Q&A: Avoiding Physical Contact
Avoiding Physical Contact
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I understand that the prohibition on touching members of the opposite sex applies when the touch involves affection. I’m trying to understand what counts as affection.
Extending a hand to help someone get down from a high place, touching a hand or shoulder to get someone’s attention, a formal handshake — what is the Jewish law in all these cases?
And is affection only in a way that is understood as erotic or sexual affection, or is even a light hug of the kind also customary among members of the same sex (two straight men / two straight women) also prohibited?
Could you explain, and maybe give sources?
Answer
We’re talking about affection that has a sexual element. Not affection toward your mother or aunt.
Discussion on Answer
I also didn’t answer about a mother or aunt. I gave an example of affectionate contact that has no sexual component.
There is no general answer for every person and every situation. You need to understand for yourself what the meaning of the contact is and decide.
I didn’t understand — I wasn’t asking about a mother or aunt.
Let’s say I work in an office, and a female employee comes in after having been absent for a long time, and she gives all the employees a light hug (the kind of light hug that’s common today among friends, not a close embrace of the kind common between romantic partners) — is a hug like that considered prohibited touching?
And if it is prohibited, what is the Jewish law (same case regarding that employee) for touching her hand or shoulder to get her attention, a handshake — are all these considered prohibited touching?