Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Beds


During niddah, the couple may not sleep on the same bed – even if they are clothed, use different blankets, and do not touch.

Separating Beds

Therefore, most couples have two beds that can be brought together when relations are permitted and separated when they are not. These beds should not touch when the couple is using them during niddah.

Couples who want to share the same large bed when the wife is tehorah may choose to keep an additional bed, or a trundle or sleep couch, alongside the main bed for one of them to use during niddah.

Although there is no absolute halachic measure for the distance between beds, some authorities require the beds to be far enough apart that the bedding does not touch, while others require that they be an arm's length apart.

As long as the beds come apart, and movement on one bed cannot be felt by someone on the other, the beds can be attached to a single headboard or footboard.

Using the Spouse's Bed

A husband may not sit or lie down on his wife's bed while she is niddah. According to some authorities, he may sit on her bed in her absence.

A wife may sit on her husband's bed, and lie down on it when he is absent, but she may not lie down on his bed if he is present.

(Restrictions on making each other's beds are discussed in Affectionate Service.)

 


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All health and health-related information contained within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is intended to be general in nature and should not be used as a substitute for consulting with your health care professional. The advice is intended to offer a basis for individuals to discuss their medical condition with their health care provider but not individual advice. Although every effort is made to ensure that the material within Nishmat's Women's Health & Halacha Web site is accurate and timely, it is provided for the convenience of the Web site user but should not be considered official. Advice for actual medical practice should be obtained from a licensed health care professional.


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