Sending Presents to women

May a man send a present to a woman?

One is to avoid sending gifts to a widow or any single woman.[1] Likewise, some Poskim[2] rule one is to avoid sending gifts to a married woman due to Sheilas Shalom.[3] However, when doing so without any intent of affection, such as out of business practice or for a relative, one may be lenient to send gifts to a woman.[4]

 


[1] Rama 695/4 regarding Mishloach Manos that men may not send to women as this may lead to sending to a widow [or any single woman-Yifei Levav 5/8] which will cause there to be a question of betrothal. [Rama ibid] The reason this will cause a question of betrothal is because people will think he is sending her the gifts because she is already engaged to him. [M”A 695/15]

[2] Betzeil Hachochmah 5/51

[3] The reason: Just as the Sages forbade Sheilas Shalom to a woman [E.H. 21/6] and an Avel [Y.D. 385], so too they forbade sending gifts to an Avel [Rama 696/6] and the same should apply to a woman. [ibid] Vetzaruch Iyun as if so then the Rama should have prohibited sending Mishloach Manos to the opposite gender on Purim due to this reason and not due to a questionable betrothal. See Betzeil Hachochmah for his answer on this subject.

[4] Betzeil hachochmah ibid

The reason: As today we are lenient even regaridng Sheilas Shalom to a woman, and certainly here regarding a present. [ibid]

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