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Is it permitted for a woman to give a speech in front of a group of men?
The non-singing voice of a woman is not an Erva, even if she is married, and hence it is permitted for a man to hear a woman speak.[1] Thus, some Poskim[2] learn that from the letter of the law it is permitted for a woman to give a speech in front of men. However, some Poskim[3] rule that while it is permitted to do so it may only be done on occasion, and only if she is dressed modestly, and she sits during the speech rather than stands, and only in a private home and not in a Shul or Beis Hamidrash. Other Poskim[4] however rule that it is completely forbidden for her to do so due to it not being modest.
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[1] Admur 75:6 in understanding of Rama 75:3; M”A 75:6 in name of Lechem Chamudos Brachos 3:117; Beis Shmuel 21:4; Michaber 75:3 “Kol Zemer”; Rashba, brought in Beis Shmuel ibid; Yireim 392; Rabbeinu Yona Brachos 25b; This applies even to a married woman: Admur ibid; Machatzis Hashekel on M”A ibid; Chayeh Adam 4:6
The reason: As since one is accustomed to hear her voice [and is therefore not stimulated by it] and it is therefore not an Erva. [Admur ibid; Rama ibid; Ravaya 76]
Other opinions:
[2] Igros Moshe 5:12-2; Lehoros Nasan 1:60; Yabia Omer 1:6;
[3] Igros Moshe 5:12-2
[4] Shevet Halevi 3:14; 5:198; Az Nidbaru 3:71; Mishneh Halachos 5:218; Kinyan Torah 1:20; Nitei Gavriel Yichud 54:26; See Machtzis Hashekel 219
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