Q. A Bachur in Shidduchim who has a smartphone with a filter, may he borrow his grandmothers flip phone for the first date to avoid giving a bad impression or is it forbidden to be dishonest?
A.. Rabbeinu Yehudah Hachosid (Sefer Hachasidim 507) rules that one should not conceal flaws from a potential marriage partner, to avoid engaging in a failing marriage. Mori Verbi HoRav Moshe Feinstein Zt’l maintains that just as the Torah (Vayikro 25: 14) prohibits misrepresenting merchandise in order to deceive potential consumers, one may not conceal information in a manner that misleads a potential marriage partner.
Yet, it is a common tradition and acceptable minhag for people seeking a Shidach to dress and be seen in attractive clothing and charismatic appearance.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that it can be done when needed.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu Shlit’a.