Conversation with a Man at Work
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Question
Hello, I would like to ask what is permissible for a woman to discuss with a man at work. Is it only work-related matters or also polite phrases and greetings? Is it permissible to discuss perspectives, for example? I would appreciate clear sources. Thank you very much.
Answer
Hello,
It is permissible to speak only about work-related matters.
General polite phrases, which are not personal, are allowed. For example, 'thank you', 'good morning' are permitted. However, personal compliments, such as 'you are a genius', 'there is no one like you', and personal inquiries like 'how are you feeling' are prohibited.
Discussions on perspectives, political opinions, and the like are prohibited. They do not lead to strengthening in Torah and fear of Heaven, but rather the opposite.
The general rule is as our Sages said: 'Do not engage in excessive conversation with a woman'.
In the Shulchan Aruch, it is stated sharply: 'A person must distance himself from women very, very much'.
There are detailed instructions from the great poskim, and I have only brought a part of them here.
Source
Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Eruvin, page 53b
Rabbi Yosi the Galilean was walking on the road, he met Bruria, he said to her: Which way to Lod? - She replied to him: Foolish Galilean, did not the Sages say: Do not engage in excessive conversation with a woman; you should have said: Which to Lod.
Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer, Laws of Marriage, Chapter 21, Paragraph 1
A person must distance himself from women very, very much.