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In Orthodox and Reform synagogues the seating plans are different. In an Orthodox synagogue the bottom floor with the Bimah (reading stand, similar to the lectern) and the Aron Hakodesh (ark containing the Torah scrolls) is in the men's section. This is a practical and spiritual separation, firstly men and women are separated to stop them from having improper thoughts in the synagogue and to keep them focused on the service and connected with God. On a practical level the men participate in the Torah reading while the women do not so they need not be near the bimah or the Aron Hakodesh which is why they have a "women's gallery". This all links back to the Talmud which says that men and women must be separated to avoid improper thoughts and deeds. In Reform Judaism the seating plan is different. These Jews believe that men and women have equal roles in the religion so that women can participate in the Torah reading. Also, Reform Jews believe that men and women know that they are in the synagogue to pray and to connect with God, and can be trusted not to be promiscuous.

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8y ago
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13y ago

Orthodox Jews have strict attitudes about sexual feelings and desires. When men and women sit separately, it's easier for the men to have 100% concentration on prayer and it avoids "interruptions".

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12y ago

So that people can think about the prayers instead of thinking about the opposite sex.

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12y ago

So that the congregants can concentrate on the prayers instead of on the opposite sex.

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6y ago

In order to concentrate on the prayers.

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Q: Why do men and women sit seperatlly in synagogues?
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Where do men and women sit during judaism worship?

In chairs or pews. In orthodox synagogues, men and women do not sit together, and are separated by a curtain or wall.


What is a gallery in a synagogue?

The Ezrat Nashim (עזרת נשים) or Ladies' Section/Gallery exists only in Orthodox Synagogues. In those synagogues, the women sit apart from the men in order to help both the men and the women focus on the prayers instead of on each other. The Ezrat Nashim is where the women sit. Answer: Orthodox synagogues have separate seating areas for men and women during services. In many synagogues, the women sit upstairs in a balcony. This is called the women's section, or ladies' gallery. In other synagogues the women's section can be adjacent to or behind the men's section, but separated by a curtain or other partition.


Why aren't women allowed in the main area of the Synagogue?

Women are allowed in the main area of synagogues. However, during the prayer services in Orthodox synagogues, men and women sit separately. The reason for this is so that people aren't distracted while praying.


Where do men and women sit in the synagogue?

Men and women had separate areas in the Temple in Jerusalem. They were separated by a physical barrier. It is presumed that this was true in the Solomonic Temple; archeological and historical data indicate it was true in the Second Temple (rebuilt by Herod in the early first century, destroyed by the Romans about 69CE) As synagogues are viewed as "mikdash me'at"--a miniature Temple--the practice to separate men and women during prayer was retained. The 19th century Reform movement in Germany, in imitation of Protestant practice, abolished the norm, as did Reform in the US and Conservative synanggues in the 20th century. A a small number of the latter maintain at least some separate seating areas, without the typical "mechitza"/barrier between men and women. In essence, the separation is to allow everyone the opportunity to direct one's prayers to God, undistracted. Note: the first paragraph is actually not true. There is no mention in the Bible of ritual separation of men and women in the ancient Temple.


Why don't men and woman sit together in Orthodox synagogues?

In order to concentrate on the prayers, not on the opposite sex.See also:More about Jewish prayer and synagogues


Why are Jewish women separated in Orthodox synagogues?

Because the Halakah requires the men and women to sit separately. One reason this is so is because prayer is supposed to be a serious time when a person concentrates on nothing but his relationship with his Creator. The mingling of the sexes can be a cause of frivolity and thus tends to be a distraction to the very essence of what prayer is supposed to be.


Do men and women sit together in a liberal synagogue?

Yes, there is no gender segregation in synagogues other than Orthodox synagogues.


Why do men and women have to sit away from each other in a synogogue?

There is no prohibition against men and women sitting next to each other. However, if the questioner is asking why men and women do not sit together in Orthodox synagogues, the reason for this is to prevent individuals from being distracted from praying. If, for example, a husband and wife were to sit next together, they might spend their time thinking about each other instead of prayer and HaShem.


Where do children sit at a synagogue?

They sit with their fathers and grandfathers.


What side do men and women sit on in the Sikh temple?

usually women on left and men on right


Who sits where in the Gudwara?

Men and women sit separately (men on the left and women on the right usually).


Could women in ancient times go to the Colosseum?

Yes, women were allowed in the Colosseum. However they had separate seating from the men, the same as at the theater. (The only place where women and men could sit together was at the chariot races.)Yes, women were allowed in the Colosseum. However they had separate seating from the men, the same as at the theater. (The only place where women and men could sit together was at the chariot races.)Yes, women were allowed in the Colosseum. However they had separate seating from the men, the same as at the theater. (The only place where women and men could sit together was at the chariot races.)Yes, women were allowed in the Colosseum. However they had separate seating from the men, the same as at the theater. (The only place where women and men could sit together was at the chariot races.)Yes, women were allowed in the Colosseum. However they had separate seating from the men, the same as at the theater. (The only place where women and men could sit together was at the chariot races.)Yes, women were allowed in the Colosseum. However they had separate seating from the men, the same as at the theater. (The only place where women and men could sit together was at the chariot races.)Yes, women were allowed in the Colosseum. However they had separate seating from the men, the same as at the theater. (The only place where women and men could sit together was at the chariot races.)Yes, women were allowed in the Colosseum. However they had separate seating from the men, the same as at the theater. (The only place where women and men could sit together was at the chariot races.)Yes, women were allowed in the Colosseum. However they had separate seating from the men, the same as at the theater. (The only place where women and men could sit together was at the chariot races.)