3. It is forbidden for one to allow one’s child to be in seclusion with a goy.
a. As the reason for this rabbinic enactment is a matter of dispute amongst the Rishonim, it is forbidden to seclude a Jewish child with both male and female Goyim alike. Likewise it is prohibited to seclude a Jewish child (and/or multiple Jewish children) with multiple Goyim.
i. All the aforementioned (3, 3a) applies to all scenarios i.e. tutors, doctors etc. One should consult competent Halachic authority whenever a particular Shaila arises.
4. A woman may seclude herself with two or more men, if they are Kesheirim, in an inhabited area during the daytime. However if there are not at least two Kesheirim it is Assur.
a. The Mechaber maintains that a regular person is considered a Parutz while the Ramo maintains that most Jews are Kesheirim.
i. Rav Moshe Feinstein maintains that anyone who watches television or movies is considered a Parutz even according to the Rema.
b. If one of the many men in a particular place is there with his wife. It is then permissible for another woman to be there with them.
5. It is permissible for a man to seclude himself with three or more women as long as three or more of the women present are not ones he works for or with on a regular basis.
a. If someone has a job that provides a service for women (i.e. sells women’s clothing, makeup etc.) it is then forbidden for him to seclude himself even with three or more women even if he doesn’t work for, or with, them on a regular basis.
i. If a person’s job is explicitly with or for women then he must either have his wife with him at all times, or have his work place visible to frequent passersby. If he cannot help but be secluded with women (even multiple women at one time) then he is obligated to quit his job.
6. It is permissible for three or more men to be together with three or more women.
7. It is permissible for a woman and a man to be secluded together if the woman’s husband is in town and the woman knows that he can theoretically appear any minute. However if the woman and man know each other well (i.e. they are relatives childhood friends or familiar work associates) then it is prohibited for them to be in seclusion even though her husband is in town.
a. Therefore, special care should be taken in professional, or medical and other caretaking situations to insure that a friendly relationship shouldn’t develop.
i. If a friendly relationship develops or is apt to develop one should consult with a competent halachic authority.
1. It is wise to avoid being on first name basis with opposite gender co-workers as this will automatically place distance between one another and make things more formal. (Note: not being on a first name basis does not eliminate the issue of co-workers and secretaries. The Aruch Hashulchan maintains that all work relationships are considered to be friendly).
b. While one’s wife being in town doesn’t make it permissible for a man to seclude himself with another woman, if the man knows that his wife is supposed to appear any minute (e.g. she went out to the grocery next door etc.) then it is permissible for him to be secluded for a short period of time.
8. It is permissible to be secluded (with someone with whom it would otherwise be forbidden) in an enclosure that opens to an area frequented by passersby provided that any of those could come at any time into the enclosure. Alternatively, seclusion is also permissible if there is a window or other opening making what is happening inside visible to all.
a. It is forbidden to be secluded with a forbidden person in any area that isn’t frequented even if it is entirely open.
i. If people generally pass by every 10 minutes or so then it definitely can be considered a frequented are.
1. If a place is frequented less often than at least once every 10 minutes ask a competent halachic authority.