עברית
Halachot and Customs
Engaging in Relations on Shavuot Night
Question
Greetings,
My mikveh day falls on Shabbat, the night of Shavuot. Is it permitted to engage in relations? My husband, who has recently begun to strengthen his observance, says it is forbidden because it is a holy day during which he must pray all night. I argue that only on fast days and days of mourning is it necessary to refrain from physical contact and to avoid relations, as these are days when one fasts and afflicts oneself before Hashem. Am I mistaken?
Thank you very much.
Answer
Greetings,
According to Jewish law, it is permitted to engage in relations on Shavuot night; however, according to Kabbalah, it is correct to refrain. Nevertheless, according to the principles of Kabbalah, if the night of immersion coincides with Shavuot night, it is permissible (and even necessary) to engage in relations.
Sources: Mishnah Berurah (Siman 242, Sif 7, and Siman 495, end Sif 1).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
