Separation of males and females in Jewish law

Halakha (Jewish law) requires that members of the opposite sex not mingle under most circumstances, including during religious synagogue (shul) services, social events, and in schools. Though this is not strictly adhered to by most Jews, including many who claim to be Orthodox, the mingling of males and females is considered by Jewish law to be a most egregious violation, as it is the source of much sin among the Jewish people.

Socialization with members of the opposite sex for pleasure outside of the immediate family is absolutely forbidden by Jewish law. Even within the immediate family, it is very much frowned upon. Conversation for business or one's practical needs is permitted on a limited basis, but it must be kept as brief as possible, so that a male not derive pleasure from the conversation with a member of the opposite sex.

Staring at members of the opposite sex is also forbidden. The Torah states that it is forbidden to "gaze at idols." "Idols" in this refers is a reference to women.

The Pirkei Avot states that one should not socialize with women, including one's own wife, in order to avoid being sent to Gehinnom. If socializing with one's wife is a serious offense, how much worse is it to socialize with other women?

Socializing with one's mother is forbidden. The Torah states that Isaac was weined from his mother at age 2. Being the age that it is common for one to develop conversational skills, this shows that no man or even a young boy should be socializing with his mother. And obviously, this signifies the end of a boy being allowed to be touched by his mother. A young boy should only be around other boys and adult males as soon as he develops conversational skills.

Socializing with one's sister is forbidden also. The Torah states that a kohen may attend the funerals of seven immediate famiy members. One of the members is one's unmarried sister. This shows that once a women marries, she is viewed to her brother to same way a non-relative would be. As a women is eligible to marry at the age of 12, any girl who reaches this age should be viewed as off-limits for socialization to her brothers.

The same is true for a man's daughter. A man must not socialize for pleasure with his daughter after age 12, or have any physical contact.

All these restrictions against socialization with one's own family members of the opposite sex show that it is much more serious to socialize with non-relatives or more distant relative, such as grandparents, uncles, and aunts.

Family members should not eat meals together, or even in the same room at the same time, even on Shabbat and on festivals. It is preferable that the women eat while the men attend shul, and the men eat after arrival home. The time in which men are in shul is viewed as a time for women to be separated from men in the home.

In public
Men, especially, when in public, must strive to avoid to inevitable site of women. Jewish women have an obligation to avoid having themselves seen by men.

Attendance at an event with mixed gender seating, such as a wedding, concert, or meeting, is forbidden. Even if a man is not seated directly next to a woman, he is putting himself at risk.

Being seated next to a member of the opposite sex on an airplane, a train, or a bus is forbidden. Even the slightest contact is a serious sin. Even if the contact was an accidental brush, one who did not take steps to avoid it is liable.

One should avoid being in a tight crowd with members of the opposite sex due to the high likelihood of an accidental brush with a member of the opposite sex.

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