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Listening to Women Sing: Difference between revisions

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==Kol Isha Overview==
==Kol Isha Overview==
# The Gemara (Brachot 24a) explains that the voice of a woman is considered ervah, referring to that part of the body that is usually covered by women because it is sexually alluring when uncovered.  <Ref>This is brought down in S"A E”H 75:3 </ref> The general consensus among the halachic authorities is that it is an issur d'rabanan to listen to a woman's voice. <Ref>Mishna Berura (17), Shu"t Yabia Omer O"C 1:6:10 </ref>
# The Gemara (Brachot 24a) explains that the voice of a woman is considered ervah, referring to that part of the body that is usually covered by women because it is sexually alluring when uncovered.  <Ref>This is brought down in S"A E”H 75:3 </ref> The general consensus among the halachic authorities is that it is an issur d'rabanan to listen to a woman's voice. <Ref>Mishna Berura (17), Shu"t Yabia Omer O"C 1:6:10 </ref>
# 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. <Ref>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. </ref>   
# Therefore, one is not allowed to listen to a woman singing. <Ref>S"A O"C 75:3, E"H 21:1 </ref> One may listen to a woman's non-singing voice. <ref>Bet Shmuel E"H 21:4 writes that one may listen to a woman's non-singing voice. Mishna Berura 75:18 writes that one may not have intent to get benefit from a woman's voice even if one is regular to hear that voice. 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. </ref>   
# This prohibition applies at all times and not just when one is reading Shema. <ref>S”A E”H 21:2 </ref>
# This prohibition applies at all times and not just when one is reading Shema. <ref>S”A E”H 21:2 </ref>
# This halacha should be approached with reverence. <Ref>Sh”t Yabea Omer 1:6 </ref>
# This halacha should be approached with reverence. <Ref>Sh”t Yabea Omer 1:6 </ref>