The Case of the Insided-Out Duvet Cover

The Case of the Insided-Out Duvet Cover

By Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com

Every so often it happens.  One is a guest at another’s home.  Sometimes it is an aufruf.  Other times it is for a sheva brachos.  The husband notices that the duvet cover is put on upside down.

He now has a halachic question:  The Gemorah in Horios explains that there are certain behaviors that bring on forgetfulness (kasheh l’shikcha).  And although it is not found in the Gemorah nor in rishonim, many are careful not to wear clothing that is insided out.  What about sleeping in a duvet-cover?  Is that kasheh l’shikcha?

ANSWER:  Firstly, there is significance to the point that the earliest source to mention that insided out clothing may be kasheh l’shikcha is the Aishel Avrohom (Botchatch siman 2).  And even though this has become the minhag, in regard to dealing with this question regarding non-clothing items – one can certainly be lenient.  There is another issue as well, as it could possibly lead to embarrassment if it is brought up.

Rav Gamliel Rabbinowitz in his Gam Ani Odecha (Siman 57) deals with the question regarding Covid masks and writes that since the issue is only cited regarded clothing, and masks are not considered clothing – it is not a problem.

A meaningful Chanukah!

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