Two men, two women, and one boss who steps out — what actually solves the problem.
Q. In my office we are 2 men and 2 women, and sometimes the boss (1 of the 2 men) goes out and we are left with 2 women and 1 man. The office is not a store, and seldom does anyone come in from outside the office. Is this a problem of yichud? Thanks.
The halacha of not being “alone” with someone of the opposite gender often raises many important questions. The best solution would be, if possible, to leave the front door of the office, which opens to the hall open, so that every passerby can see in. If the boss doesn’t like that idea, at least if the door is unlocked, it’s fine, because even if strangers seldom come in, the fact that someone can enter to ask for directions, or to use the washroom (very common, especially in Israel) and thus “surprising” you, solves the problem (Rashba, Resp. 1251, cited in Dvar Halacha, Hilchot Yichud, 3, note 6). The Tzitz Eliezer (Kuntres Yichud ch. 23, 8) adds that even if the door is locked, if other people in the city have the key and can enter and surprise you at anytime, it’s also okay.
In times where family life is so fragile, and divorce so rampant, thank G-d we have the framework of the laws of yichud to set the tone, and prevent problems before they arise!
With Love of Israel, Rav Ari Shvat
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