Supporting a Woman While Walking
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Question
My wife's grandmother is an elderly woman who has great difficulty walking. She suffers from a lack of balance. The family comes to take her out for a short walk, and she needs support on both sides. Am I allowed to support her by holding her hand while walking?
Answer
Hello,
It is forbidden to touch a woman who is not a close relative [such as a mother, grandmother, daughter], whether young or old.
Therefore, in such a case, assistance should be provided through another object, such as having her hold something that you are holding in your hand.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer, Siman 21.
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