Sitting with a Niddah Wife on the Couch
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Question
Is it permissible to sit with one's wife during her niddah on the same couch according to the law of a rocking bench?
Answer
According to our teacher, the Rabbi, it is permitted, and it is not considered a rocking bench, as one does not significantly feel the movement of the other.
Source
The Rema in Siman 195, Section 5, writes: "It is forbidden to sit on a long bench that rocks and is not attached to the wall when one's wife, who is a niddah, is sitting on it" (Mordechai, P"K Shabbat, in the name of Tzafnat Paneach in the name of Rashi). Some permit it if another person is sitting between them.
The reason: 1. In Terumat HaDeshen, it is written that it is a sign of affection.
2. In Taz, S"K 6, it is written that it leads to thoughts.
3. The Shach in Nekudat HaKesef writes that it is due to the prohibition of lying on the same bed, as mentioned in Shabbat 13.
4. Also mentioned in Nekudat HaKesef is the concern of touching.
The poskim write that the prohibition of a rocking bench applies when the sitting of one causes the other to feel movement in their place.
Therefore, on a couch where the movement is very slight, it is permitted.