GATE 3 / SHAAR 3 - THE LAWS OF SHEMIRAT EINAYIM
CHAPTER 1 - THE LAWS OF SHMIRAT EINAYIM – GUARDING THE EYES
When someone first hears or reads about the laws of Shmirat Einayim, they might think, "This is impossible! There's no way a normal person can be this careful." However, as you study and grow in understanding these laws, your perspective will change. The enlightening light of Talmud Torah (Torah Study) will uplift your neshamah (soul), allowing you to immediately reap the benefits of adhering to these principles. If you have already learned to follow the restrictions of Yichud, you will find it much easier to cultivate the trait of watchfulness regarding your eyes. Conversely, if you are violating the Law of Yichud by spending time with friends of the opposite sex, be aware that the Yetzer Hara (evil inclination) may exploit this and hinder your growth in Avodat Hashem (serving G-d).
The primary laws concerning a man's gaze and thoughts about women are summarized below, along with their relevant rulings. Familiarizing yourself with these laws will equip you with practical guidance to lead a clean and pure life according to the Torah (Shulchan Aruch Even HaEzer, Chapter 21, Law 1).
CHAPTER 2 - THE LAWS OF SHEMIRAT EINAYIM
It is forbidden to look at a woman dressed immodestly, except for one's own wife, who has different laws.
It is forbidden to walk through an area known for immodestly dressed women:
- a. If you know of such an area, it is forbidden to enter. An alternative route must be taken.
- b. If there is no alternative route, or if it is impractical, you may pass through, provided you make every reasonable effort to avoid seeing immodest sights.
It is forbidden to entertain thoughts of desire for any woman who is not one's wife, whether she is married or single.
It is forbidden to derive pleasure from looking at a woman's beauty, even if she is modestly dressed. Enjoyment is permitted only with one’s own wife.
YOU CANNOT SIN AND THANK G-D FOR THE OBJECT OF YOUR SIN
A problematic teaching from a world-renowned non-Jewish religious organization advises members to thank G-d for creating irresistible beauty while looking at women they find attractive. This attitude is completely inappropriate for a Jew. It is a sin to enjoy or derive any benefit from the beauty of women who are not our wife, mother, or daughter. Such an attitude is akin to eating non-kosher food and then doing a Birkat Hamazon (grace after meals) to thank G-d for the meal, which would be wicked and could attract serious repercussions from Heaven. G-d Himself created these prohibitions, and disregarding them is like mocking the Bore Olam (The Creator).
After reading these laws for the first time, many men may feel overwhelmed. It is clear that applying these laws is not easy, especially in environments where women cannot be avoided, such as workplaces, secular schools, or universities.
Some might wonder how any normal man can realistically fulfill these laws. While controlling one’s gaze is indeed a tremendous challenge, the Torah does not expect instant mastery. We are expected to make efforts, and changing ourselves requires discipline, study, and persistent practice until it becomes second nature.
Hashem created us and understands our nature better than we do. He established both the laws and the challenges associated with them, but He also provided the most effective solution: Talmud Torah (the study of Torah). Chazal teaches (Bava Batra 16a), "HaKodesh Baruch Hu created the Yetzer Hara as well as its remedy, the Torah." Learning Torah with clarity activates its healing powers. According to Mesillat Yesharim by Rav Chaim Luzzatto (RAMCHAL) ZTz’’L, Torah study instills in a man the habit of watchfulness (fear of sin). The religious duty we owe to G-d and the severe consequences of neglecting this responsibility compel us to be vigilant, especially regarding sins related to women.
We must be sincerely motivated to study Torah. As Rav Ron Chaya from Leava and Yeshiva Yeshuot Yosef in Yerushalayim states, “Talmud Torah is the remedy.” These guidelines should educate us on the subject and help us apply its principles. To win the "battle of the eyes," we must immerse ourselves in Torah study, as it is the best remedy for temptations.
Remember that, like every law in the Torah, the laws of Shmirat Einayim were designed for real people, just like you. Resolve to periodically review these laws to strengthen your observance. Read Moussar books on the subject and seek out valuable teachings online, such as those available on the Leava website by Rav Ron Chaya.
CHAPTER 3 - THE TZADDIK (RIGHTEOUS) MUST PROTECT THEIR EYES
WINDOWS OF THE SOUL
The eyes are the window to the soul. This proverb, which has endured for thousands of years, is validated by both science and religion. Studies, including one from Yale University, indicate that most people intuitively feel their "self" or soul is connected to their eyes. Indeed, our eyes activate our emotions, feelings, and desires, often leading us to transgress boundaries. Watching forbidden sights can pollute the soul and disconnect a person from the Torah and HaKadosh Baruch Hu (the Holy One Blessed Be He). This damage is particularly alarming for young men, who are often innocently lured into a world of corrupt wisdom without the tools to resist.
A study conducted by Haifa University revealed that over 60% of young men watch pornography regularly. One should not assume they are wiser than the Torah; society often sets individuals against the Eternal's wisdom. While great Talmudic rabbis have warned against straying after one's eyes, modern society places temptations in their path. Gazing at attractive women—whether in pictures, videos, malls, or on the Internet—inflicts more damage on a Jew's spiritual well-being than consuming forbidden foods like pork. While eating non-kosher food pollutes the nefesh (lower soul), gazing at women pollutes the higher, more spiritual aspects of the soul, severing the individual from Divine blessings.
The Tzaddikim, reflecting the image of G-d, are careful to avert their eyes from forbidden sights. When conversing with women, they often do so with their eyes closed (The Alshich, Noach). If a Jewish person must work in an environment with immodestly dressed women, they should remember the Talmudic account of Abba, a doctor who received daily greetings from the Heavenly Academy for preparing separate rooms for male and female patients, taking special care to guard his eyes.
A person who regularly confronts improper sights yet controls his gaze is considered a mighty warrior in Heaven. If women frequent your shop or office, do your best to avert your eyes. HaShem will reward you with blessings in this world and the World to Come.
LO TATURU ACHAREI LEVAVCHEM U ACHAREI EINECHEM
Watch Over Your Eyes & Watch Over Your Heart
Shemirat Einayim can also prevent the seduction of the heart. The eyes see, and the heart desires what the eyes behold. This principle applies not only to the desire for women but also to the property of others. The Ten Commandments instruct us not to covet our neighbor's wife or possessions. By practicing Shemirat Einayim and guarding our eyes, we can avoid exploring the beauty of women who are not our spouses, thereby shielding ourselves from the heart's seductions.
This concept is further explored in Parshat Shlach, which begins with HaShem instructing Moshe to send men to explore the Land of Canaan. The parsha concludes with the commandment to wear tzitzit, emphasizing, “...and you shall not explore after your hearts and after your eyes” (Bamidbar 15:39). The irony of using the same root word "tur" (to explore) at both the beginning and end of the parsha is significant. Rashi comments that the heart and eyes act as "spies" for the body, leading it into sin.
However, there are complexities in the phrase “And you shall not explore after your hearts and after your eyes.” The connection between the two instances of "exploring" is more than semantic. If we were to write this sentence in Modern Hebrew, it would be grammatically correct to say "v’lo taturu acharei libchem" (singular) regarding the heart, since we have one heart. Yet, it is stated in the plural form “acharei levavchem.”
Rabbinic teaching views the heart as having two inclinations: the yetzer haTov (good inclination) and the yetzer haRah (evil inclination). Thus, when one learns to guard their eyes, heart, ears, and tongue, they fulfill the teaching of the Ba’al Shem Tov: “Everything that a person sees or hears is an instruction to improve their service to G-d (Avodat Hashem).”
SHEMIRAT HA’BRIT - CIRCUMCISION (BRIT MILA)
Shemirat HaBrit refers to guarding the Brit or Covenant. While our connection to G-d and Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) is eternal, the Torah warns Avraham that Shmirat HaBrit is crucial for maintaining the Covenant between G-d and the Nation of Israel.
This is My Brit (Covenant) that you shall safeguard: “Every male among you shall be circumcised” (Bereshit 17:10). While circumcision is the covenant that grants us the right to the Land of Israel, Shmirat HaBrit also encompasses safeguarding our sexual purity, which distinguishes us from gentile nations and ensures our settlement of Eretz Yisrael.
Our Sages have long taught that sexual transgressions create a rift between the Jewish Nation and G-d, leading to exile and destruction. Our enemies understand this and use all available resources to lead us into sin. This has been true throughout history, from Amalek to modern times, where the multi-billion dollar industry of impure content has invaded our homes.
To combat this battle effectively, we must know our weapon: the Torah. The laws of prohibition serve as our most effective defense. The Torah commands us to be holy, as G-d is holy, and warns us against straying after our hearts and eyes.
WATCHING OVER THE BRIT TO KEEP IT = GUARDING & KEEPING THE LAND
The Torah emphasizes that Israel’s success and security depend on our holiness, particularly in terms of sexual purity. “When you go out to encamp against your enemies, guard yourself from every evil thing” (Devarim 23:10). This demand for sexual purity applies to both soldiers and civilian life. The Torah commands us, “You shall be holy, for I the Eternal your G-d am holy” (Vayikra 19:2).
Our ability to conquer and settle the Biblical borders of Eretz Yisrael depends on our holiness. By maintaining our sanctity, the Shechinah (Divine Presence) remains with us, supporting our battles. We safeguard the Brit by watching our eyes, hearts, minds, and tongues; cleaning our surroundings; ensuring modesty in our community; and avoiding situations that provoke temptation.
DO NOT GAZE AT WOMEN - WATCH YOUR EYES
Not only is physical contact with women prohibited, but gazing at them to enjoy their beauty is also a serious transgression (Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer, Ch. 300, Section 100:2). The Talmud explains that “after your hearts” refers to idol worship, while “after your eyes” pertains to sexual immorality (Berachot 12B). The eye and heart are instruments of sin; the eye sees, the heart desires, and the body acts.
“Whoever gazes at a forbidden woman and believes there is no harm in it is mistaken. Gazing leads to sexual transgression, as it says, ‘You shall not go astray after your hearts and after your eyes’” (Hilchot T’shuva of the Rambam, 4:4). The Gemara teaches that a man should not gaze upon an attractive woman, even if she is single or unattractive, as this can lead to sin (Avodah Zara 20A).
SPILLING THE SEED IN VAIN - A POLLUTION OF THE BRIT (A BREACH IN THE COVENANT)
Wasting semen is a grave Torah prohibition, punishable by Karet (spiritual excision) (Niddah 13A). This sin is not judged by earthly courts but is left to G-d to punish. The Zohar indicates that ordinary repentance does not suffice; a higher form of repentance, stemming from love of G-d, is required. The Talmud equates all sexual offenses, including self-gratification, with adultery (Niddah 13A and B).
The Kitzur Shulchan Aruch states: “It is forbidden to discharge semen in vain. This is a graver sin than any other transgression mentioned in the Torah” (Shulchan Aruch, Even HaEzer, 23:1). Those who engage in self-gratification not only commit a grave sin but also face severe consequences, including potential poverty or loss of children.
A man must avoid willfully causing arousal or thinking about women until he is aroused. If lascivious thoughts arise, he should divert his attention to Torah study, the best antidote for spiritual poison. Lewd thoughts prevail only in a mind devoid of wisdom.
In summary, the warnings of the Torah, the admonishments of the Talmud, and the insights of the Zohar and Kabbalah affirm that Shemirat HaBrit is the foundation of all life.
AT ALL TIMES WE ARE LIABLE TO LOSE THIS WORLD AND THE WORLD TO COME
Whoever walks into the street risks losing both this world and the World to Come, Chas VeShalom (G-d forbid). Losing one's life in this world and facing judgment in Gehinnom could occur simply by looking lustfully at women on the sidewalk or in a mall. The dangers are ever-present, with images that the Yetzer Hara uses to ensnare our souls daily.
Rav Ron Chaya from Leava and Yeshiva Yeshuot Yosef in Yerushalayim observes that a man is continually harassed by temptations in society. Whether walking to shul or work, the Yetzer Hara presents images to entice him. Even when trying to avoid temptations, distractions abound, and the struggle can feel overwhelming.
The Rambam writes in Hilchot Teshuva (Chapter 4, 4) that most people fail to realize that what they see leads to sinful actions. The Ohr haChayim states that without careful restriction of what one sees, avoiding sinful thoughts and actions becomes impossible. Engaging in friendships with women outside of halachic boundaries can lead to temptation and sin.
While some may think they are immune to these temptations, it is proven that attraction can arise unexpectedly, leading to infidelity or worse. Our wise Sages warn that those who believe they can gaze at women without consequence are bound to sin. Only those who live with humility and vigilance will be safe from the traps of the Yetzer Hara.
It is beneficial for anyone going out to spend a few minutes reviewing these teachings, enabling them to guard their eyes and benefit their body and soul. The Benei Issachar teaches that the Yetzer Hara desires to attack through sexual sins, as these encompass all other temptations.
Furthermore, the Rishonim (early scholars) remind us to observe the commandment in the Shema: “And you shall not go astray after your hearts and your eyes…” A man must always be vigilant to guard against sinning against Hashem. Remember, transgressing once opens the door for repeated sin, as it is written, “AVERAH GORERET AVERAH” (one sin leads to another). Just as performing a mitzvah leads to more mitzvot (Sefer Tikkun HaBrit, Shaar Shemirat Einayim).
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Important Themes Related to Shemirat Einayim: Explore the laws of Shemirat Einayim (guarding the eyes) in Judaism, emphasizing the importance of spiritual purity, modesty, and the impact of gaze on the soul. Learn how Torah study and vigilance can help overcome temptation and maintain holiness in daily life. Discover insights from Talmudic teachings and the significance of Yichud laws in fostering a pure and righteous life.
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PROHIBITION OF YICHUD
GATE 1 - YICHUD LEADS TO PROMISCUITY
GATE 2 - WHAT IS SHEMIRAT HABRIT
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- 13 Principles of Faith
- Shulchan Aruch
- Yichud by Rabbi Howard Jachter
- Talmud - Gemarah
- Rabbi E.J. Mansour / Rabbi Zvi Miller: Window of the Soul
- Rav Ron Chaya: Yeshivah Yosef; Leava
- Mesillat Yesharim by Rav Chaim Luzzatto (RAMCHAL)
THE PROHIBITION OF YICHUD
Copyright: © 2015 ABA - EYBO
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