“Dignity of the Congregation” as a Defense Mechanism: A Halakhic Ruling by Rabbi Joseph Messas

This article seeks to cast light on a halakhic responsum of Rabbi Joseph Messas, one of great halakhic authorities of twentieth century in North Africa. The responsum deals with questions of whether a barrier between men and women in synagogue is necessary, and of whether women may be up to Torah. It offers a new understanding of concept of the dignity of congregation as well as fascinating accounts of Jewish women being called to Torah, wearing the attire of Muslim women. Through analysis of this responsum, I shall map out various views and understandings of the dignity of congregation and look at R. Messas's position through prism of contemporary gender research.