Men learning or Davening in view of the body of a woman:[1]
Among the laws governing prayer, Shema, and Torah study are the laws of ervah, which define what a man may or may not view while engaged in matters of holiness. These laws do not merely relate to actual nudity, but extend to areas of a woman’s body that Halacha requires to be covered. Accordingly, even when a woman is otherwise dressed, the exposure of certain body parts may prohibit Torah study, recital of Shema, or prayer when those areas are within a man’s view. These laws apply not only regarding unrelated women, but in many instances even regarding one’s own wife. Furthermore, the prohibitions are not circumvented by glass partitions, adjacent rooms, or transparent garments. It is therefore essential to understand which parts of the body are included in these regulations, how the laws apply to married and unmarried women, and what constitutes a valid halachic covering for purposes of Torah study and prayer.
- The general rule:
It is Biblically forbidden for one to pray, say the Shema, or learn Torah, within the sight of the Erva, which is defined as human genitals.[2] The Sages further prohibited a man from learning Torah or Davening in the view of certain parts of a woman’s body, even if her genitals remains covered.[3] [This applies to women or all ages, and does not depend on level of attraction.]
Wife:[4] The above prohibition applies even against a husband seeing the body of his wife uncovered, and applies even during the days that she is pure.
- The body parts:[5]
General rule-normally covered parts of body:[6] Any area of a woman’s body that is normally covered, is prohibited from being in a man’s view when he studies Torah or prays, if it is uncovered more than one Tefach [8 cm]. This applies whether to one’s wife or other women, that less than a Tefach is permitted and a Tefach or more is forbidden.[7]
Face and arm, up until elbow:[8] The face and the arms, up until the elbow, of a woman does not need to be covered if it is a normally uncovered area of the body, and hence one may Daven and learn Torah in its view.
Above elbow:[9] It is forbidden to daven or learn in view of a woman that has one Tefach [8 cm] above her elbow revealed. This prohibition applies whether to the body of one’s wife or to a woman who is not one’s wife. This prohibition applies even in areas where women are accustomed to uncover these parts of the body. If less than a Tefach of the skin in this area is revealed, then there is no prohibition to pray or learn Torah in its view, as stated above.
Thigh-Above knee:[10] It is forbidden to daven or learn Torah in view of the skin of a woman from the area of the knees and above. Thus, it is forbidden to daven or learn Torah in view of a woman who is wearing a short skirt which shows her knees and the area above it. This prohibition applies by any amount of revealed skin, even if there is less than a Tefach of skin revealed from the knee and above.[11] [This applies even in areas in which dressings this way is normal amongst the secular population.[12]]
Legs:[13] According to majority of Poskim, and the ruling of Admur, women and girls are required to cover their legs and feet with socks/stockings when out in public or in the presence of other men. Thus, according to majority of Poskim, and the ruling of Admur, it is forbidden for a man to learn Torah or Daven in the view of a legs or feet of a woman which are uncovered. Even those who are lenient to not cover the feet and/or legs, must cover it when in a community that is stringent.
Women is nursing:[14] When a woman is nursing her child with revealed breasts, a man must be careful not to look at her while learning or Davening. This applies even to one’s wife.
- The hair of a woman:[15]
The hair of a woman is an Erva, and hence one may not learn Torah or Daven in view of the hair of a married woman [or widow or divorcee[16]]. [This applies to even if only a single strand of hair of the head is revealed. [17]] This applies even to one’s own wife.
- See through clothing and coverings:[18]
Glass interval: It is forbidden to learn or Daven in view of a woman whose above-mentioned areas of the body are revealed, even if there is glass separating between the women and oneself, and even if the woman is in a different room.
See-through clothing: [19] If a woman is wearing sheer, see-through clothing, over the above-mentioned areas of the body which are required to be covered, then it is considered as if it is uncovered, and it remains forbidden to learn Torah or Daven if it is within one’s view.
Two-Sentence Summary
A man may not learn Torah, recite Shema, or Daven while viewing areas of a woman’s body that Halacha defines as ervah, even if the woman is his wife and even if her actual private areas remain covered. The exact parameters depend on the body part involved, whether it is normally covered, whether the woman is married or unmarried, and whether the apparent covering is considered a valid halachic covering.
Quick Reference Table
| Area | May One Daven or Learn in Its Presence? |
| Face | Yes |
| Forearm up to elbow | Yes |
| Above elbow (1 tefach exposed) | No |
| Knee and above | No |
| Lower leg and feet | No (according to Admur and majority of Poskim) |
| Nursing breast | No |
| Hair of married woman | No |
| Hair of widow/divorcee | No |
| Hair of unmarried woman never married | Yes |
| Sheitel | Yes |
| Sideburn hair | Subject to dispute |
| Through glass partition | No leniency |
| Through transparent clothing | Considered uncovered |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Short Sleeves
A man is reciting Tehillim and a woman is standing nearby wearing sleeves that expose more than a tefach above the elbow. He may not continue learning while facing that area and should turn away or relocate.
Example 2: Sleeves to the Elbow
A woman is wearing sleeves that cover her arms until the elbow. One may Daven or learn Torah in her presence, as the forearm is not included in the prohibition.
Example 3: Short Skirt
A woman is wearing clothing that exposes the knees and part of the thigh. A man may not recite Shema, Daven, or learn Torah while those areas are within his view.
Example 4: A Nursing Mother
A mother is nursing an infant and part of her breast is exposed. A man who is learning Torah must avert his eyes and may not continue learning while viewing the exposed area.
Example 5: Married Woman’s Hair
A man is reading from a sefer and a married woman enters with uncovered hair. According to the ruling of Admur, one may not continue learning or Davening while her uncovered hair remains in view.
Example 6: Viewing Through a Window
A man can see a woman through a glass window in another room. If an area defined as ervah is exposed, the glass partition does not permit prayer or Torah study while it remains in view.
Example 7: Sheer Clothing
A woman is wearing transparent sleeves through which skin is visible. Since a transparent covering is not considered a valid covering, one may not Daven or learn Torah while viewing the exposed area.
Example 8: One’s Own Wife
A husband is learning Torah in a room where his wife has uncovered hair or otherwise exposed areas that Halacha defines as ervah. The same laws apply, and he may not learn while those areas remain in view.
[1] See Admur 75:1 “An exposed tefach (approximately 8 cm) of a woman’s body in an area that is normally covered is considered ervah, even if she is his wife, because it leads to improper thoughts when one looks at it. Therefore, it is forbidden to recite Shema, learn Torah, or pray while facing it, just as one may not do so in the presence of actual ervah, until he turns his face elsewhere. Some authorities permit it if one is not looking directly at it, even though he sees it incidentally, since it is not inherently ervah but is prohibited only because it may lead to improper thoughts. Therefore, there is concern only when one gazes at it, but not when he merely sees it casually. Certainly, if he closes his eyes and does not see it at all, it is permitted and he need not turn away. One may rely on this opinion when there is no other alternative. There are those who say that according to the first opinion, the prohibition of an exposed tefach applies only regarding one’s wife, whereas regarding another woman even less than a tefach is prohibited. However, this view is not accepted as the primary ruling. Nevertheless, the face and hands, which are normally revealed, one may recite Shema and pray in their presence, since people are accustomed to seeing them and they do not lead to improper thoughts. However, regarding the shok (leg), it is forbidden, even though the shok is not considered a private area for a man and is commonly uncovered by men (in places where people walk without socks). Since it is a private area for a woman, it is considered ervah. Some authorities maintain that even less than a tefach of a woman’s exposed shok is considered ervah, even regarding one’s own wife, and it is proper to be stringent in accordance with their opinion.”, 8-9; Tzemach Tzedek 1:139; Ketzos Hashulchan 9:3-6
[2] See Admur 74:1; Michaber 74:1; Rambam Tefila 4:8; Rava Brachos 25b; Ketzos Hashulchan 10:1
The source in scripture: This prohibition is derived from the verse in Scripture [Devarim 23:14] “Vehayah Machanecha Kadosh Velo Yiraeh Ervas Davar.” [Admur ibid]
[3] Admur 75:1; Michaber 75:1; Rebbe Yitzchak Brachos 24a
[4] Admur ibid; Michaber ibid; Tur ibid
[5] See Admur 75:1; Piskeiy Teshuvos 75:2-5
[6] Admur 75:1 “An exposed tefach (approximately 8 cm) of a woman’s body in an area that is normally covered is considered ervah”; Michaber 75:1; Tur 75:1; Raavad in Hashlamah and Rashba Brachos 24a; Rabbeinu Yonah Brachos 25b in name of Rav Haiy Gaon; Rosh Barchos 3:37
[7] Admur 75:1 “An exposed tefach (approximately 8 cm) of a woman’s body in an area that is normally covered is considered ervah, even if she is his wife….There are those who say that according to the first opinion, the prohibition of an exposed tefach applies only regarding one’s wife, whereas regarding another woman even less than a tefach is prohibited. However, this view is not accepted as the primary ruling.”; Kuntrus Achron 75:2; Bach 75; Elya Raba 75:1; Setimas Hamichaber ibid; Setimas Halevush 75; Mamar Mordechai 75:2; Kaf Hachaim 75:10
Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that the prohibition of an exposed tefach applies only regarding one’s wife, whereas regarding another woman even less than a tefach is prohibited. [Rama 75:1; Ravayah 76; Hagahos Maimanis Kerias Shema 3 Samech in name of Bahag; Peri Chadash 75:1] Some Poskim conclude to be stringent whenever possible. [Ben Ish Chaiy Bo 8; Kaf Hachaim ibid]
[8] See Admur 75:1 “Nevertheless, the face and hands, which are normally revealed, one may recite Shema and pray in their presence, since people are accustomed to seeing them and they do not lead to improper thoughts.”; Raavad in Hashlamah and Rashba Brachos 24a; Rabbeinu Yonah Brachos 25b
[9] Admur 75:1 based on normally covered areas
The ruling that the Zeroa [area above the elbow] has the status of a normally covered area and hence must be covered at all times: Michaber E.H. 115:4; Rambam Ishus 24:12; Kesubos 72a; Semag Asei 48; Bereishis Raba Vayishlach 80; Rokeaich 324; Lechem Chamudos 117; Elya Raba 75:3; Tiferes Shmuel on Rosh 37; Pischeiy Olam 75:3; Chayeh Adam 4:2; Ben Ish Chaiy Parshas Bo 8, 11; Od Yosef Chaiy Bo 1; M”B 75:2 and 7; Kaf Hachaim 75:2-3; Igros Moshe O.C. 1:42; Yabia Omer 6 O.C. 14:3; Kevodo Bas Melech 2:8; Halichos Bas Yisrael p. 70; Piskeiy Teshuvos 75:4; Lehoros Nasan 5:92; See Michaber C.M. E.H. 83:1; Rambam Chovel Umazik 4:15
The definition of the arm requiring coverage as the area from the elbow to the shoulder: Od Yosef Chaiy Bo 1; Mishneh Ohalos 1:8; Chazon ish 16:8; Kevod Bas Melech, ch. 2
[10] Admur 75:1 “However, regarding the shok (leg), it is forbidden, even though the shok is not considered a private area for a man and is commonly uncovered by men (in places where people walk without socks). Since it is a private area for a woman, it is considered ervah. Some authorities maintain that even less than a tefach of a woman’s exposed shok is considered ervah, even regarding one’s own wife, and it is proper to be stringent in accordance with their opinion.”; Michaber ibid; Raavad in Hashlamah and Rashba Brachos 24a; Rav Chisda Brachos ibid
[11] Admur ibid in Yeish Omrim and that one should be Machmir; Bach 75; Taz 75:1; Ateres Zekeinim 75:1; Kaf Hachaim 75:6
[12] Ketzos Hashulchan 9:3; Chayeh Adam; Tzemach Tzedek 1:139
[13] Admur 75:1; Rav Chisda in Brachos 24a; Simple implication of Admur ibid “Although the Shoka is not a private area by a man as it is customary for it to be revealed in areas they walk without Anpalaot:socks”; Implication of Mishneh Ohalos ibid according to many Mefarshim; Implication of Michaber Y.D. 194:10; Makor Chaim 75:1; Shut Rav Akiva Eiger Tinyana 28 based on Tosafos Menachos 37a; Tzur Yaakov 2:1; Chasam Sofer E.H. 69; Shulchan Hatahor 75:1 based on Zohar Naso 142 that “a Shoka of a woman is an Erva and the leg of a woman is an Erva”; Mahariy Shteif 43
Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that the Shoka only includes the thighs, until the knees, while from the knees and down is not included, and does not need to be covered in areas that are not accustomed to do so. [P”M 75 M”Z 1 “It is known that the Shoka is from the knee and up [thigh] and thus it is possible that from the knee and down in areas that women walk with this area revealed, it is permitted.” [See however Shut Magidos 24]; M”B 75:2 and Shaar Hatziyon 75:4; [Rules based on P”M ibid that it is permitted, even though the P”M only suggested this matter.]; Igros Moshe E.H. 4:100; Kovetz Tehsuvos of Rav Elyashiv1:13]
[14] Chayeh Adam
[15] Admur 75:4; Michaber E.H. 21:2; Ketzos Hashulchan 9:4; Rambam Issurei Biya 21:17; Tzemach Tzedek Even Haezer 139:2
Other opinions: Some Poskim rule that today since many married women have uncovered hair, one need not refrain from learning or Davening within its view. Other Poskim however argue that remains forbidden. [See Piskeiy Teshuvos 75:5]
[16] Michaber E.H. 21:2 and Rambam Issurei Biya 21:17 “It is forbidden for a married woman, or single girl, to walk in public with uncovered hair.”; The term single written above refers to a widow or divorcee, and they must cover their hair even when single: Beis Shmuel 21:5; Chelkas Mechokeik 21:2; Bach 21; Beir Heiytiv 21:5; Degul Merivava 21; Based on Yerushalmi Kesubos Halacha 1 who states that once a woman was married, she does not uncover her hair even if she became divorced or widowed prior to having marital relations
[17] Tzemach Tzedek Even Haezer 139:2 from the fact he prohibits the sideburns; Chasam Sofer 36 “Any hair in any area of the head is an Erva”; See Mahariy Levi 9 who allows revealing some of the hair until the day after the Chuppah.; Ashel Avraham Butchach “Proper to beware against even one hair”; Sdei Chemed; Dovev Meisharim 1:124; Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:62; Beis Baruch on Chayeh Adam 4:10; Lehoros Nasan 5; Piskeiy Teshuvos 75:10; Chazon Ish in Dinim Vehanhagos 2:88-9 and in Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:62; Rebbe Ben Tziyon Aba Shaul brought in Kuntrus Kisui Rosh Leisha; Rav Mashash in Tevuos Shemesh 137; Shemesh Umagen 2:15-17; Az Nidbaru 12:41 that one should cover every hair; Rav Moshe Shternbuch in Daas Vehalacha 1; Rav Lefkovich in Kovetz Beis Hillel 9; Or Yitzchak 3; Nitei Gavriel in Kovetz Or Yisrael 36-37
Other opinions: Some Poskim of today novelize that according to Halacha, a woman is permitted to be lenient to uncover up to two finger-worth’s [4 cm] of the top part of her hair. [Igros Moshe 4:112; Even Haezer 1:58; Likewise see Or Yitzchak 3 in name of Rav Moshe Feinstein that even he agreed that initially one should wear a wig in order to cover every hair; Rav Ovadia Yosef in Yalkut Yosef Otzer Dinim allows Bedieved] The Rebbe, as well as the vast majority of today’s Poskim, negate this opinion, and state it has no place in Shulchan Aruch.
[18] Admur 75:3 and 8; Ketzos Hashulchan 9:5
[19] Admur 75:3; Ketzos Hashulchan 9:5