Is it really not permitted for men and women to touch each other in the jewish faith?

Question

I saw this question that really baffled me -

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AnsEdvjo5Ciks3YSaIYX7Vbsy6IX?qid=20061011155323AAd8iS3

It seems to have been asked by a young girl and I can imagine telling kids to be weary of paedophiles e.t.c. but surely if boys and girls associate with eachother during play they will touch perfectly innocently, does this mean brothers and sisters can't play together.

The same applies to adults everyday work and socialising requires that you have physical contact with both males and females, and what about sexual reproduction?(I'm not stupid, I know there must be different practices for married couples)

It just seems that this young girl is being seriously isolated from the rest of the world.(Or the real world even)

Surely it can't be true, how could a community believe this isolationist rubbish?

Maybe I just answered my own question there with the word "Isolationist"

Answer 1

Yeah it is true, the term for thoes that keep the practice is called Shomer Nagia (I am not so sure about the spelling). This doesn't apply when it comes to family and spouce. I think women this starts for women at age 3 and up and for men (I could be wrong about men) at age 6 and up.

Some Rabbis hold there are exeptions to the rule like if it will embarass someone for not touching them or if it will put you in a really aquward position.

Also married women have to cover thier hair (some wear wigs) when in the prescents of non male family members. Women have to wear skirts and be covered at least from knees to elbows. Also a woman shouldn't sing in the presence of other men not related to her. And a man an woman shouldn't be alone in a room with the door locked (some say there should be 3 males and 3 females for it to be ok unless the is a related pair).

All these things are precautions so adultry and premarital sex would occur less. We are week. So don't think that is the only law like that. If we end up touching the opposite sex then that might lead to sex.

Answer 2

Yes, Jews aren't allowed to touch one of the opposite sex, because it could cause temptation for a closer relationship, or perhaps something more...you know what it is.

Answer 3

I know jewish girls that touch me all the time

Answer 4

It really depends. If you're Orthodox, then yes, it's true. You aren't supposed any members of the opposite sex, not even their hands.

Answer 5

Yeah. It's all done through the mail and U.P.S.

Answer 6

i heard if men wants to have sex with his wife he is trowing hat at her ?

Answer 7

if it was there would not be any Jewish babies.

Answer 8

it's not true.