Perfume
28 May, 2004
Question:Thank you for your answer regarding perfume, that I could put some on and then go to the office, especially if my husband is not home.
My REAL question is, however, since I work in an office with men, frum and not frum, and they get kind of close to me for dictation, etc., when we are working on projects, could/should I halachically wear perfume, and if so, is perfume defined as only musky scents, or is fruit or light flower scents okay?
Thanks again.
Answer:On the one hand, halacha does not want you to be deliberately enticing to men other than your husband. On the other hand, you are entitled to dress (modestly) and adorn yourself in a way that makes YOU feel good with yourself. You need to balance these considerations and use common sense in determining when perfume is appropriate. Heavy perfuming of any sort, or exotic scents even if lightly applied, should be avoided based on common sense considerations.
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