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Between Two Women

Is the halachah that we can’t walk between to two pigs, dogs and women still applicable today?

If so, if we are holding something in our hand e.g. a book or packet, can we walk between two women?

Does the halachah also apply to walking between one’s wife and daughter?

Thanks.

Answer:

The Gemara mentions these halachos (Pesachim 111a), and although they are not ruled by the Rambam or by the Shulchan Aruch, a number of Poskim do mention them (see Shulchan Aruch Ha-Rav Shemiras Ha-Guf Veha-Nefesh 9; Rabbi Akiva Eigar, Orach Chaim 156:1; Siddur of Yaavatz, Laws of Tefillas Ha-Derech).

The Shulchan Aruch Ha-Rav notes that the reason for the halachah is on account of Ruach Ra’a, which means that there is an issue of “danger” involved, as we find for other instances of Ruach Ra’a (see Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh De’ah 116:1 concerning foods left under a bed).

However, based on a number of Rishonim, it is possible that today the matters of Ruach Ra’a are weakened, and some Poskim write that there is room for leniency even for matters that the Shulchan Aruch mentions (like food left overnight under a bed; see Beis Shlomo, Yoreh De’ah 179, based on Shevus Yaakov 4:105).

This will be all the more true of waking between two dogs etc. since this halachah is not ruled by earlier Poskim at all. Therefore, in times of need there is room for leniency (though the Chazon Ish was quite stringent concerning this matter).

Some have the custom of carrying a Sefer in one’s pocket, though the source is unclear.

Concerning mother and daughter, I have seen cited that the halachah does not apply to children, but am yet to see the source of this ruling.

Best wishes.

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