New topic: Yichud

Hi,

Today we begin a new topic: Yichud, the prohibition against a man remaining in seclusion with a woman, if sexual relations with her are prohibited.

The main concern involved in this prohibition is that the man might assault the woman. Therefore, a man may be alone with his mother or daughter; in normal situations, the man would not feel any desire to assault her.

There is some debate as to the origin of this prohibition, but it is generally understood to be biblical if a man is with a woman who is prohibited to him biblically, and rabbinic if she is prohibited to him only rabbinically.

(Shulchan Aruch Even haEzer 22:1; Beit Shemuel Even haEzer 22:1; Aruch haShulchan Even haEzer 22:1-3)

Have a great day,
Mordechai