Although it is taking place rather unofficially and many people are not even aware of it, the separation between male and female within haredi society has been spreading.
In another week, we are going to celebrate the New Year of the trees, "Tu be'Shevat", and on this holiday it is tradition to eat all kinds of fruits from different trees. In Israel, people love to add a huge variety of nuts as well as dry fruit. Shops and market stands with these items are extremely busy and prices are going up as well. Famous are the so - called "Pizuchim" where a wide range of nuts, sunflower seeds and dry fruits are being sold.
But who would have thought about modesty when it comes to Tu be'Shevat ?
The shop "Pizuche'i Mizrachi" in Jerusalem's Bucharim neighbourhood (right next to ultra - orthod. Ge'ulah) did. Very exessively, as the shop is planning to introduce a separation (Mechitzah) on the days before Tu be'Shevat. Men and woman buy at different sides of the shop and thus, modesty will be guaranteed. No Yetzer HaRah (evil thoughts) is coming up, no nothing.
Mizrachi has a kosher certificate from the anti - Zionist umbrella organization "Edah HaCharedit" and slowly it is becoming more and more obvious that around the Mea Shearim neighbourhood, many shopkeepers only allow modestly dressed customers into their store.
The whole separation switch has been moving slowly; however, I am concerned, as all this seems to get out of control.
Of course, there exist pros and cons about separate shopping but don't forget to think about the contiuation. I am worried but not at all saying that everyone can be as immodest as possible. There is a need for modesty but not according to the law of the Taliban.
Seemingly not enough anymore. The separation wall (Mechitzah) in the Synagogue.
This is stupid! No wonder these people are so frustrated its laughable if your faith is so weak that you have to build artificial walls to keep your hands off each other you need help. This is a total prevision of Torah and is no better than the Muslims nonsense they teach.
ReplyDeleteB"H
ReplyDeleteOn the one hand, I can understand that particularly women are sometimes glad to have a Mechitzah, and no men can stare at them.
But on the other hand, I think that, especially in Jerusalem, things are getting out of control. Let alone the separate sidewalk demand in Beit Shemesh and parts of Bnei Brak.
I can accept that Chassidut Skver has in its town New Square a separate sidewalk arrangement but this is their own property and not a public place.
By the way, I don't think that the whole modesty issue is so much about modesty itself but rather a competition between different groups. Everyone wants to be holier than the other group.