In recent years, the phenomenon of family beaches has spread to the chareidi community, with families visiting closed beaches together while woman are clad in modest swimwear and/or robes of different types.

Prior to bein hazmanim, HaGaon HaRav Bentzion Mutzafi Shlita was asked if such a situation is permitted.

The rav, a noted Sephardi posek, spoke out harshly against the phenomenon, questioning how one can go into the water with his wife and children when other families and other women are present. He reminds us of the Gemara speaking of one gazing while a woman does laundry in a river. He warned the so-called family beaches will cause one to lose one’s Olam Haba.

The rav connected recent tragedies with such actions, mentioning how this week, a small girl died in a fatal drowning in a hotel pool. He also expressed shock that this can be taking place so close to the month of Elul.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)