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By UHAIR | 01 July 2024 | 0 Comments
Why Do Jewish Women Wear Wigs?
Jewish tradition and law have many intricate practices, one of which is the custom of married Jewish women covering their hair. A common question arises: why do some Jewish women wear wigs, especially if the wig looks more attractive than their natural hair? Let’s delve into this topic to understand the historical, religious, and cultural reasons behind this practice, especially in the context of Jewish curly hair.
Historical and Religious Background
To comprehend why Jewish women cover their hair, we must first look to the Torah, which describes a ceremony involving a Sota—a married woman suspected of adultery. In this ceremony, the priests uncover her hair as an act of humbling. This indicates a biblical inference that a married woman’s hair is typically covered. The Talmud, a central text in Rabbinic Judaism, further debates the origin of this commandment. While one authority claims hair covering is a biblical requirement, another views it as a standard of modesty defined by the community. Ultimately, the Talmud resolves that while covering the head is a biblical mandate, the method of covering is left to the discretion of the women themselves.
The Role of Wigs in Hair Covering
Wigs, known as sheitels in Yiddish, have been a common and even fashionable way for Orthodox Jewish women to cover their hair since the 15th and 16th centuries. This trend continued, albeit with some interruptions, until the early 1800s. Historical figures such as Queen Elizabeth, Marie Antoinette, and George Washington were known to wear wigs. Initially, there was some rabbinic opposition to this practice. However, over time, many rabbis came to accept, though not universally, the wearing of wigs.
Modesty and Beauty: A Balancing Act
A key concern is whether wearing a beautiful wig undermines the principle of modesty. To address this, we need to define modesty, or tzniaut. Contrary to popular belief, tzniut is not about looking unattractive. It is about keeping certain parts of oneself private, particularly those considered ervah, or inherently sensual, according to Jewish law. A married woman’s hair is considered ervah and thus must be covered, not because it is overtly sexual, but because it is a private aspect of her being.
Wigs and the Concept of Modesty
Some might argue that if a wig makes a woman look more attractive than her natural hair, it defeats the purpose of modesty. However, the goal of modesty is not to make a woman look less attractive but to create a boundary between her body and the outside world. Just as clothing covers the body and maintains modesty without making someone unattractive, a wig covers the hair and maintains modesty. The wig serves as a barrier, ensuring that a woman’s natural hair is not accessible to others, even if the wig itself is attractive.
Personal and Spiritual Significance
For the woman wearing the wig, it serves as a constant reminder of her status as a married woman and the sanctity of her sexuality. It is a personal acknowledgment of her commitment and responsibility to channel her sexuality appropriately within her marriage. This practice is deeply ingrained in the values of modesty and respect within the Jewish tradition.
Conclusion
The practice of Jewish women wearing wigs is a blend of religious commandment, historical evolution, and cultural adaptation. It is a testament to the dynamic nature of Jewish law and tradition, balancing the need for modesty with personal dignity and beauty. Through this practice, Jewish women honor their faith, their community, and their personal commitment to modesty and privacy.
Sincerely,
Jew in the City
Historical and Religious Background
To comprehend why Jewish women cover their hair, we must first look to the Torah, which describes a ceremony involving a Sota—a married woman suspected of adultery. In this ceremony, the priests uncover her hair as an act of humbling. This indicates a biblical inference that a married woman’s hair is typically covered. The Talmud, a central text in Rabbinic Judaism, further debates the origin of this commandment. While one authority claims hair covering is a biblical requirement, another views it as a standard of modesty defined by the community. Ultimately, the Talmud resolves that while covering the head is a biblical mandate, the method of covering is left to the discretion of the women themselves.
The Role of Wigs in Hair Covering
Wigs, known as sheitels in Yiddish, have been a common and even fashionable way for Orthodox Jewish women to cover their hair since the 15th and 16th centuries. This trend continued, albeit with some interruptions, until the early 1800s. Historical figures such as Queen Elizabeth, Marie Antoinette, and George Washington were known to wear wigs. Initially, there was some rabbinic opposition to this practice. However, over time, many rabbis came to accept, though not universally, the wearing of wigs.
Modesty and Beauty: A Balancing Act
A key concern is whether wearing a beautiful wig undermines the principle of modesty. To address this, we need to define modesty, or tzniaut. Contrary to popular belief, tzniut is not about looking unattractive. It is about keeping certain parts of oneself private, particularly those considered ervah, or inherently sensual, according to Jewish law. A married woman’s hair is considered ervah and thus must be covered, not because it is overtly sexual, but because it is a private aspect of her being.
Wigs and the Concept of Modesty
Some might argue that if a wig makes a woman look more attractive than her natural hair, it defeats the purpose of modesty. However, the goal of modesty is not to make a woman look less attractive but to create a boundary between her body and the outside world. Just as clothing covers the body and maintains modesty without making someone unattractive, a wig covers the hair and maintains modesty. The wig serves as a barrier, ensuring that a woman’s natural hair is not accessible to others, even if the wig itself is attractive.
Personal and Spiritual Significance
For the woman wearing the wig, it serves as a constant reminder of her status as a married woman and the sanctity of her sexuality. It is a personal acknowledgment of her commitment and responsibility to channel her sexuality appropriately within her marriage. This practice is deeply ingrained in the values of modesty and respect within the Jewish tradition.
Conclusion
The practice of Jewish women wearing wigs is a blend of religious commandment, historical evolution, and cultural adaptation. It is a testament to the dynamic nature of Jewish law and tradition, balancing the need for modesty with personal dignity and beauty. Through this practice, Jewish women honor their faith, their community, and their personal commitment to modesty and privacy.
Sincerely,
Jew in the City
