WATCH: A photographic exploration of Jewish separation

More than a decade ago, artist Myriam Tangi set off on a quest: to explore the emotional, intellectual and spiritual facets of the mehitza -- the barrier separating men from women in the synagogue. The result of her journey: a remarkable compilation of photographs and essays, collected in her new book, published by Gefen Publishing House, "Mehitza: Seen by Women."

Depending on the synagogue, the women's section may be located on a balcony or on the same floor as the men's section, and may be separated by a barrier that varies in height and opacity -- some are solid walls while others are sheer curtains or even glass; some are relatively low while others extend from floor to ceiling. In some communities, mehitzas are used not only in synagogues but in other settings as well, such as at weddings and in study halls.

The physical structure of the mehitza has a profound influence on the prayers and thoughts of the women ‎behind it, and demands a deeper understanding. How does the separation ‎impact their experiences of prayer? In what way does distance from the synagogue center ‎influence women, both within the synagogue and beyond? More broadly, the book ‎questions the male and female territories in the Jewish world.‎

Tangi's photographs offer an artistic vision -- a window into the feelings and experiences ‎of the women standing behind the mehitza. Her exquisite work is interspersed among ‎essays by leading Jewish scholars, in English and fully translated into French. These essays provide a fascinating analysis of the concept of ‎separation in Judaism. As such, the book is a significant contribution to studies on religion and gender.‎

In this episode of Israel Hayom Insider, Opinion Editor Steve Ganot speaks with artist Myriam Tangi about her photographic exploration of the mehitza and the concept of separation in Judaism.

Anchor: Steve Ganot. Camera: Doron Persoud. Makeup: Rona Ben-Ezra. Archive: Myriam Tangi.