עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is It Halachically Permitted for an Engaged Couple to Sleep in the Same House?
Question
Hello and blessings, honored rabbi,
When the groom comes to visit his bride’s home on Shabbat, is he permitted to sleep there?
Thank you very much in advance!
Answer
Hello,
It is proper and correct to be careful during the period of engagement that the groom should not sleep in the same house where the bride is sleeping, even when there is no issue of seclusion. And this is the common practice.
Sources: See Yalkut Yosef, Shidduchim and Marriage (Chapter 1, section 30), and Um Ani Choma, Part 1 (page 99), and responsa Adnei Paz, Part 3 (siman 97), and responsa Asher Hanan, Part 8 (siman 101, letter 8). However, see Sefer Shulchan Yosef (page 226), which cites in the name of Rav Ovadia Yosef, zt"l, that in a time of need it is possible to be lenient in this matter.
With blessings,
Hillel Meirs
