- Q. Is it permitted for a man to visit an ill woman for Bikur Cholim purposes?
The question is when she is in a private room in a hospital.
A. If the door is kept a bit open so a passerby can see inside the room it is permitted. If the patient wants the door closed, the visitor should ask a nurse to come by and check on the patient constantly, before he enters the room.
See also Aruch HaShulchan, Y.D. 335:11 ; Zekan Aharon 2:76. Tzitz Eliezer, Ramas Rachel 16 quoting Va-ya’an Avraham, Y.D. 5. that explain the needed limitations of proper and morally correct communication between them.
Rav S.Z. Auerbach rules that it is similar to Nichum Aveilim (consolation of mourners), but only to pray for the patient or to tend to their needs, and avoiding lengthy conversations.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by, Horav Yaakov Hirschman, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller, Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit'a
Important Numbers
