Ask the Rabbi
- Family and Society
- Separation between Men and Women
- Between Professionals and Clients
Question
Is it halachically acceptable for women to receive a thearpeutic massage from a man? The massage is NOT for life threatening injuries. Only for strained muscles.
Answer
Shalom U'vracha
It is forbidden for a man and woman to touch in a way that has any closeness. When one of the people is a medical professional and is involved in his/her work there are poskim who allowed this even when it is not a case of pikuach nefesh. Some authorities do not allow this unless in a case of real danger to life.
Therefore in the case of a massage it is preferable to look for a female masseur. If this is impossible then there are poskim who allow it if the masseur is a professional, and there is no closeness or other undertones to this connection.
In any case this should be avoided unless really neccesary.
Kol Tuv
Gideon Weitzman

Massage for men by women
Rabbi Elchanan Lewis | 30 Tishrei 5766
Yichud with doctor
Rabbi Gideon Weitzman | 18 Elul 5766

Daily living
Rabbi David Sperling | Adar I 16, 5782





