From the Ravs Desk: Shaalos & Teshuvos on Kol Isha

It is forbidden for one’s wife to sing Shabbos Zemiros during times of Nida.[1] This applies even if she is singing together with other family members or guests.[2] During times of purity, however, it is permitted for her to do so [if other male guests are not present].[3] Nonetheless, some limit this only to tunes that do not contain verses of scripture or the name of Hashem.[4]

________________

[1] See Chok Yaakov 479:6 that a woman should not sing the Hodu by Halel of the Seder due to Kol Isha; Yosef Ometz 603; Be’r Sheva Kuntrus Ber Mayim Chaim 3; Az Nidbaru 3:71; 9:59; Otzer Haposkim 21; Menachem Meishiv 26; Tahrah Kehalacha 14:24; Halichos Bas Yisrael 6:11

[2] Be’r Sheva Kuntrus Ber Mayim Chaim 3; Be’r Yehuda on Sefer Chassidim L.S. 3; Suga Beshoshanim 16:6-7; Shevet Halevi 5:197-4; Shiureiy Shevet Halevi 6:2; Taharah Kehalacha 14:24; Halichos Bas Yisrael 6:11

Other opinions: Some Poskim argue and rule the prohibition of Kol Isha does not apply when a group of people are singing together. [Chasam Sofer O.C. Shaar Taharas Hayadayim 14 based on Shoftim 5 that Devora and Barak sang together the Shira; See also Sridei Aish 2:8 regarding Zemiros]

[3] Implication of Chok Yaakov and Poskim ibid that the singing of Zemiros is not considered Torah learning even though it contains words of verses. Vetzaruch Iyun!

[4] Halichos Bas Yisrael 6:11

May a man hear a woman singing if he does not know who she is?

Some Poskim[1] rule it is permitted to do so.[2] Other Poskim[3] rule it is forbidden to do so[4], and so is the practical ruling.

___________________________

[1] Beis Shearim 53; One way of learning Maharam Shick E.H. 53

[2] The reason: As the Yetzer Hara only has a lust towards that what he sees. [Poskim ibid]

[3] Peri Hasadeh 3/32; Ohel Moshe 1/32; Birchas Chaim 21; Birchas Shamayim 30; Poskim in Otzer Haposkim 21; Yaskil Avdi 5/12; Chelkas Yaakov 1/30 and 163; Minchas Yitzchak 7/70; Shevet Halevi 3/181; 5/197-3; Az Nidbaru 9/59; Rav SZ”A in Halichos Shlomo 20/12

[4] The reason: As one is not allowed to hear a woman’s voice even if he does not know her identity, as the rule that the Yetzer Hara only has a lust towards that which he sees was said only regarding future erotic thoughts, however at the time of the hearing of the sound, it certainly has erotic thoughts. [Poskim ibid]

May a man hear many women singing simultaneously?[1]

No.

[1] Shevet Halevi 5/197-4; However, see Seridei Eish O.C. 14