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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