Orthodox Synagogue

Before going to the synagogue I was pretty nervous.  I had heard that women sat up in a balcony away from men.  I was under the impression that women just watched the men worship.  I planned on coming out of the evening feeling mad because women were being suppressed.  Luckily I was wrong.
When we walked in we separated.  The men were on the left and the women were on the right.  The leader of the synagogue was right in the middle where everyone could see.  Everyone prayed and sang along.  The seven minute talk was then given by a woman!  I was thrilled that everyone was able to worship and enjoy the night together!  I was so happy!

One of the highlights of the night occurred after the service was over.  A lot of the women that came to the service were newcomers testing out the synagogue.  Many of them were soldiers (at least they carried big guns with them).  Brielle told me that she really wanted to touch one of the guns but she was too scared.  I then "accidentally" bumped into a soldier while putting my prayer book away and touched the end of the gun.  Pretty crazy!!!