Women and Children as Panim Chadashos

Q. Can a woman or child who did not attend the wedding serve as the Panim Chadashos for sheva berachos?

A. In a previous Halacha Yomis, it was explained that the Shulchan Aruch follows the opinion of the Rosh that the simcha of the Chassan and Kallah is enhanced by the Panim Chadashos, and therefore it is appropriate to recite Sheva Berachos once again in their presence. It should follow that since women or even children add to the simcha, they should also serve as Panim Chadashos. Indeed, that is the position of the Chasam Sofer (Kesubos 7b). However, Pischei Teshuva (EH 62:14) cites earlier sources (Shita Mikubetzes and Ritva) that only those who count towards the requisite minyan that is necessary for Sheva Berachos qualify to be Panim Chadashos.

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