From the Ravs Desk: Latest articles and Q&A [Thursday 17th Iyar 5785]

Does the prohibition of Kol Isha apply in the presence of a Gentile man? May Jewish women sing in the presence of a Gentile man, such as a non-Jewish bus driver?

While the argument can certainly be made that there is no prohibition to do so, it should not be done for the sake and pleasure of the Gentile, and simply if they desire to sing for themselves and the Gentile will overhear them then it may be done.

Explanation:

There is no clear arbitration on this subject. On the one hand, the prohibition of Arayos applies even to Gentiles and it is forbidden for a Jew to cause a Gentile to sin just as it is forbidden for a Jew to cause a Jew to sin. On the other hand, it would be preposterous to suggest that the prohibition of Kol Isha applies to gentiles, as at most this is a rabbinical prohibition, and the sages did not decree on the gentiles. On the other hand, perhaps it is forbidden to cause a Gentile to have forbidden thoughts even if he is technically not commanded in that matter of adherence. However as a counterargument, one can suggest that Gentiles are not as affected by a women’s voice as are Jewish men. Practically, we concluded as above that there is no prohibition to do so, so long as the modesty of the woman is kept that she does not do so on behalf of the Gentile.

Sources: See Chut Shani; Menuchas Emes 18:79; Levusha Shel Torah 72;Yismach Yisrael Abromson p. 348; See regarding Kol Isha being Rabbinical:  Nishmas Adam 4:1; Kaf Hachaim 75:27; However see Michaber E.H. 21:1;; Perisha 21:2 on Tur E.H. 21 who rules that listening to the singing of an Erva is Biblically forbidden. See regarding Zera Levatala by gentiles: Rashba in name of Ramban, brought in Mishneh Limelech Melachim 10:7 “Venachzor”; Tosafus Sanhedrin 59b; Sh’lah Vayeishev p. 170; See regarding Lifnei Iver between Jew and gentile: Bava Metzia 90b