May a girl/woman sing in front of her brother?

 

There is a dispute among Poskim if the idea of Kol Isha applies to a sister. The issue applies only to a sister who is mature in body and voice. A sister who has not yet reached maturity—according to some so long as she is under 9 years old, or even older according to others—would certainly be permitted to sing in front of her brothers.

Even according to the stringent opinion, one need only be careful if it causes Hirhur, or if one is saying Shema or Davening while they are singing.

Nonetheless, the common custom in many Jewish homes, including among Gedolei Yisrael, is that even sisters who were of age would participate in singing Zemiros Shabbos with their brothers.

 

Sources:

See Shulchan Aruch Orach Chayim 75:6.

See Shulchan Aruch Even Haezer 21:1. In 21:7 the Shulchan Aruch writes (in the name of the Rambam) that a brother who hugs and kisses his sister [there are differing views as to exactly how old the sister is] is acting like a fool. See Chelkas Mechokek 21:9.

See also here and the references listed.

See also Lehoros Nasson 4:104. Teshuvos Vhanhagos 1: 138. 5:74. Shevet Halevi 10:26. Divrei Yatziv EH 36. Even Yisroel 9:63. Be’eir Sarim 1:30.Halichos Shlomo Tefillah 20:11. Chut Shani EH 21:1 p. 52.

To conclude with the words of the Ritva (brought in Pischei Teshuva 21:3) [regarding these Tznius grey area questions]: “that everything depends on the person and how well they know themselves and their Yetzer Hara or if it is L’shem Shamayim”.

 

 

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