1. Daytime versus nighttime:^[1]

It is forbidden to have marital relations during daytime hours.^[2] [One who has relations opposite the sun, causes the children born to have skin ailments.[3] One who has relations during the day has children born with reincarnated souls, as explained below.]

In a dark room:[4] If the [entire[5]] room is dark [at least to the point that it is difficult to see each other’s faces[6]], then it is [even initially^[7]] permitted to have marital relations during the day. [However, according to Kabbalah, one is not to initially do so, even in a dark room, as stated below. Practically, one may certainly be lenient in a time of need, such as if one is overtaken with urge.[8] Likewise, if necessary to fulfill his Onah obligation, then one is required to do so even by day, if a dark room is available, as explained next regarding a Torah scholar. See Q&A for further scenarios.]

A Torah Scholar Mafil Betaliso-Not in dark room but under the sheets:[9] It is permitted for a Torah scholar [who is modest in his ways[10] and will not look at his wife’s genitals,[11] and knows to properly cover himself[12]] to have relations during the day [even in a non-dark room], so long as he darkens [the area] with his sheet [by covering their entire bodies and heads,[13] and shuts off all the lights in the room[14]].[15] [However, this allowance for a Torah scholar only applies if it is in a time of great need when he cannot overcome his urge.[16] Alternatively, it applies if he could not do the Mitzvah of Onah at night, for whatever reason, or if he suddenly had to travel out of town that day.[17] Some Poskim,[18] however, rule that in the case when one cannot overcome his urge, it is permitted for all people and not just a Torah scholar.]

Ruling of Kabbalah:[19] The above is based on Halacha, however, based on Kabbalah,[20] some Poskim[21] rule that [when one’s wife is able to conceive[22]] one is never to have marital relations during the daytime, even in a dark room and even if one is a Torah scholar [and it is a time of need as stated above[23]], as one who has relations during the day only draws down reincarnated souls. Other Poskim,[24] however, do not mention a need to abstain from marital relations during the day according to Kabbalah. Practically, if delaying the matter can lead to Zera Levatala,[25] or one’s wife desires him to fulfill his Mitzvah of Onah,[26] or one’s wife went to Mikveh the night before and relations did not yet take place,[27] then one may do it during the day, in a dark room, as stated above. This certainly applies if one’s wife cannot conceive, such as if she is already pregnant, actively nursing, or past menopause and the like.[28]

Summary: It is forbidden to have marital relations during daytime unless the room is dark, in which case it is permitted in a time of need. In a time of great need, a Torah scholar may have intercourse even in a non-dark room if he covers himself with a sheet to darken the area. Q&A When does day begin regarding the above law, Alos or sunrise? The day begins as soon as the sky begins to light up, which is the time of Mi Sheyakir.[29] Past this time, one may only have relations in a dark room, as stated above. However, some Poskim[30] rule that one may even initially have relations prior to sunrise if he darkens the area with his sheets, even if he is not a Torah scholar. Even prior to Mi Sheyakir, if there is already light that penetrates the room, then the room is to be darkened, or one is to darken the area with one’s sheets.   When does the day end regarding the above law, sunset or Tzeis Hakochavim?[31] The day ends by Tzeis Hakochavim. Before this time, one may only have relations in a dark room, as stated above. However, in a time of need, one may have relations after sunset if he darkens the area with his sheets, even if he is not a Torah scholar. Even after Tzeis Hakochavim, if there is still light that penetrates the room, then the room is to be darkened or one is to darken the area with one’s sheets.   How dark must the room be? Seemingly, the room must be completely dark, without any light penetrating from the outside.[32]  However, perhaps it suffices for it to be dark enough to make it difficult to see the body parts of one’s wife, especially her face.[33] Vetzaruch Iyun!   Q&A on cases of permissibility during the day May one perform the preparatory acts of intercourse [i.e. hugging, kissing, etc] during the day if the room is not dark?[34] Yes. The prohibition only applies to actual penetration and not to other acts that are done in preparation of intercourse. May/should one have intercourse during the day if lack of doing so can lead to Zera Levatala? This part of the article has been censored due to its intimate content. It is available in our corresponding Sefer or in the chapter 3 article on our website through a passcode If one missed his obligatory time of Onah during the night, must he make it up during the day?[35] If one did not have intercourse on the set night of Onah, such as Friday night, then it is permitted [and at times obligatory] to have intercourse during daytime in a dark room [as stated above] in order to not nullify the Onah. However, if the wife is Mochel, or would rather not do it by daytime, then it is to be delayed until Motzei Shabbos, although, in truth she has no obligation to be Mochel. Hence, in the event that he will transgress his minimum Onah frequency by not having intercourse during the daytime, then he must do so (providing the room is dark, or if he is a Torah scholar through darkening with his sheet, as explained). If one already fulfilled his minimum frequency of Onah for that week, then he has no obligation to do it during the day, even if a dark room is available, it should therefore be delayed it until nighttime. If one is traveling during the day, away from home, must he have intimacy that day? The husband is initially to be intimate with his wife the night prior to travel. However, in the event that he was not intimate with her the night before and he is traveling that day before nighttime, then he is required be intimate with her during the daytime, if they have a dark room available, as explained in Chapter 2 Halacha 3C. All the above is discussing a case that one is leaving home during daytime. If, however, he is leaving home after night, then he is to have intimacy that night prior to leaving.   If one’s wife beautifies herself for him during the day, must he consent by daytime? It is best to wait until nighttime, and seemingly one is not obligated to do so while it is still daytime, even if she desires. Whatever the case, it may only be done by day if a dark room is available.   If a husband desires his wife during the day, must she consent by daytime? It is best to wait until nighttime, although if it cannot be delayed until night due to his lust, then she should comply, if a dark room is available.   May a couple have marital relations during daytime, if necessary for fertility treatments?[36] Under directives from fertility doctors, it is permitted (even initially) for a couple to have intercourse during daytime in a dark room, as stated above. It is forbidden to do so in a non-dark room, unless the husband is a Torah scholar and darkens themselves with a sheet. May a Chasan have marital relations during daytime if he was unsuccessful to do so at night?[37] Under directives from his Chasan teacher, it is permitted (even initially) for a newlywed couple to have intercourse during daytime in a dark room, as stated above, in order to successfully fulfill the Beilas Mitzvah. [This can occur if, a) the wedding ended late and by the time they are able to have intercourse, it is past daybreak, b) they have been unsuccessful in doing so at night, as can sometimes occur due to fatigue and anxiety.] It is forbidden to do so in a non-dark room unless the husband is a Torah scholar and darkens themselves with a sheet. If a couple cannot have intimacy at night, due to lack of privacy, may they do so during the day?[38] Yes, it is permitted in such a case for the couple to have intercourse during daytime in a dark room, as stated above, in order to fulfill one’s Mitzvah of Onah. It is forbidden to do so in a non-dark room unless the husband is a Torah scholar and darkens themselves with a sheet. If a couple are not successful in having intimacy at night due to fatigue and exhaustion, may they do so during the day?[39] Yes, it is permitted in such a case for the couple to have intercourse during daytime in a dark room, as stated above, in order to fulfill one’s Mitzvah of Onah. It is forbidden to do so in a non-dark room unless the husband is a Torah scholar and they darken themselves with a sheet. If a husband is overcome by lust on his way to and from work, or in the workplace, may he have intimacy in the morning prior to leaving for work in order to diminish his lust? This part of the article has been censored due to its intimate content. It is available in our corresponding Sefer or in the chapter 3 article on our website through a passcode

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[1] Michaber O.C. 240:11; E.H. 25:5; Tur 240:11 and E.H. 25:5; Rambam Issurei Biya 21:10; Rav Yochanon Niddah 16; Rav Chisda in Niddah 17a “It is forbidden to have relations during the day”; Rav Huna in Shabbos 86a and Niddah 17a “The Jewish people are holy and do not have relations during the day”; Kesubos 65b; See Megillah 13a “From here we learn Achashveiroshes’ praise, that he did not have relations during the day.” Zohar 1:49 “It is forbidden for a man to have relations during the day”; 140b “The Jewish people are holy and do not have relations during daytime”; 3:225b “It is the practice of the sages to only have relations during the night, in a way of modesty.”; Menoras Hama’or Ner 3 K’lal 6 Chelek 5 Chapter 3; Siddur Ya’avetz Mosach Hashabbos Mitos Kesef 7 Chulya 3:6; Kitzur SHU”A 150:3; Taharas Yisrael 240:74; See Kaf Hachaim 240:2 that a non Torah scholar may not have relations during daytime; See Taharas Yisrael 240:74-75; Kaf Hachaim 240:77-80; Igros Moshe E.H. 1:102; Sheyikadesh Atzmo [Nachmonson-2015] p.  181-194

[2] The reason: It is forbidden due to it being brazen, immodest and contrary to the guidelines of holiness. [Michaber E.H. ibid “It is Derech Azus”; Rambam ibid; Pirush Hamishnayos Rambam Niddah 10; M”B 240:44; Sha’ar Hatziyon 240:27; Rav Huna in Shabbos and Niddah ibid “The Jewish people are holy”; Zohar 1:140; Raya Mihemna 3:225] Alternatively, it is forbidden as perhaps he will see something distasteful about his wife and thus come to transgress “Ve’ahavta Lirei’acha Kamocha.” [Rav Chisda and Abayey in Niddah ibid; Kaf Hachaim 240:79]

[3] Rokei’ach 317 “Baheres” [Baheres is one of the skin ailments described as Tzara’as]; Kaf Hachaim 240:77

[4] Michaber O.C. ibid [omitted in Michaber E.H. ibid]; Rava in Shabbos ibid and Kesubos ibid; Menoras Hama’or Ner 3 K’lal 6 Chelek 5 Chapter 3:5; Siddur Ya’avetz; Taharas Yisrael 240:74; Torah L’shma ibid; Igros Moshe E.H. 1:102; All Poskim in previous footnote; See also Taz Y.D. 197:6 that a Kallah Almana who got married Erev Shabbos is to have relations before Shabbos comes in!; See Sheyikadesh Atzmo 10:4

Other opinions: It is implied from some Poskim that it is always forbidden to have marital relations during daytime [even if the room is dark], as this is considered brazen. [Implication of Michaber E.H. ibid, Rambam Issurei Biya 21:10 [as explains Maggid Mishneh ibid] and Zohar ibid who do not differentiate a dark room, thus implying it is forbidden in all cases; Implication of Shabbos ibid; See Torah L’shma ibid who learns this way in Zohar and Midrash that even in a dark room it is despised; Maharsha Niddah 16 in explanation of Rebbe Yochanon ibid; Chidushi Haritva Kesubos 65b, brought in Birkeiy Yosef 240:17, that it is only permitted in a time of need; See Igros Moshe E.H. 1:102]

[5] Ashel Avraham Tinyana 240:11 that every part of the room must be dark during the day

[6] See Q&A!

[7] M”A 240:26 that so is implied from Kesubos 65b; Beir Heiytiv 240:21; P”M 240 A”A 26; Implication of Torah L’shma 69; However see Birkeiy Yosef 240:17, brought in Kaf Hachaim 240:80, who discredits the proof of the M”A ibid

Not to overindulge: One should not engage in marital relations by both night and day on a steady basis. [See Tosafos in Sukkah 52b; Sanhedrin 107a]

Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that, even in a dark room, it is only permitted in a time of great need. [Igros Moshe E.H. 1:102 in explanation of Rambam’s omission of this allowance; Ritva Kesubos 65b; See Sefer Sechel Tov on Bereishis 26:8 that Yitzchak had relations during daytime and was disdained for doing so; See however Or Hachaim Hakadosh ibid that he did so for a justifiable reason, or perhaps only hugged and kissed her]

[8] See Ritva ibid “need” [and not great need as written regarding a Torah scholar who darkens the area with his Tallis]; Levushei Mordechai 38; Sheyikadesh Atzmo 10: footnote 7

[9] Rama ibid; Tur 240; Rambam ibid; Rava in Shabbos ibid and Kesubos 65b; Siddur Ya’avetz; See Sanhedrin 107a that David Hamelech did so during the day; Sheyikadesh Atzmo 10:5

[10] M”A 240:25; Tur 240; M”B 240:45; Kaf Hachaim 240:80

[11] M”A 240:25 in name of Rashi Niddah 17a and Shabbos 86a; Taharas Yisrael 240:74; M”B 240:45

[12] See Siddur Ya’avetz Mosach Hashabbos Mitos Kesef 7 Chulya 3:6; Igros Moshe 1:102

[13] Pirush Rabbeinu Yehonason on Rif Eiruvin 100b; See Siddur Ya’avetz Mosach Hashabbos Mitos Kesef 7 Chulya 3:6; Igros Moshe 1:102; See Kaf Hachaim 240:71 regarding Hafalas Tallis for when a candle is lit in the room on Friday night that, “They must cover their entire bodies from head to toe so that no part of the body is seen, and the sheet is thick to the point that no light enters through it at all.” Vetzaruch Iyun if this same definition applies here as well regarding having intercourse during daytime. See Sheyikadesh Atzmo ibid footnote 9

[14] P”M 240 A”A 25

[15] The reason: The reason it is permitted specifically for a Torah scholar is because we trust that he will take precautions to properly darken the area, and because he does not have time to have relations at night due to his learning. [Menoras Hama’or ibid; See Rambam ibid; Siddur Ya’avetz Mosach Hashabbos Mitos Kesef 7 Chulya 3:6; Igros Moshe 1:102]

[16] M”A 240:26 in name of Bach and Rambam Issurei Biya 21:10; Bach 240:5; M”B 240:45; Kaf Hachaim 240:80; See Menoras Hama’or ibid; See gloss of Chochmas Shlomo ibid who learns from Kesubos ibid that it is permitted even initially, however he then concludes like Rambam; See Rava in Kesubos 65b that he asked to be intimate with his wife after seeing the arms of the wife of Abayey in Beis Din; See Ashel Avraham Butchach 240:11 that the above allowance applies even if there is no concern of Zera Levatala.

[17] Menoras Hama’or ibid; Taharas Yisrael 240:74; Torah L’shma 70

[18] Sha’ar Hatziyon 240:28 in implication from Chochmas Adam; Taharas Yisrael 240:74; Sheyikadesh Atzmo 10:6

[19] See Sheyikadesh Atzmo 10:7

[20] Peri Eitz Chaim 16:11 “One who has relations during the day draws down from only reincarnated souls.”; See Torah L’shma 69 in name of Kabbalah Kuntrus that it is forbidden to have relations during Shabbos day, however, he questions its authenticity and concludes that for one who follows Kabbalah, it is better to avoid it. See also Torah L’shma 70; Midrash Raba Bereishis 64:5

[21] Kaf Hachaim 240:79; Piskeiy Teshuvos 240:26

[22] Torah L’shma 70

[23] Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid such as if one did not fulfill the Mitzvah of Onah at night for whatever reason, as is common on the night of a wedding or if one is traveling

[24] See Menoras Hama’or ibid; Taharas Yisrael 240:74 who write of the above allowance, regarding a Torah scholar in a dark room, and do not mention any need to initially avoid it; See Torah L’shma ibid who permits having relations during the day in a dark room to fulfill Onah if his wife desires and concludes that, even based on the Zohar, it is simply improper to have relations during the day and is not forbidden; See also Or Tzadikim 32:4 [written by a student of Arizal] who explicitly writes that when the night of Tevila occurs on a night that relations is not done, one is to wait until the day to have relations.

[25] Sheyikadesh Atzmo 1:8

[26] See Torah L’shma ibid and 70

[27] See Or Tzadikim 32:4 that when the night of Tevila occurs on a night that relations is not done, one is to wait until the day to have relations.

[28] See Torah L’shma 70

[29] Ben Ish Chaiy Vayeira 2:26; Ashel Avraham Butchach 240; Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid; Sheyikadesh Atzmo 10:2; See Shevet Hakehasi 5:48

[30] See Taharas Yisrael 240:74; Ashel Avraham Butchach Tinyana 240:11; Torah L’shma 67; Meiy Hada’as 8:44; Sheyikadesh Atzmo 10:2 that one may be lenient until sunrise in a time of need

[31] Sheyikadesh Atzmo 10:2; See Minchas Eliyahu 28, brought in Yifei Laleiv 2 240:11, that David Hamelech had intercourse after sunset

[32] See Admur 433:6 who describes a dark room which appears the same during both day and night; Levushei Mordechai 38 that it must be as dark as nighttime

[33] Seder Hayom Seder Hanhagas Halayla regarding a candle in the room, that it suffices if the light does not shine on their faces; So is implied from Kesubos ibid, as well as the ruling regarding Mi Sheyakir; Sefer Mishkan Yisrael p. 79 in name of Rav Elyashiv; Sheyikadesh Atzmo 10:4 footnote 6

[34] Or Hachaim Hakadosh Bereishis 26:8 that Yitzchak hugged and kissed Rivka during daytime

[35] Menoras Hama’or Ner Gimel K’lal Vav 5:3 “Such as to fulfill Onah”; Torah L’shma 69 [that so applies according to Halacha, even though according to Kabbalah it is better to never do it by day]; Igros Moshe E.H. 1:102 [that ideally it is only permitted to do so in a dark room during the day in a time of great need, which includes if he will miss his minimum frequency of Onah]

[36] Meiy Hada’as 240:5; Sheyikadesh Atzmo 10:8 footnote 13; See Igros Kodesh 15:89, printed in Shulchan Menachem 6:52

[37] See Divrei Hillel 2:12; Nitei Gavriel Niddah 1:6-11; Sheyikadesh Atzmo 10:8

[38] Torah L’shma 70

[39] Torah L’shma 70; Me’iri in Beis Habechira Niddah 17a