Today's Halachos are dedicated by daily reader , C.S., in loving memory of her grandmother, Mirel bas Nachman whose Yahrtzeit is today. May her Neshama continue to climb higher in Gan Eden.
1) Regarding situations of Ta'aruvos, there is no difference if the females are married or single; males may not be in a "mixed gathering" with them. (See Biur Halacha ibid. see also Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah Vol. 2 Siman 104 and Yoreh Deah Vol. 3 Siman 78 that even male and female children should not go to school together or otherwise engage in mixed activities. See also Sefer Chasidim Siman 168)
2) If one finds himself in such a gathering, he is obligated to get up and leave in order to not be a part of the Chilul Hashem (as the larger the mixed gathering, the larger the Chilul Hashem) and also to "make a point of protest" [especially if the people in the gathering are aware of the prohibition of mixed gatherings, yet for whatever reason decide to be lax, as is unfortunately the case sometimes], as well as to satisfy his own halachic obligations not to be in a situation where it may lead him to impure thoughts or actions. (See Rama Siman 608:2 and Mishna Berura there. If he can fix the situation and put up a mechitzah or at least separate the males and females, of course that would be better than simply protesting. (See Igros Moshe Orach Chaim Vol. 1 Siman 44)
Halachos for Shabbos Kodesh
1) The prohibition against being part of a "mixed gathering" is even if the females in the "group" are dressed modestly, and is surely the case if they are dressed immodestly or even if they are dressed modestly but acting immodestly, as staying in such a situation is a severe sin. (See Shu"t Tashbatz Katan Siman 396 and Shu"t Igros Moshe Yoreh Deah Vol. 1 Siman 156. See also Kol Bo Siman 66, Shiyurei Bracha from the Chida Even HaEzer Siman 21 and Kraina D'Igrasa from the Steipler Zatzal letter 185)
At a public gathering that includes a sit down meal, such as at a Bris, Sheva Brachos, banquet or any similar event, males and females should not eat in the same room without a separation, even if they are eating on separate tables, as if they are too close and can see one another it will lead to impure thoughts. It goes without saying that males and females should not sit on the same tables at these public events.
2) According to some Poskim, at a Sheva Brachos where males and females are not separated by a mechitzah [and they can see one another], the Bracha of "Shehasimcha B'Meono, that our joy reaches the abode of Hashem" is not recited, as it isn't a Simcha in the eyes of Hashem when the situation is such that it can lead to thoughts of sin. (This is especially prevalent at a Simcha where females tend to "dress up" and are thus very attractive looking to males. See Be'er Heitev Siman 622:2 quoting Tosafos in Megilah 31a Dibur Hamaschil B'Mincha. See Bais Shmuel Even HaEzer Siman 62:11 and Mishna Berura Siman 415:2)
Nowadays, some Poskim are lenient regarding the recitation of this Bracha and allow it even without a [proper] Mechitzah as long as the tables of males and females are adequately separated. (See Pischei Teshuva Even HaEzer Siman 62:18 quoting the Levush. See Shu"t Shevet Haleivi Vol. 8 Siman 281 that L'chatchilah at least some sort of physical separation (such as a low mechitzah) should be made as a "mental reminder" to stay on the proper side.)
As with everything, a Rav needs to be consulted for Halacha L'ma'aseh.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
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Reader's Question:
I have read in certain sources that the Rambam didn't believe in Shaydim (spiritual demonic forces) (For example he never mentions them in Mishna Torah) and when the Gemara gives reasons of Sheydim for something, he gives a rational reason (e.g. hygiene).
In fact, I believe that the Maharsha wrote a pirush on parts of the gemara that talk about sheydim and explains them in a analogous way. I also read that the Rambam also wanted to write a pirush on these gemaras, but was never able to. Please explain some of the different approaches to Rishonim and how they reconcile gemaras which seem to explicitly state their existence. (here are a few i have seen quoted: "Rabbi Yehoshua ben levi said: a man shouldn't greet a stranger at night. He may be a demon." (Megillah 3a). Pesachim 54a: demons were created on Erev Shabbas.) {I have also seen the ramban quoted saying that the word "shadim" meaning creatures who are wild and dwell away from civilization.", but if you could offer some other approaches that would be great. (Vayikra 17:7)
Also,how can we claim to know what demons are when Rav Yochanan said: "There are three hundred kinds of demons in Shihin but what a demon is I do not know" (Gittin 68a)
Answer:
Indeed, the Rambam is of the opinion that Sheidim do not exist. (See Rambam Hilchos Avodas Kochavim Perek11:16 and in his Pirush to Mishnayos Avodah Zarah perek 4 Mishna 6 Dibur Hamaschil Sha'alu Zekeinim B'Romi)
However, the majority of Rishonim do read the Talmud about Sheidim literally and indeed maintain that they exist. The Shulchan Aruch also rules this way. See Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer Siman 17:10 and Siman 141:19. See also Mogen Avraham Siman 239:7. See also Sefer Chareidim Perek 47:7 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 3:6
The fact that they exist, doesnt mean that we know what they are, what they look like or have any clues as to where to find them.
CHIZUK CORNER
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