Exposure of Less Than a Tefach in a Woman in Covered Areas
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Question
Is it permissible for a woman to expose less than a tefach in covered areas, for example, to unbutton the top button so that only less than a tefach is exposed?
Answer
Hello
A woman is prohibited from exposing even a small part of her body in areas that require covering.
However, there is no prohibition against reciting the Shema opposite less than a tefach exposed, provided it does not lead to thoughts about her.
This leniency, as explained by the Rema, applies only to one's own wife, but regarding another woman, it is prohibited even if less than a tefach is exposed.
[In the Shulchan Aruch, it seems to be lenient in this regard].
Source
Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, Laws of Reading the Shema, Chapter 75 Introduction - Orach Chaim, Chapter 75, Paragraph 1
A tefach exposed in a woman, in a place that is usually covered, even if it is his wife, it is forbidden to recite the Shema opposite her. Note: Some say this applies only to his wife, but regarding another woman, even less than a tefach is considered erva.