1,046. If the Lights Are On

Because of the public nature of these posts, we are omitting some of the more graphic details of this chapter. HaShoneh Halachos encourages interested readers to review these laws more fully in the original sources.

150:3 One is not allowed to have marital relations with a light on, even if it is blocked by a garment, but if he makes a partition ten handbreadths high (about 30 inches) between them and the light, then it is permitted. (The partition must be tied down at the bottom so that it does not move - Mishnah Brurah 240:40. If the light is visible over the partition, it is of no consequence - MB 240:41.) Similarly, one may not have marital relations in the day except in a darkened room. At night, if the moon is shining on them, they may not engage in relations. If the moon is shining into the room but not on them, he may block the light with a garment and it is then permitted. Similarly, if light is shining in from another room, it is sufficient to block the light with a garment.

150:4 One may not have marital relations in the presence of another person who is awake even if there is a partition of ten handbreadths in between them. It is permitted in the case of a baby who does not yet know how to speak.