Relations on Rosh Hashanah - Nishmat Yoatzot Halacha

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Relations on Rosh Hashanah

September 9, 2004

Question

Thank you for your wonderful site. I know that you are not supposed to have marital relations on Yom Kippur and Tisha B'Av, but someone recently told me that it is also not recommended to have relations on Rosh Hashana unless you go to the mikvah, is this true? I have already gone to the mikvah this month, and my husband and I are trying to get pregnant, does this matter at all? Thank you.

Answer

There is a widespread minhag not to have marital relations on Rosh Hashanah, in keeping with the awesome nature of the holy days and because we are meant to focus on prayer and repentance. This usually does not apply when it is a mitzvah to have relations, such as on mikveh night, or when trying to conceive.

Abstinence on Rosh Hashanah is considered proper conduct; it is not halachically required. Newlyweds or couples who have not had the opportunity to be together (for example one spouse was away traveling or was ill) may not wish to refrain, and should not feel obligated to do so.

This response was updated on 17 September, 2025.