Yichud- Can A Young Boy's Presence Protect Against Yichud
*** This Halacha deals with topic of Yichud. Yichud is the concept that a man may not be secluded with a forbidden woman. Please read all the Halachot on this topic as there are conditions and exclusions that must be fully understood before accepting Lema’ase. ***
We learned previously the concept that a minor girl between the age of 6 and 9 can serve as a Shomeret (protector) when alone with a man and woman. Her presence enables the man and woman to be secluded and not violate the laws of Yichud. Some opinions even are lenient to say that a girl as young as 5 and as old as 12 can qualify to be a protector. She is eligible as long as she is mature enough to understand what is going on, but young enough not to fall prey to lure and persuasion. Her possible tale to others is the deterrent to the adults, and serves as the incentive for them to abstain from illicit behavior
Halacha says that this applies also by a minor male. A boy between the age of 7 and 10 qualifies as protector for the same reasons. Additionally, he can be as young 6 and as old 13 if his maturity warrants. So the same rule applies for a boy and a girl.
The Tzitz Eliezer (Rav Eliezer Waldenberg ) points out that this rule applies as well with one’s children. They can serve as the Shomer (or Shomeret.) Some even say that one’s own children are the best type of minor protectors, as a parent would be more reluctant to commit transgression when his own children are present.
In a previous Halacha we discussed legal ways for a husband to be secluded in the house with a housekeeper. It’s permissible if the wife is in town and the husband leaves the door unlocked. It’s permissible if the wife is in town and she has a key, and is able to come home unexpectedly at any time. It’s permissible if someone else has a key who from time to time enters unexpectedly. And it’s permissible, if the wife is expected back momentarily. The new lesson we learn today, permits a husband to be secluded in a house when his son or daughter are there and they are of the ages discussed above. He can be there with the housekeeper under such a condition even if his wife is out of town and not expected back soon.
So to review, according to Halacha, a boy or girl qualify as protector and enable a man and woman to be secluded. The boy and girl protect the adults from possibly engaging in any improprieties. The age of the youngsters vary based on their maturity but generally range from 5 through 9, and even up to 12. This Halacha applies all the more so to one’s own children. And lastly, a good application of this exclusion to Yichud permits a husband to be secluded with the maid when his kids are in the house as well. This exclusion works even when his wife is out of town.
