in judaism how are relatinoships and contact between men and women viewed?

Answer 1

Amongst traditionally observant Jews, men and women do not touch each other. This does not, of course, apply to a husband and wife, and it doesn't necessarily apply to one's immediate family (though I knew one guy who was so strict about it that he wouldn't hug his own mother - I don't know if he was simply being stringent in his observance, or just being unnecessarily strict). Even husband and wife do not touch each other for a certain length of time each month. People who keep these rules are referred to as "shomer negiah" (keeping the laws regarding physical contact). The reasoning behind all this is basically a combination of laws regarding ritual purity and modesty in conduct.

Wikipedia actually has a pretty decent article explaining this concept: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Negiah

Also, amongst other things, men and women are not supposed to be alone in a room together.

Men are instructed not to converse excessively with a woman, as this may lead to sin, etc., etc.

Please note that although all these rules may make observant Jews sound uptight, you'd be hard-pressed to find a religion with a healthier attitude towards sexuality. While some religions frown upon marriage as a necessary evil, a concession to men and women's baser instincts, while maintaining that the ideal life for a pious person is one of celibacy, Judaism maintains that we are commanded to marry and have children, and in fact, this is the first mitzvah recorded in the Torah (be fruitful and multiply). In Judaism, sexuality isn't shunned, but rather, restricted (that is, to the context of marriage) and refined into one of the holiest of acts.

I hope this helps answer your question. If you have any further questions, I can try to answer them, or, if I feel unqualified (which I probably will be), I can point you in the direction of someone who can.

Answer 2

Its surely male-dominant for more details the following sites may be of use.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niddah
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism#Family_purity

Answer 3

With both eyes closed.