:[1] Restaurant: A Mechitza is not necessary between the men and women who are eating in a restaurant, and each family may sit down and eat on their section or table, and so is the widespread […]

By a community meal:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that from the letter of the law, there is room to be lenient to have a public meal without a Mechitza between the men and woman side. However, according to the Rebbe’s directives, a public meal is to have a Mechitza in-between the […]

By a Seudas Mitzvah event [i.e. Bar Mitzvah, Bris, Pidyon Haben, etc]: Bar Mitzvah: This follows the same law as a wedding meal [due to the dancing and great extravagance with which it is organized today] and hence a Mechitza is required. Nonetheless, some Poskim[1] conclude that it remains permitted […]

2. The events in which a Mechitza is required: A. The general rule: Some Poskim[1]  rule that all events which require or are designated for the gathering of men and women, require a Mechitza and that this is a Biblical requirement.[2] One can argue that this applies even regarding non-Torah […]

Length:[1] The Mechitza must stretch from one end of the women’s section to the other, so the men cannot see the women from any part of the Shul. [1] See Sukkah ibid in Source #2 Bookmark

Separate entrances:[1] Separate entrances to the men’s and women’s section must be made so the men and women can enter from their own entrance, in order to prevent intermingling in the entrance area and prevent the men from seeing the women there. [However, if this is not possible, then one […]

Height in a Shul: According to all opinions, the Mechitza must be at least tall enough to reach the average shoulder height of a person, which is approximately 18 Tefachim.[1] If it is lower than this height, then it is completely invalid. Now, regarding if it must be even higher […]

Shop Now *As an Amazon Associate I earn from  qualifying purchases. WhatsApp Facebook Twitter Telegram Sign up for Daily Distribution Sponsor an Episode Donate The definition of a Kosher Mechitza:[1] A Kosher Mechitza is defined as a divider which prevents intermingling [i.e. talking and touching] between the two genders.[2] In […]

 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 […]

The Halachic source for the requirement: Interestingly, the accustomed obligation to have a Mechitza in Shul or by other events is not explicitly recorded in the Rambam or Shulchan Aruch, and the later Poskim[1] collect the various Talmudic and Halachic sources which lead to its requirement.   Source #1 from […]