Must One Be Covered During Marital Relations?

why should a jewish couple be covered during sexual intercourse

Shalom!

Thank you for your question!

As you seem well aware, Jewish law, contains detailed guidelines and principles regarding marital conduct, which are derived from various sources including the Torah (the Five Books of Moses), the Talmud (rabbinic commentaries and discussions on Jewish law), and later legal codes and interpretations. These guidelines encompass both ethical considerations and practical regulations concerning sexual behavior.

Within Judaism, marital relations are considered a sacred and positive aspect of married life. The Torah encourages marital intimacy as a means of expressing love and creating intimacy between spouses. Marital relations are seen as a mitzvah. Of course, the laws of Family Purity, known as “Taharat Hamishpacha” must be properly observed.

Jewish tradition places value on modesty and privacy in matters of marital conduct. For example, marital relations are frowned upon during the day (Nidda 17a) or even at night where there is light (OC 240:11,39). As you note, there are those who practice extra modesty (based on Nedarim 20b) to ensure that they are covered during relations though this is not truly required.

It is important to stress that modest behavior in marital relations is a great Jewish value applicable to both men and women. A couple must keep their relationship private, such as not revealing to others when one’s wife goes to the mikva. (Rema, YD 198:48).

Even when one is alone at home men and women must conduct themselves modestly. One should not say, “Here I am in the privacy of my own room; who can see me?” for God’s honor fills the whole world. In other words, one should conduct oneself alone as one would when among others. One who would not appear dressed a certain way among others should not dress that way even when home alone.

I trust that the above answers your question and gives you an idea of the Jewish view on modesty and intimacy.