Yichud Leniencies

Hi,

We have said that otherwise-prohibited seclusion is permissible in a space which opens on to a public area. We also say that one may be secluded with a woman if her husband is in town, unless they are overly familiar and comfortable with each other. (Shulchan Aruch Even haEzer 22:8-9)

We see here that the leniencies associated with this law are somewhat subjective; the definitions of “opening on to a public area” and “overly familiar and comfortable” are vague. Therefore, and given the family-shattering and community-shattering consequences associated with an error in these matters, one should exercise great caution in applying these leniencies.

Have a great day,
Mordechai