Relationships
Is It Permitted to Have Relations While Wearing Clothes?
Halacha on Intimacy With Clothes
Question
Hello Rabbi, my husband and I wanted to ask whether it is permitted for us to fulfill the mitzvah, that is, to have relations, while wearing clothes, because we learned that according to the Zohar one should remove everything. But sometimes it is hard for us to remove all of our clothes, either because of the cold or for other reasons, but not because we are embarrassed or anything like that, only for the sake of convenience. Is that acceptable? Thank you.
Answer
Greetings, If both of you are pleased to be together in this manner, it is permitted. However, according to the path of the secret, the husband and wife should be without clothes specifically, and nothing should interpose between them. It is good to follow also what is stated according to the path of the secret, but there is no obligation in the matter. Sources: Magen Avraham (siman 240, seif katan 22), Shaar HaTziyun (there, seif katan 18), and Kaf HaChaim (there, note 60). See also Otzar HaPoskim on Even HaEzer (siman 76, pages 83-84). With blessing, Hillel Meirs
