"Only in Israel" Moment: Shomer Negiya

I was just settling into my seat preparing for the long bus ride from Jerusalem to Bat Yam when a religious woman across from me leans over and asks in Hebrew, "Would you like to sit next to me? I don't want to sit next to a man."

Just as some background to this encounter, it is Halacha (Jewish law) that males and females are not allowed to have any physical contact unless they are married or immediate family, and even they should not have contact in public. This concept of being Shomer Negiya, is one that is followed to varying degrees amongst the Orthodox groups. The most religious are not even allowed to sit next to the opposite gender, as in this case.

I have complete respect for those who are Shomer Negiya, particularly when it comes to romantic relationships. Being able to form and develop relationships based purely on how they interact and how their personalities mix and not on the physical aspect is commendable and I believe it creates much stronger bonds than today's modern day relationships.

Though I respect their decisions to live in this fashion, I do believe not being allowed to sit next to another man is a bit excessive.