Question:
In previous years my wife and I, baalat and baal teshuvot, have taken our twin boys, who are now 8 years old, swimming in the local fitness centre swimming pool. Over the last 2 years my family has become more religious. My sons want to go swimming but they need someone with them in the pool as they're still learning to swim. Tzniut is a big issue here as the pools are mixed so it impacts all the family. From a halachic point of view, what can we do in this situation?
Answer:
Hello,
We have to look for alternative options here. On the one hand, your 8-year-old sons should not be going mixed swimming, even if your wife is the one to accompany them, as they will be seeing many undressed women. On the other hand, if at all possible, we don’t want your sons to feel stifled, because you are now keeping mitzvos. Maybe there is some other option, or some other pool that they can go to, or go to the yam, as there are several beaches here in Israel that have separate hours for men and women. Alternatively, if possible, you could buy a pool, even if it is smaller, so that they won’t feel deprived.
Best wishes
