[Avodah] The Requirement of Mechitza During Prayer and Other Events

[Prof. Levine]

At 03:27 AM 1/23/2012, Liron Kopinsky wrote:

> > Halacha requires placing a Mechitza (separation) between men and women in
> > the synagogue;
> >
>
>I have heard that this is a halacha which is dependent on the shul, and not
>on the situation (people davening), and as such, there is no obligation to
>create a mechitza when creating an impromptu minyan outside of a shul.
>
>Does anyone know what the source is for this?

This question I cannot answer.   However, a Flatbush rov sent me the 
following regarding requiring a mechitza at social gatherings.

"I don't know where they're getting their information from.  R. Moshe 
in IGM OC Part I siman 41 writes that at social gatherings he thinks 
that it is not necessary to have a mechitza."

Another rov pointed out the there was mixed seating at the weddings 
of Reb Moshe's children. He also wrote,  "As I have often mentioned, 
my father was present, before the war, at the wedding of the daughter 
of the Dvar Avraham, the Kovner Rov.  All the g'dolei Lita were 
there, and all of them sat with their wives."

"Did the halacha change?"

Given this, I sent an email to Rabbi Eli Mansour, who posts the 
material at http://www.dailyhalacha.com/ , pointing out what Reb 
Moshe wrote and asking for clarification.  I have not received a response.


Yitzchok Levine 
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