people touching people, particularly of the opposite sex
1
vote
2answers
103 views
Is it considered Pikuach Nefesh if you break Shomer Negiah to give someone emotional comfort?
I've asked myself this before, but I'm not sure. Say that you see someone depressed, severely depressed and they just need a hug. If they're the same gender, that's all fine and dandy. However, if ...
3
votes
1answer
123 views
Touching the opposite gender by way of an object
Is it permissible to touch someone of the opposite sex with an object (for example: to get their attention)?
10
votes
1answer
190 views
Plastic gloves in Halacha
If someone touches something while wearing gloves (i.e. waterproof rubber gloves), does that halachically count as touching? Practical examples include:
Touching a neveilah, whether or not you ...
8
votes
3answers
319 views
Touching a woman and the first Pesukim in Melachim
Shulhan Aruch Even HaEzer Siman 21 and 22 records the Halacha against men and women touching each other (especially Derech Hiba; whether it is Deorayta or Derabanan is a Mahloket Rishonim between ...
8
votes
2answers
264 views
How can I determine if someone is Shomer Negiah?
I am not Shomer Negiah. However, I have been in mixed social situations where I was unsure if the person I was meeting was Shomer Negiah. I don't want to offend anyone, so I'm wondering if there is a ...
11
votes
2answers
340 views
Shomer Negiah without direct contact?
An interesting thought crossed my mind: does shomer negiah specifically only relate to direct, physical contact, or does it additionally extend to cover cases where there is no direct touch?
Though ...
7
votes
4answers
297 views
How to tell someone about Shomer Negiah
As I'm sure that many of you have had to "break it" to a coworker or friend that you're Shomer Negiah, have you found a strategy or choice of words that seems most effective? As I wasn't raised frum ...
16
votes
12answers
1k views
How to tactfully circumvent opposite-gender handshake
Say you're a man in a professional setting, and a woman who isn't used to dealing with observant Jews stretches out her hand to greet you -- but your practice is to avoid shaking hands even in ...
7
votes
1answer
150 views
Blind and Marriage
The Gemara tells us that a man may not marry a woman without first seeing her because if she turns out to be displeasing to him then he will transgress the mitzvah of "Ve'ahavtah lerei'acha ...
11
votes
2answers
708 views
What are the halachic boundaries between a brother and sister?
Can they touch each other? Hug? Are they allowed to expose their legs, arms, etc., in front of each other? Can they swim together? Dance together?
14
votes
3answers
779 views
Shaking hands with the opposite gender?
What's the story: Can a man shake hands with a woman (or vice versa) in a business setting?
