Rabbinic Advisory: Woman Singing

← These are our most popular stickers.  Now, any good business has a target demographic in mind, and Stereo Sinai intends for our target demographic to find this sticker ironic.  In truth, it's only half in jest.  A bit of explanation, funny parts in bold:

The Gemara (Berachot 24a) states, “The voice of a woman is Ervah [lit. nudity], as the verse [in Song of Songs 2:14] states ‘let me hear your voice because your voice is pleasant and appearance attractive.’” Rashi explains that the verse in Song of Songs indicates that a woman’s voice is attractive to a man, and is thus prohibited to him. Rav Hai Gaon (cited in the Mordechai, Berachot 80) writes that this restriction applies to a man who is reading Kriat Shema, because a woman’s singing will distract him. The Rosh (Berachot 3:37) disagrees and writes that the Gemara refers to all situations and is not limited to Kriat Shema. The Shulchan Aruch rules that the Kol Isha [woman's voice] restriction applies to both Kriat Shema (Orach Chaim 75:3) and other contexts (Even Haezer 21:2). The Rama (O.C. 75:3) and Bait Shmuel (21:4) clarify that this prohibition applies only to a woman’s singing voice and not to her speaking voice.

There's no doubt that Miriam's singing voice is attractive.  Heck, that's why she's so good.  In fact I've looked, and frankly, I'm insulted that I haven't been able to find any ancient rabbis who thought to consider that my male singing voice might be a turn-on for some of you women out there.  But while we and most of our fan base find it ironic that Stereo Sinai sells a sticker that warns the public of the spiritual dangers of her singing voice, it's important to note that there are a number of friends and fans who observe the law strictly according to Rashi's interpretation, and truly appreciate the advisory.

Our music is Torah-based, and I know that Miriam and I do our utmost to create expressions from a place of kavvanah, so really our target audience includes anyone who's into that sort of thing.  For those of you who follow the Kol Isha restricion, and happen to be women, please accept our humble invitation to enjoy our music.  We will rock your faces off.  And if you happen to be men, we sincerely hope this recent news item from Ynet news will have some influence.  In my opinion, Rabbi Bigman lives up to his name.  We promise to rock your faces off, too.  But not your clothes.

And for all the rest of you Thumpers (that's what our fans are called.  "Thumpers," from the term "Bible thumper," since we are a Bible-based act, I think), keep on thumping! ... to BOTH our sexy voices.