Are two beds really required?

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March 2, 2016

Question

I was always taught that 2 beds are required during nidda. But we live in a modern orthodox community and have been house hunting. Every house we go into has only one bed in the master bedroom. Is there an opinion that 1 bed is ok (no sex)? I am asking because the one time we were nidda we didn't really do it properly and ended up sleeping in the same bed. I would rather be more lenient than to disregard the halacha altogether.

Answer

Separate beds are in fact halachically required for when the wife is in niddah. There are ways to disguise two beds so that they seem to be one bed. Furthermore, a couple can actually have one large bed and use a trundle bed or mattress for one spouse during niddah.
It can take a while at first to become accustomed to different facets of niddah observance, including separate beds. If you are particularly concerned about your ability to observe this halacha, we invite you to share specific concerns with us so that we can help.

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