עברית
Halachot and Customs
Are Women Obligated in Guarding Their Eyes?
Question
Good evening, I am a religious girl in a religious school, and my teacher said that women are obligated in guarding their eyes just like men, whereas I heard a lecture in which the rabbi said there is a difference between men and women and that women are not obligated in this. What should I do? Thank you.
Answer
Good day,
For men, any looking for pleasure is forbidden, and in covered places even a mere glance without pleasure is forbidden. However, for women, only looking that leads to improper thoughts is forbidden; otherwise, it is permitted.
Sources: What is written regarding men looking at women is explained in Mishnah Berurah (siman 75, seif katan 7). Regarding women looking at men, see Yabia Omer, vol. 1 (Orach Chaim, siman 6, letter 5), that there is no prohibition for a woman to look at a handsome man. In any case, it is explained in Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 188) that women are also commanded not to have improper thoughts about men. Therefore, it is obvious that if the looking causes improper thoughts, it is forbidden.
With blessings, Hillel Meirs
