Listening to Women Sing

From Halachipedia

Kol Isha Overview

  1. The Gemara (Brachot 24a) explains that the voice of a (married) woman is considered ervah, referring to that part of the body that is usually covered by women because it is sexually alluring when uncovered. [1]
  2. The general consensus among the halachic authorities is that it is an issur d'rabanan to listen to a woman's voice. [2]
  3. Therefore, one is not allowed to listen to a woman singing, even if with no intent for personal benefit. One may listen to a woman's non-singing voice, provided that he has no intent to derive benefit from the voice. [3]

This prohibition applies at all times and not just when one is reading Shema. [4]

  1. This halacha should be approached with reverence. [5]
  2. Many authorities are lenient when two women sing together because two voices can’t be heard simultaneously. [6]
  3. Some are lenient if one doesn’t know what the women looks like. [7] while others are strict. [8]
  4. Some are lenient if one is careful not to focus on the women’s voice. [9]

References

  1. ↑ This is brought down in S"A E”H 75:3
  2. ↑ Mishna Berura (17), Shu"t Yabia Omer O"C 1:6:10
  3. ↑ S"A 75:3, E"H 21:1, the last clause is mentioned in the Mishna Berura (18). Hacham Ovadia Yosef in Yabia Omer (O"C 1:6:11) extends the prohibition even in cases where one is used to hearing a woman's voice.
  4. ↑ S”A E”H 21:2
  5. ↑ Sh”t Yabea Omer 1:6
  6. ↑ Sh”t Seriedei Esh 2:8
  7. ↑ Sh”t Maharam Shik E”H 53
  8. ↑ Sh”t Chelkat Yacov 1:163
  9. ↑ Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 5:2
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