Q&A: A Woman’s Voice
A Woman’s Voice
Question
Recently I heard the Rabbi say that he watched A Star Is Born
I wanted to know what the Rabbi’s view is regarding a woman’s singing voice, and whether it makes a difference if it is via radio or in person.
Answer
I’m not strict about this. I haven’t actually happened to be at a live performance, but through media, yes. I think that if one is watching for the sake of enjoying the music, there is no issue. If improper thoughts are aroused, then there is reason to refrain, but I do not see this as a formal prohibition.
Discussion on Answer
That is the simple reading of the matter. You can see it in the distinctions made by the halakhic decisors, but also in the wording of the Talmud itself. “A woman’s voice” is interpreted in its plain sense, without connection to singing. Is it reasonable that there would be a halakhic prohibition in that?
According to this distinction, that if there are no improper thoughts then it is permitted, then seemingly touching should also be permitted. So as someone who does massage not דווקא for medical purposes but as a pleasurable experience—what’s called Swedish or French massage and the like—is it permitted for me to treat women if they are to me like a white beam?
And on the other hand, someone who has improper thoughts from cars (there are such fetishes; I saw a documentary about someone like that) — would it be forbidden for him to be alone in a car lot?
Yes. It is a professional matter, like a doctor.
In principle yes, although if it is a need for him there is room to permit it.
What is the source for that?
Isn’t that the opposite of the simple reading?