Question:
Is one allowed to say a bracha in front of a picture of a woman who is not tznius, and by scale it would be more than a tefach, but in actuality it is less than a tefach (because the picture is small)?
Answer:
There are two issues regarding saying brachos or davening in front of exposed ervah, the actual prohibition of “lo yirei b’cha ervas davar”, and because davening in such a place causes immodest thoughts, (hirhur) and during davening we have to be extra careful about this. A picture is not actual ervah, therefore the first issue will not apply. However the second issue will apply, even if the amount that is exposed is less than 3 to 4 inches, as it still causes improper thoughts. Therefore it would be permitted to daven or say brachos with your eyes closed, as then there will be no issue of hirhur.
Best Wishes
Sources:
Om Ani Choma 5, Lehovin Shemuos 11, Minchas Yitzchok 3-11, Chazon Ish O:CH 16-7 D:H U’linyan, Oz Nidberu 10-35, Yabia Omer 3-7, Otzar Halachos 1 75(9), Ishei Yisroel 53-17, Orach haderech pg. 48.
