Why Do Orthodox Jewish Women Wear Wigs (If They Look Better Than Hair)?
- Posted on 04 January, 2019
- T Part Wig
- By Anonymous
https://jewinthecity.com/2019/01/why-d... Why do Orthodox Jewish women wear wigs? Especially if the wig looks even nicer than their hair? Doesn't that defeat the purpose? With thanks to @KarwasserWigs
Director of Photography - Elie Gabor eliecreative.com
Producer - Sara Levine
Dear Jew in the city, why don't the docks Jewish women wear wigs? Doesn'T that defeat the purpose of modesty, especially if the weight looks better than the hair thanks Bree thanks for your question? It'S true many wigs are very attractive these days. So, what's the point of wearing a beautiful wig to cover hair? First, we have to understand why Mary Jewish women to cover their hair at all. For that we must go back to the Torah. The Torah describes an ancient ceremony of the SOTA, a married woman who was found alone with the man who was not her husband and is suspected of adultery in order to determine her innocence or guilt. The priests uncovered her hair as an act of humbling from here. We see a biblical inference that a married woman's hair is otherwise covered. Did you cheat on your husband? Well, but then the Talmud comes along and has some disagreements about the origin of this commandment. One Authority states that hair covering is a biblical requirement. Another says it is a standard of modesty defined by the community. The talmud finally comes to the resolution and explains that covering the head is a biblical requirement, while the manner in which we covered the hair was defined by the women themselves. So we cover our hair because the Torah and Talmud say that it's law and an act of modesty. But why wigs wigs used to be a common and even fashionable way for everyone to cover their hair, including for Orthodox Jewish women in the 15th and 16th centuries? And on and off again until the early 1800s weeks could be seen on everyone from Queen Elizabeth to Mary Antoinette to George Washington. In fact, the trend to wear weaves continues even to this day at first there was rabbinic pushback, but then many though not all rabbis came to accept the practice, but doesn't looking beautiful defeat. The purpose of modesty in the first place. First, we have to define what modesty or tania's is contrary to popular belief. Sneeze is not about looking ugly or unattractive. Sinise is about keeping certain parts of oneself private. The parts must require covering are called irva and have some innate sexuality or sensuality to them. According to Jewish law, women's hair isn't considered irva until she's married. Therefore, hair must not be overtly sexual because it where it would never be shown. That'S why wearing a wig to cover hair is not considered indecent and again, as any shampoo commercial can attest. You hair does have some innate sensuality to it, but what if the wig doesn't just make a woman look beautiful what if it makes her look better than she look without the wig? Has the point of this myth had totally been missed? Well, what if a person looks more attractive in clothing than undressed? Would it suddenly be more modest to walk around with no clothes on, of course, not. The purpose of modesty isn't to look less attractive, but rather to create a barrier between one's body and the rest of the world. So to a wig was warned not to make a woman look worse, but rather to create a separation between her natural hair and all the men that no longer have access to it. While others may not know that she's covering she does she's reminded of her status. As a married woman and the power of her sexuality and the responsibility to direct it appropriately, I hope that covers the question Sincerely. Yours, Chu in the city,
Comments
Simply Sarell: Ever since I saw Unorthodox on Netflix I wondered why the main character wore a wig after getting married. Thank you for helping me understand!
Denisse López: I really adored your video. I'm not a jewish girl but I completely understood the reason - although I disagree - but the way you explained the idea is fun and easy. I couldn't think modesty means dress ugly. Actually, you can dress in a sexy way and look a monster!!! Thanks f9r your videos!!!
diva70smusic: Thank you for the humor and grace that you use for explaining this religious practice. I have friends of many religions so I have discussions such as these all the time. I think when questions are asked respectfully; answers can be received as given. You are clever and respectful at the same time. Your patience and understanding can help create tolerance (in a positive way) and respect for understanding one's faith.Thank you.
michelet wilkinson-pennington: OK!...Found this by accident but was so caught up in the AUTHENTIC & frankly, humorous way the presenter did this video, I HAD to finish. Great balance of wit-knowledge-self deprecation & pride. WELL DONE!!!
Will S: This channel has been useful in further understanding my orthodox neighbors! I knew the goal wasn’t always to look less attractive (just a side-effect), because my friend’s rabbi’s wife is aggressively sexy in her wig. It’s simply branding. Like the curls and the hat saying “these are our men not yours” the wigs say “these are our women not yours”
SN: I've missed these question and answer style videos from 6 years ago! So glad to see you bringing these back! I hope they stay - they are immensely helpful!
Mindy Schaper: This video made me smile a couple of times. You had some very humorous moments in there, with great video editing. Content was to the point and concise as well.
Miss T: I love your videos! I really appreciate your explanations and teaching on these different topics. Thank you so much for sharing with us, your fans. I hope your family is well and happy.
earinggirls: I appreciate this video! It clarified some things about head covering in the Jewish community that I was curious about. Thank you!
H3arme3r0ar: I've always been curious about other peoples religions and culture. Thank you for making this video that explains your opinions and reasonings without being condecending.
Ellie49: This was very illuminating and it makes perfect sense to me. I'm a cradle Episcopalian and I grew up always wearing a hat or a mantilla to church. I typically carried a little chapel veil in my handbag in case I stopped by a church during the week to say a prayer. That custom went by the wayside in the 70s during the second wave of feminism (which I support, by the way). I miss the practice (even though it was largely symbolic as there was no requirement to have our hair hidden away). Simply the act of placing something on my head helped me to center and prompted an attitude of reverence within. I feel enriched by the message in this video AND I just love your sense of humor! I'll definitely be back.
Miriam Saidov: You are amazing! I am an Orthodox Jew who wears a wig and I am frequently pestered about "wearing a wig defeats the purpose" and now I have the correct content as a clapback!
Katherine K: Thank you! I have to do an assignment for religion regarding how different religions have different standards of dress, etc. This has helped give some information regarding it. I was a little confused about the whole thing, but it's beginning to make sense.
Kersha Martin: I love this story. Nice to learn about Jewish culture.
Nora Dachille: So glad to see this back! Please do more!
y2rock: So happy to see her back the way she used to be. Keep up the great work! We really enjoy it!
Alice Caillet-Roussel: Hello, thank you for this instructive video. Some questions are still unanswered for me: Does wearing a wig all the time ends up deteriorating a lot your natural hair? Or Can women who wear wigs still have beautiful natural hair after years and years of marriage ? And do these women take off their wig once they are home or keep them on all the time? Thank you !
revacohen: I one time asked my rav about the head covering. He said that : 1. It's a good way to show a woman has a unique relationship with her husband; and 2. It's the equivalent of a wedding ring.
SuperSar79: This is similar to Muslim women who cover their hair but with a hijab or scarf. I also seen Jewish women who don’t prefer wear a wig cover with a scarf similar.
Vinita W: Explained so well. Thanks. I learn a lot from your videos so pls do keep posting them.
Kindah: I'm a spiritual person and not particularly religious, tho I do respect everyone's right to do whatever they want to do. I still don't find it a reasonable thing for a woman to cover her hair because of a man. There already is a part of us whether man or woman that is reserved strictly for the spouse. And we already know what part that is. Even emotionally our spouse has a part of us that we don't give to others. That's good enough. But hey... to each their own.
Rachel DeGreat: This was adorable and informative, thank you!
Capt JackPal: Love your editing style. I appreciate this video and how informative it is.
Erl DaGerl: For the first 10 years of my marriage, I covered my hair but never with a wig. Then I got a job outside the home in a non-Jewish environment. Suddenly I needed a sheitel (wig). If I showed up at the office in a snood, hat, or tichel, I would be the center of attention due to the perceived novelty of my look. In a wig, nobody even realized my own hair was covered. People would even sometimes comment, “your hair is getting long!” PS my own hair was my trademark. No wig could look better.
Tia Moon : Ah thanks for clarifying! I didn’t get the concept until you described the part where you wear clothes vs wearing none.
Eugenio: I loved this video, though I would say that many Jews do not agree with that and use other verses to negate the need for married women to cover their hair. It's interesting how people interpret the same things so differently.
Modest Midwest Momma: Great explanation... I'm a very devout Christian and I actually cover my hair with a wig as well( I am also married) I tried other coverings but they have never been quite right. The wig makes perfect sense, it allows me to be observant but still feminine. I also wear dresses and skirts to the mid calf and sleeves to at least the elbow. I would love to see a video about the modesty/clothing standards that you have and follow.
Nnijah K: Thank for explaining this I am a Muslim woman and never understood the purpose. I guess if it works for you and your religion go for it
Jordania Berg: I was told that the wigs are cheaper to maintain than natural hair... it actually made sense to me, although it may sound a bit crazy.
kingdele01: Interesting video! That clears up a few things. And it explains why the early Christian writer, who were all Jews, expressed clear commands for women to cover their hair while in spiritual worship and men not to do so. I do find the logic of allowing wigs, that clearly resembles hair, weak though. Any way, thanks for sharing!
Loretta _: Looking for information and I really appreciate you sharing it and doing it in such an engaging and interesting way. Thanks!☺️
Emily Grace: This woman is awesome! I am LOVING the creative moments added into this video... Epic!!
Sara's Randomz: I've never heard of this before. Thanks for the info.
Patricia O'Flynn: I knew that Orthodox Jewish women often cover their hair when they are married with a wig but when I watched Unorthodox I was shocked to see that they shaved off her hair quickly after the wedding. Is this normal or do most of the women have their own hair still under their wigs? I had imagined that they could take off their wig when home with their husband or with other women. Thanks
talkdtwo: Not being jewish, I though this was nuts... that is, until I heard you're explanation. Very interesting. Love the definition of modesty.
Cyclpian city dweller: Thanks for clarifying that Jew in the city. The wig thing always confused me. Especially because we Muslims don't have that commandments in our law.
Hannah Badr: What a great content!!! I'm glad that I found your channel!!
Alex Dolly: Great video, I'm currently having a conversation on this very topic. Outside of wig wearing what would be the likelihood of a married Jewish women being seen in public wear Spandex, legging or Yoga pants?? Are Jewish woman mindful of accentuating certain body parts with clothing?
Learn to Grow: As a BT who wants to cover her hair someday...thank you for the WHY!!!
Mark Rcca: a lot of Jewish women use scarves and not wigs to cover their hair in public. That always made more sense to me if modesty is the goal. But wigs also have their place, I don't think there is anything wrong with them. Whatever works!
Jennifer Ingle: I love your question/answer/explanation videos. ❤️
Susan Kievman: This assumes that all men find the hair of the woman highly sensual. Different men are attracted to different parts of women. And some women have less than beautiful hair too. Some men find eyes, or pretty feet sensual. Others like legs or butts or breasts as their favorite parts. Who determined that hair was so sensual to all men?
Axia Chase-Cochrane: I was super confused by this practice. Thanks for explaining!
Elise DeMerell: Very enlightening, thank you!
Frances Lopez: Thank you for this video, I’m not Jewish but at least now I understand why the married woman wear wigs .
A R: Wow! This is so insightful. Erva sounds very similar to Awrah in Arabic. Meaning the intimate parts that Men and Woman need to cover with clothing. Am i correct in saying some Jewish woman wear a wig and some wish to wear a headscarf instead?
Nora Ginny: Yes please more question videos! I've missed them.
M Guest: A very nice explanation ,funny ,informative and interesting.
Avery Strandmark: That was very informative. ThNk you for the knowledge
Linda Amidon: I was curious about that very question, and you answered it nicely. Thanks, JITC.
BrishenAlston: Luv these types of videos... the kind that remind me of the very first video and got me hooked on Jewihthecity in the first place.
Ay BayBay: I’m Muslim and the wig makes sense to me actually. We wear hijabs for modesty. No exactly the same thing big.... but similar.
Kjersti Eilers: Thank you for this explanation! Just one more question... I get why married women cover their hair... But why is it ok for her to wear someone else's hair unveiled and not her own? Maybe the hair the wig is made from is from a married women... ♀️
Nita: This was very informational for me. Just for clarity, according to the Torah law, does that mean that it is impossible for an unmarried woman's hair to express sexuality or sensuality? I'm just wondering what makes a single woman's hair able to be exposed to men but not a married woman's. Just asking for further understanding.
Jess Chilous: This was really cute, and a great explanation!
Lenny Talbot: I'm not Jewish. I found this fascinating. Thanks
Pvt. Rickert: I kinda did the hair thing today I’m not Jewish or married but felt the need to cover hair.. Christmas
Benny Goldstein: I loved the video I wish you a lot of luck!
Mymoon: I am Muslima hijabi and I didn’t know that Jewish women also cover hair. Thank you for the info shalom
Carrie Jeffels: Fascinating! As long as your happy, that's all that matters.
Jennifer Kunkle Clark: Very interesting and informative. Thanks.
Jade: I had this exact question. Thank you
AshCrashed Rants and Reviews: I really miss this q and a type videos ♡
E J: You did a Excellent explanation
Saba Jehan: Purpose of modesty is to create a barrier between one and natural world
Reigna Joyce: Brilliant presentation!!!
LtRipley: Thank you, I took a tour in NY and all the stuff the guide said made it sound like you were forced to wear burkas and it freaked me out.
Shifra Baila: Traditionally, Sephardic orthodox women do not wear wigs, but cover with a scarf, hat, etc. Although many Sephardic women do wear wigs, this is a fairy recent development.
jh76103: Question: Is Hasidic and Orthodox the same thing? Thank you so much and Shalom!
Dianne E Dangerously: Thank god for you and your explanation
calisson: I can understand covering one's natural hair, if the goal is to keep one's sexuality for the marital sphere, but don't many Orthodox women cut it so short that when they remove their wigs they look practically bald? What is the point of that?
Jennifer Friedman: you sorta changed my opinion on this thank you
Mahta V A: I have a question do Jewish women need to cover their hair infront of everybody exept their husband? Or women and her very close male relatives can still see it? ( for example in Islam a women doesn't have to cover her hair infront of women, her father, grandfather, uncles and her sons, grandchildren and nephews)
Didi C: I loved it !!!!
Oblivi0n: You must be deleting comments because it's impossible no one else gets surprised by this idea. From a logical point of view it's impossible that a fashionable wig, who makes you look more beautiful, is a way to preserve yourself from other men and keep your beauties to your husband. People should just be honest and say themselves they are not yet ready to cover the hair. However a very nice video, it's just that the concept is really illogical for me
Pritha Chakraborty: If covering the head is the requirement then why a wig..you can always use a scarf or head wrap..
Felicity Edwards: I still dont quite understand the point, especially when the wig is well made and other people cant tell it's a wig. If a single man sees a married woman with a wig but doesnt know it's a wig, why wear it? I would love to understand.
jim: Women can dress or wear their hair in anyway they want. Guys are always at first going to see Women as sexual thought. It just pops into your brain. It’s part of being a guy. Why should Women have to dress around a unavoidable guy thing. i have to control how I react. She shouldn’t have to. There should not be a double standard.
We Learn: Great Question and perspectives!!!!!!!
Doctor Usher: very informative.
Delia Guzman: love your video!!! so cool!
MARY-LYN PINEDA: Such a beautiful and informative video. One question. Are only the married jewish women are commanded to cover their hair in Torah?
Miriam Green: Thank you so much. 'bout time this got covered
LittleClarinetPlayer: I saw some scenes from unorthodox and I feel so sorry for them. It’s just sad to me to not embrace individuality and freedom of expression for extremists ideals.
Cucumamacacapipi: Wow interesting. I had no idea this was a Jewish practice
Nico Saporito: Awesome video!
Louise Emanuel: Thank you for sharing. Very informative.
bubblybeauty101: This is the cutest
3 as1: Shalom! Great job explaining. But still, why isn't she just covering her hair with a scarf? That is how women all over the world used to cover. My mom still does it.
Zeldy Trieff: Great video, Allison!
JTLynn 8991: So you said that hair becomes sensual/nakedness when married, but before marriage is it required to cover the hair or is on an individual’s preferential basis?
Mendy Hilman: It took me a second to conceptualize your answer. Well done. My fav it when you use the hammer.
Karyn Snyder: I went to Buriah Yeshiva for girls which taught us that a woman's hair is her crowning glory and should be reserved for her husband.
gia: You got some good analogies in there. It actually makes sense now lol
Gisele Strauch: the book called hide and seek deals with this issue read it you will get very useful info.
VictorLepanto: Which raises the question; if a married woman goes bald is she still obliged to cover her head? Now, I've seen some videos Orthodox women saying that only a veil is truly modest.
Erin Fogg: I learned new things today!
Laura Fradkoff: Fabulous ❤️
Cris Cross: Greek Orthodox women cover their hair with scarves too. Grandmothers ("Ya-Ya's) especially.
Magneto One: Arab man here. I love jewish people!