Lefanecha

It's profound that our first words when we awaken in the morning - whether we are alone or with a spouse - are to be spoken to G-d. Content aside for a second, the message here is that our deepest relationship, our only true escape from alone-ness in this world is connecting with G-d. So we wake up and the first thing we do is say hello to G-d.

This fits with the idea that a mechitza reminds us that in this world man's primary relationship is with G-d. The one potential area for a deep human relationship so deep that it takes one out of oneself is between man and woman, and yet in synagogue we remind ourselves that ultimately it's us and G-d. This is the true meaning of "im ein ani li mi li" - "if I am not for myself who will be for me?" To quote Irving Bunim (who, hopefully is overstating it),"The most loving wife cannot share my pain, experience my anxieties, or suffer my death."

Have a meaningful day.