WAITING FOR AN OLDER SIBLING TO MARRY

It was why Yaakov Avinu married Leah before Rochel, and it is something that comes up over and over
again. Yet, notwithstanding its frequency, people have only vague ideas of when it is okay for a younger
sibling to marry first and when it is not. Some people wonder about the actual source of the practice.
Others aren’t sure as to the parameters of to whom it applies. Here are four questions that pertain to a
younger sibling marrying before an older one:
Is it a halacha? Or is it just a good and nice thing to do? To whom exactly does this concept apply?
What is the source of this halacha or practice? Are there, in fact, any exceptions to this rule?

THE EXCEPTIONS
We will start with the last question first. Yes, there are actually some nine exceptions to the concept.

1. When the siblings do not live in the same country. We need to explore what the parameters of
   this actually are, however. Some Poskim apply this leniency even further, stating that it applies
   to siblings not residing under the same roof (See Shulchan HaEzer 47:1).
2. When the older one agrees to it Rav Moshe Shternbuch (Vol. I #739) permits it. However, if the
   older sibling has pain from it, then it is not permitted.
3. The Maharsham (Vol. III #136) writes that when the daughter has reached a mature age, the age
   of 22, it is permitted.
4. If the older sibling is not following in the path of the Torah, it is also permitted according to the
   Einayim L’Mishpat, Kiddushin 52a as cited in HaNesuin K’hilchasa 1:54.
5. The aforementioned Maharsham allows it when the younger one went ahead and started
   dating.
6. When the older sibling is not agreeing to get married by choice. The aforementioned
   Maharsham entitles this leniency as “Bshaas Hadchak.”
7. When the older sibling has an illness which makes it difficult for him or her to find a shidduch,
   this is also termed b’shaas hadchak and the Maharsham permits the younger sibling to date.
8. When the parents are not paying for the wedding at all and it is done by the children, the Beis
   Yechezkel (Siman 60) is lenient.
9. Some Poskim are lenient whenever there is somewhat of a need, tzorech ktzas (Maharash Engel
   Vol. VI #102; Minchas Elazar Vol. I #163). What would somewhat of a need mean? It would seem
   that these Poskim hold that if there is any need to do so above that of the regular desire to get
   married – it would be permitted.

It should be noted that the Shulchan HaEzer (Vol. I Siman 47:1) states that regardless of the heterim, it
should only be done after consulting a Bais Din. Others permit it with a known Gadol and Posaik.

RAV MOSHE FEINSTEIN’S APPROACH
Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l (Igros Moshe Even HoEzer Vol. II #1) has an entirely different approach to the
concept discussed. He writes that, regarding brothers, this issue is only in regard to two of them that
have someone available that they can each marry. Under such circumstances, the elder one is to be
married first. However, when a younger brother has someone available and the older sibling does not –
then this issue does not arise at all and it is permitted lechatchilah – ideally. Rav Feinstein then states that in regard to two sisters, it is not a halacha, but just a minhag. This author’s family member, in fact,
had consulted Rav Feinstein on a case of two sisters and his response was rather lenient. The Maharash
Engel (Vol. VI #102) actually agrees with the position espoused by Rav Moshe zt”l. Nonetheless, the
majority of Achronim do not understand the concept in the manner that Rav Moshe does. The issue
seems to revolve around how to read the words of the Shach (YD 244:13).

THE SOURCE
 The Rashbam (Bava Basra 120a) understands the pasuk in Bereishis, “It shall not be done thus in
our place – to give the younger one [in marriage] before the older (Bereishis 29:26)” as the
source for the Halacha.
 There is a second possible source as well, the daughters of Tzlafchad in Bamidbar 27. Machlah,
Noa, Hoglah, Milkah, and Tirzah either got married in age order or in order of wisdom.
According to the commentaries that understand it as age order, this is a source for our concept.
 A third source may be from Rabbeinu Tam’s understanding of the Gemorah in Kiddushin (52b).
He writes that when a person says, “Your daughter is engaged to me” to a person who has two
daughters, the marriage is effective and the intent is to the eldest daughter on account of the
verse in Bereishis 29:26.

TO WHOM DOES IT APPLY?
The idea applies to both older brothers of brothers and older sisters of sisters. It is interesting to note
that it only applies to the members of the family. In other words, it is perfectly permitted for a suitor to
date the younger sibling. The issue is just on the younger sibling but not on the would-be spouse.
Regarding the older sister of a younger brother, there appears to be a debate among the Posikim. The
Bach (YD 244) seems to forbid it, while the Maharsham is lenient. The Chelkas Yaakov (Vol. I #125 cited
by HaNesuim K’hilchasam) states that the custom is to be stringent.
Regarding the older brother of a younger sister, there also appears to be a debate. The Igros Sofrim (#29
citing the Chsam Sofer) is stringent. However the Chazon Ish and the Steipler Gaon (Orchos Rabbeinu
Vol. page 281) were both lenient in such a case. What about twins? Does the issue apply to an older
twin as well? The Shulchan HaEzer Vol. I 45:3 states that the issue remains a question.

IS IT A HALACHA?
There are numerous Poskim who state that the entire concept of waiting for a sibling is, in fact, not an
actuall halacha, but rather a matter of Derech Eretz, or appropriate ethical behavior. The Chsam Sofer in
a responsa (Vol. VII #23) rules in this manner. Yet we also find Poskim that understand this concept as an
out and out halacha. This is the indication of the TaZ (YD 208:1), that it is in fact a full halacha.

CONCLUSIONS
As in many areas of halacha, we find three important notions here. The first is that there is a wide range
of divergent opinions. The second is that we should always have a Posaik or Moreh Horaah that will
guide us as we travel down the path of life. The third conclusion is, like much of halacha, there are moral
and ethical considerations in every path and decision that we embark. The goal is to do things in a
manner that does not hurt people.