Well put, this type of thing is getting extreme like the Taliban

To #1 and #2 - what's your problem? You don't bank there, and the bank clients want this particular type of service. Just as you are not forced to live the lifestyle of the average Bnai Brak resident, please don't try to impose your personal mores on them. A Guten Kvitel to everyone.

What is wrong standing next to a woman? You are right most of us do not live th lifestyle of the average bnei breck resident.We serve in the army,work and pay taxes and do not let some "rebbe" dictate to us.

I think it's fabulous. I hate standing in line with these guys anyway. Taliban shmaliban. The department store there is fairly similar, and it's so pleasant shopping there. It's a great idea. Like sitting in Shul with women only, it's super, one of the only places where we girls enjoy a well deserved break away from 'em. When they go off riding jeeps through the desert, or go to the public toilets, you don't shriek taliban do you? The unisex pub toilets sound SO attractive- yuk!Lighten up gals and guys.

I usually find your comments intelligent and worth reading. Hatred does spoil things though.

if the women are truly choosing this or are having the coice made for them by their husbands. "You want to freely choose ths or else." If the women are truly and honestly requesting this without their husband's insistance, then there is no room for criticism. I don't hink a lot of women are flocking to BB in order to stand in line.

Let them do whatever they want.

Why show your ignorance? You say "We serve in the army,work and pay taxes and do not let some "rebbe" dictate to us." You let your shrink or mother decide for you. We ak someone smarter and more experienced advice without being forced to accept. It is interesting to see how many doctors ask the Nodvorna Rebbe questions about health and economist too about economy! I served, I work and pay taxes and am very happy that I do not get only advise by paying! (I am NOT the only one) May you be blessed with a year of enlightenment!

No point in 'flocking there' to stand in line , if it 'aint their bank, lady. The modern BB lady doesn't appear to be toooo pushed around by her husband, 'sorg sich nicht' on that point. In fact, she's be quite amused if you think that. She won't object to a ladies queue, either. She'd join it ,happily, as I, and many others would too, if it was introduced in my city. Exceptions, as always, in all societies.

great idea! one side men one women.better yet put up a wall so no looky looky!

What an irony or twist of fate or something like that! The world's gettin' religious! And now Bney Brak are following Iran! Great, na'asse ve'nishma' and we go your way ya Iran... If it's said "for men/women only" it's also meant ONLY and not FREE CHOICE. In places where women have their special bus seats and lines the women's opinions can't well accepted so it must have been decided ONLY by men!... #11 Oh, yeah, completely right. We just started with a wall so why not to do a second one... It might be even better for all Israelis to seperate the country. 1 part for IL men, 1 for tourists and the remaining part for women and Arabs. Where will I meet you? ...

What's wrong w/ things being separate for the sexes? Sometimes we get on each other's nerves. We need a break from each other every now and then.

While I am not Jewish. I have the deepest respect for the history and faith of the Jewish people. But I can not understand the need for male/female teller lines. I thught that Israel was a modern country. This type of two tier system can help no one. What is next...a third line for Christians?

I've been called many things in my life, but never misogynistic. There was no intent to belittle women; rather, I was only suggesting that if both the female and male customers of a particular bank branch wanted separate lines that it should be no skin off your nose. Your particular preferences are in this case irrelevant. In retailing, the customer is always right - and these customers want that kind of service.

why you ask are we all upset?its because we are looking at a growing tribal movement which threatens in the future to change everyones ifestyle!this is not religion its obsessiveness!our forefathers never ever lived like this!

I think you should read up some more on the faith of the Jewish people if you don't understand the reason for seperate lines. I'm confused what it has to do with christians, anyway.

Of course, people may choose to live in circumstances that others do not choose. Unfortunately, in insular groups such as this, there is not any real choice, as choice comes from actually knowing what other options are available, and social strictures and pressures prevent members of these groups from (a) getting that information and (b) taking advantage of it. However, I was thinking about this kind of foolishness at shul at Simhat Torah as our men and women danced delightedly with OUR Torah, all of us Jewish Humans sharing equally in the joy, and felt pretty sorry for the Jewish women who would be excluded from it. I know... I'll hear that "We don't want that". Which is pretty lucky, especially if it wouldn't be allowed to you! So I guess we're all happy, aren't we? Sharon

Phillip, Mingling of the genders is considered immodest in Judaism, so in order to avoid having to stand behind women in line, the men simply switch lines. It has nothing to do with Christians. The reason why this only occurs in Bnei Brak is due to the fact that most of Israel is comprised of secular Jews. I hope this was of assistance.

Mingling of the genders is only considered "immodest" in the most right-wing Judaisms -- and I use the plural on purpose. Ultra Orthodox Jews choose to refer to any non-orthodox Jews as secular, whether the others consider themselves religious or not. I, for instance, would not be considered "erlicher Yidn", nor, essentially, would any Jew who is outside their community and community observances. They will not explain to you that there have always been, and will always be, differing interpretations of the law as well as different cultural traditions amond different Jewish sects and societies. In essence, they will treat any non community member as a "goy" (one of the other nations) whether a Conservative Jew from America or a Christian. If a non B-nei B'rak person attempts to pass through their neighborhoods in "immodest" dress, they will be subject to some level of harrassment, and you would be expected to observe their rules of commerce, such as using the "women only" line if female.

your taliban analogy is wrong... the taliban inflicted their extreme policies violently on a whole country -- unless you live in bnei brak, you don't have to use this bank.

You have to be KIDDING! Next will slavery be re established? Israel doesn't need arab enemies to destroy its democracy. This article indicates the country seems to be going down this road doing a good job on its very own. Where in the Torah is seperation of man & woman required? It's not. Leave it up to religious bigots to mis interprete the law and or create practices to thwart and destroy the very values of Judaism. One cannot be a rightous individual while walking down the path of discrimination. This is terribly disappointing and disturbing to read.

I have 2 questions, 1) Can the women use the male teller during rush hour? 2) Since the bus ride is smoother in front, should the women (some pregnent) be in front and a curtain block the view of women from the men?

Women's comfort, convenience, or desires are not considered above men's. I recommend reading the book "Defenders of the Faith: Inside Ultra-Orthodox Jewry" by Samuel Heilman, an in-depth study of haredim in Israel. It is, of course, mostly a book about men, as the women in the societies are mostly invisible.