If a couple by accident left the bedroom light on during shabbos. Can the couple have relations in that room during the evening if there is no other private room?
Answer:
It is forbidden to have relations in the light. However, the light can be covered over with a rag (or something that won’t catch fire), and it would then be permitted to have relations in the room.
Sources: Ramban, Issurei Biah 21:10; Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 240:12, Yoreh De’ah 25:5 (the actual prohibition); Chasam Sofer, Orach Chaim 73 (the possibility of covering the light). The Gemara discusses the possibility of erecting a partition between the light and the bed, but this is forbidden to do on Shabbos itself, unless one finds a non-Jew to do it for you. It is generally more practical to try to cover up the lamp or light.
