Head covering in the presence of sacred writings | Head covering for women | Sheilot

Head covering in the presence of sacred writings

Question

Shalom, I wanted to ask whether a woman is permitted to be near sacred books without a head covering, whether she is in a state of purity or not, and also whether it is permitted to recite blessings and pray without a head covering, both for the woman herself and for her husband who is next to her. If it is forbidden, is it enough not to look, or must one move away? I would be happy to receive clear sources. Thank you very much.

Answer

 Shalom, 

 The hair of a married woman has the halachic status of ervah with regard to the prohibition for others to see it. 

But not with regard to uncovering it in the presence of books — this is permitted. 

 Others are forbidden to recite blessings and pray in the presence of a woman’s uncovered hair, but she herself is permitted to do so. 

 Lechatchilah, it is forbidden to recite a blessing facing ervah unless one turns one’s entire body away; bedieved, closing one’s eyes is sufficient. 


Source

Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim, Laws of Keriat Shema, siman 75, se’if 2
The hair of a woman whose practice is to cover it — it is forbidden to recite [Keriat Shema] facing it.

Mishnah Berurah, siman 75, se’if katan 10
Whose practice is to cover it — and even if her practice is to cover it only in the marketplace and not in the home or courtyard, nevertheless, according to all opinions, it is included in the category of ervah, even in the home, and it is forbidden there to recite [Keriat Shema] facing it if some of it became uncovered.

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