Three explanations for a common custom, and the one rule that applies regardless: don’t stand out.
Q. On Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur when the congregation bows down on the floor during Aleynu, and the Service of the Kohen Gadol, should women bow, as well?
Like many questions, this should really be addressed to your local rabbi. In general, one should do like the local custom, so if the women in your shul bow or refrain from doing so, that’s what you should be doing. It’s definitely wrong for only individuals to bow, for it’s “yuhara” (the prohibition of “showing off” religiously).
Several reasons are offered to explain why in many shuls, women don’t bow:
a. R. Chaim Soloveichik of Brisk said that the prostration is in memory of what we used to do in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Accordingly, women, who were not in the Azara section there, didn’t bow, so also today, there’s no reason for them to do so. b. Some feel that even if there are no men watching, it’s not a tzanua (modest) position for women. c. Sometimes the women’s section was just too small and there was no room for everyone to prostrate!
It’s important to note, that when bowing onto the floor, you should place a towel or talit to separate between your face (not your knees!) and the ground, for it’s forbidden to bow down on the floor outside the Beit Hamikdash. Regarding those who wish to put under their knees so as not to get dirty, it’s okay, but don’t think that that’s enough. Ktiva vaChatima Tova!
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