Parshas Ki Seitzei 5785
- Torah Tavlin
- Sep 5
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 8
Monetary, Interpersonal Laws and Din Torah (45)
Yichud in a Car. We have recently explained that although in most cases there is no problem of Yichud in a car, in cases where they are secluded and not noticed due to the time or place, there is an issur. In such cases there is a possible way to remove the issur according to many Poskim. If one of the parties, the man or the lady, will call an adult via Facetime and be seen the whole time, there is no issur. They should specify that they are calling to avoid yichud so that the observer will keep watching. They must also be in an area that has proper phone service and won’t get disconnected. This is similar, and possibly more lenient, than an office situation with someone observing them currently with cameras, where in cases of need, many Poskim are lenient (1). In a taxi where the driver is risking his source of income by doing something wrong, there is even more room to be lenient (2).
Shomer in a Car. Another unique halacha is that normally there is no yichud if a lady is with two orthodox respectful men, because each man is a shomer for the other, and will not sin if there is another who will know about it. At night, however, when people are sleeping, an additional man [total three] is needed. The reason is that if there are only two men, the other one might sin, assuming confidently that the sleeper will not wake up. If there are two men sleeping, the nature of people is to be nervous that one will wake up. The Shevet Halevi gives (3) a very logical leniency regarding a car. If two men are traveling in a car it is like daytime and there is no issur yichud with one lady even if one is sleeping. Since if the car will stop the sleeper will wake up, he is a good shomer and no additional man is required, unlike sleeping in a house.
Before Rosh Hashana. As the year comes to its end, and the new year is around the corner, it is a time to make good resolutions for the coming year. Regarding car travel, one should make sure that he is driving safely, no dialing or texting, with all passengers properly seatbelted. Also children should have the proper car seats according to their age. Speed limits should be kept. Drivers should be fresh and sober without exception. One should also try to do chessed with his car whenever possible.
(1) עיין שו"ת משנה הלכות ד:קעז:ב, שו"ת מעין אומר י"ג עמ' 023 (2) אגרות משה יו"ד ב:פב (3) שו"ת שבט הלוי ה:רב:א