Orthodox Jews have strict regulations regarding the mingling of men and women. Some of their rules are biblically based (Leviticus 15:19-20), and some are entirely unfounded.
For example, Orthodox men and women do not touch in any way unless they are married, and when they are, they have separate beds called ‘Kosher’ beds for when the wife is on her period. Furthermore, synagogues, weddings and social gatherings have separate sections for both sexes. Some Orthodox neighborhoods even took it upon themselves (illegally) to allocate ‘men only’ and ‘women only’ sidewalks and alleyways so that, God forbid, there is no accidental contact in the narrow space as they pass by.
This is called ‘shomer negiah,’ a term referring to someone who refrains from physical contact with members of the opposite sex. Within Orthodox and religious practices, this is the norm, but not so amongst the rest of Israeli society.
Recently, with the changing of governmental policies, a new law was proposed to accommodate religious men and women...
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2 responses to “Is an extreme sex-segregated society in the cards for Israel?”
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One has to wonder why the Orthodox believe women should be behind or even under their feet when the Lord made Eve from Adams side to be at his side. Why is there a move to separate? it seems to be non Biblical.
Do I believe men and women should be completely separated? Certainly not. Do I believe women are to dress in modest attire? Absolutely. God is perfectly capable of bringing man and woman together as one, without the help of immodest clothing!
What I don’t understand is why the author felt it necessary to take off shorts, covering her bare legs with long pants, but would not cover her bare arms?? If it was an offense to others (as the author clearly states it was), then don’t put a stumbling block in their path.
Is it the men who lack self control or the women who want to push the boundaries of modesty?
The author correlates the Song of Solomon to the reality of romance, passion, desire and sensuality. These are terms reserved for a groom and his bride, not the whole neighborhood.
And all should be cognizant of the lust of the eyes, which Yeshua considers adultery in the heart.