Studying Without a Head Covering and Shirt
Question
Is it permissible to study at the beach or at a pool by listening to shiurim with earphones, or through contemplation, or by speaking with a friend, etc., when one is wearing a bathing suit (without a kippah)? And is it necessary to put on a shirt, etc.?
Answer
Shalom u’vrachah,
Although a person must study Torah with awe and reverence, nevertheless, in a case of need, such as when a person is at the beach or at a pool, it is permissible to study without a shirt.
Regarding studying there without a kippah, our teacher Rabbi Amram Fried shlita wrote: It appears that it is permissible.
See the sources.
Source
Our teacher Rabbi Amram Fried shlita wrote (Azamrah Lishmecha 338):
Question: Is it permissible to study and speak in learning at the beach or at a pool without a kippah?
Answer: It appears that it is permissible.
Source: The Mishnah Berurah (siman 2, se’if katan 12) wrote that it is forbidden to study with one’s head uncovered, and in the Responsa Maharshal (siman 72) he wrote that although there is no prohibition in the matter, a Torah scholar should be careful not to study with his head uncovered. And in the Responsa Zichron Yehudah (by Rabbeinu Yehudah ben HaRosh, end of siman 20) he wrote that it is proper not to sit with one’s head uncovered while studying.
It appears that at the beach and at a pool, where many people are accustomed to go with their heads uncovered, it is also permissible to study that way; however, many are meticulous even at the beach and at a pool to wear a kippah when possible.
