Introduction

Observant Jewish women, after marriage, traditionally cover their natural hair. Similarly, Muslim women adhere to the Islamic principle of modest dress, covering their heads and faces to varying degrees. These practices reflect significant cultural norms surrounding hair coverings

Exploring Hair Coverings for Jewish Women 

A hair covering, often referred to as a hair accessory, serves as a decorative item worn on the head. However, within Judaism, it carries deeper significance. Rabbis define hair as a private aspect of a woman’s identity. Furthermore, women’s hair symbolizes allure, embodying desires and sensuality. Married Jewish women are typically required to wear head coverings in public, symbolizing their marital status and devotion to God. Some women extend this practice to private spaces, underscoring their piety even within the confines of their homes. The head covering acts as a visual cue, creating a psychological barrier between the wearer and unfamiliar individuals, emphasizing her unavailability despite her visible beauty

Exploring Types of Hair Coverings for Jewish Women

Orthodox married women have a plethora of options when it comes to hair coverings, allowing them to adhere to personal preferences and community standards. Regardless of the choice, each covering holds significant cultural and religious importance. Below are some common types of hair coverings, though customs may vary among different communities:

1. Sheitel  A sheitel, commonly known as a wig, is worn by certain Orthodox Jewish married women. These wigs can be crafted from human or synthetic hair, providing a means to cover the entirety of a woman’s hair while maintaining a desired aesthetic. Despite its lifelike appearance, the wearer understands that it serves as a facade, concealing her true identity. Wearing wigs is customary across various Orthodox groups, with some communities integrating natural hair at the hairline for a more authentic look. Conversely, more traditional communities opt for conspicuous wigs of shorter lengths, occasionally accompanied by hats for further coverage.

2. Tichel  The term tichel, derived from Yiddish, refers to a scarf used as a head covering, also known as mitpachat in Hebrew. While prevalent in Israel, it is also observed in other parts of the world. Many women opt for the scarf instead of a wig, influenced by personal preference or community norms. Modern Orthodox women typically wear the scarf further back from their hairline, whereas those of a more conservative persuasion position it closer to the hairline.

3. Shpitzel Hasidic married women may don a head covering known as a shpitzel., A shpitzel is a form of partial wig primarily covering the hair at the front of the head, often paired with a headscarf or small bowler hat to cover the rest of the head. This unique head covering not only mimics the appearance of real hair but also provides adequate coverage. Originally favored by Hungarian women in the 19th century, it was particularly worn by those adhering strictly to community codes.

. Another common head covering among Jewish women is the pre-tied bandana. Known for its ease of wear, it can be tied in a knot within minutes. Typically elastic, bandanas come with varying lengths of “tails”. Some women opt to tie the ends around their necks, while others let them fall naturally. While popular in the Jewish community and Israel, bandanas have declined in popularity in the United States. They often feature decorative patterns.

. The snood, once a staple for aristocratic women in the Middle Ages, has evolved into a prop for Renaissance festivals in non-Jewish contexts. However, in Orthodox communities, snoods crafted from chenille, yarn, and sequins are still prevalent. Resembling berets in shape and size, some snoods have adjustable lengths. Many women in Yeshiva and Hasidic traditions prefer snoods for their head covering.

. Hats remain a popular choice for covering hair, particularly among Orthodox and Sephardic women who eschew wigs. Depending on the occasion, hats serve different purposes, from the elegance of a beret for formal events to the casualness of a baseball cap for everyday wear. They can also be accessorized to create distinctive looks. In the northeast, hats provide practical warmth during cold weather.

. Within the Orthodox Jewish world, beanies are favored for their comfort. Made from various materials such as cotton and modal for warmer seasons, and rabbit fleece and wool for colder months, beanies come in a variety of styles. Some are simple and understated, while others feature embellishments like rhinestones or faux fur balls, appealing to Modernist and Yiddish communities alike.

. Turbans have surged in popularity in recent years, becoming a trendy fashion accessory embraced by celebrities like Jessica and Beyoncé. Beyond their exotic appeal, turbans are admired for their versatility and charm, adding flair to any ensemble.

The evolution of hair coverings for Jewish women is a tale entrenched in tradition and interpretation. Originating in ancient texts, this custom has undergone shifts in meaning and practice over the centuries.

In biblical times, the act of covering a woman’s hair served as a marker of fidelity and honesty, particularly in cases of alleged infidelity. The Torah outlines a ritual where a woman’s head covering is removed to reveal her own hair, a practice later reinforced by Talmudic teachings as a scriptural obligation. However, interpretations varied, with the Mishnah suggesting that the obligation was more about modesty than strict religious duty.

During the Talmudic period, discussions around hair covering took on new dimensions. Initially tied to biblical mandates, the Talmud eventually framed it as a communal standard of conduct, with specific guidelines emerging on when, how, and why to cover one’s head. Rabbis equated a woman’s hair with sensuality, citing biblical imagery to support their views, yet stopped short of advocating for face coverings.

By the medieval era, dissenting voices like Mordecai Ben Hillel Hakohen challenged the narrow interpretations of modesty, arguing for a broader understanding that accounted for changing societal norms. Despite debates, historical texts reveal widespread adherence to hair covering, though often driven more by social conventions than religious decree.

In essence, the tradition of covering one’s hair among Jewish women reflects a complex interplay of scripture, tradition, and evolving cultural norms, each layer adding depth to its significance over time.

When asked about the upbringing of her sons, she responded with a tale of her unwavering commitment to covering her hair, even when secluded from view. This mother’s devotion transcended mere adherence to religious norms; it was a testament to her profound piety.

While traditional rabbis have grappled with interpretations of hair covering laws, women across generations have taken matters into their own hands. The seeds of defiance were sown as far back as the 1600s when French women pioneered the use of wigs for hair covering, a practice promptly rejected by rabbis for its immodesty and resemblance to non-Jewish styles.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the imperative of hair covering for women gained traction, bolstered by interpretations of ancient stories. Although Maimonides didn’t enshrine hair covering in the 613 commandments, he emphasized its importance, stating that a woman must cover her head outside her home, or risk her husband’s right to divorce her. The Shulchan Aruch reiterated the expectation for both married and unmarried women to cover their hair in public, though Ashkenazi customs exempted unmarried women. The mystical teachings of the Zohar further entrenched this tradition, emphasizing the importance of even the smallest hair remaining concealed, lending profound legitimacy to the practice.

Why Do Jewish Women Wear Hair Coverings?

1. Laws Jewish law mandates that married women cover their hair, prohibiting its exposure in the presence of men other than close relatives. While there’s debate about whether this extends to the private domain, the consensus leans towards covering even at home, except when among immediate family. Standards regarding the extent of covering vary, with some advocating full concealment while others permit a small amount to be exposed. Wearing a hair covering symbolizes reverence for God and communal identity, while the practice of head shaving among Hasidic women remains a matter of personal choice.
2. Value . Modesty holds profound significance in Jewish ethics, intertwining with notions of beauty. Contrary to some perspectives, Judaism sees modesty as a guardian of true beauty, nurturing it from within. This belief underscores the importance of modest conduct and attire, reflecting a deeper spiritual ethos within the Jewish tradition.

In Jewish culture, humility is cherished, and this is often reflected in their attire. Modesty in dress is not just a fashion statement but a way of showing reverence to God and prioritizing inner richness over outward appearance. The emphasis lies on inner qualities rather than external presentation. By opting for simple and conservative clothing, Jews aim to downplay their outward presence, allowing their true selves to shine through. This modest approach to dress serves as a means of revealing their authentic selves.

Another significant value in Jewish tradition is the concept of “piety.” Hair is regarded as sacred, belonging solely to the individual. Just as one would carefully wrap a sacred text in a velvet mantle, Jewish tradition dictates a similar reverence for hair. Upon marriage, Jewish women sanctify their souls through union with their spouse and, as a symbol of this bond, begin to cover their hair, reserving its exposure solely for their husband’s gaze. It becomes a cherished aspect of their relationship, something they both protect and cherish.

Moving on to religion,  plays a central role. Many Jews have started wearing symbols like the Star of David or hamsa, signifying their religious devotion. The foundation of Jewish faith lies in the belief in one God with whom a special covenant was established. Prophets serve as intermediaries between believers and God, rewarding virtue and punishing wrongdoing. Synagogues serve as places of worship, led by spiritual guides known as rabbis. The Torah, also known as the Tanakh or Hebrew Bible, is the holy text outlining laws and practices to be followed. Study of these texts has led to customs such as married women covering their hair, believed to have originated from biblical rituals.

Regarding denominations within Judaism, there are primarily three categories: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform. Each denomination interprets Jewish law differently, leading to variations in practices such as hair covering. Reform Judaism, known for its progressive outlook, emphasizes personal interpretation over strict adherence to tradition. Reformers argue that historical rules on hair covering may be outdated and unfairly restrict women’s autonomy. They prioritize individual needs and reject the idea that hair covering symbolizes obedience or loyalty to authority or family.

When it comes to wearing hair coverings, the perspectives among different groups vary significantly. Conservatives perceive the act of covering one’s hair as deeply symbolic. They believe it’s essential to safeguard women’s modesty and honor the sanctity of hair by veiling it from public view. Moreover, they see it as a demonstration of loyalty to both one’s spouse and the broader community. For conservatives, the tradition of hair covering is not just a relic of the past but a cherished custom passed down through generations, representing a badge of honor that women proudly wear. Their commitment lies in preserving and perpetuating this tradition for future generations.

On the other hand, the orthodox viewpoint considers wearing a hair covering as a divine mandate that cannot be disregarded. According to their interpretation, this obligation primarily pertains to married women. Adhering to this law signifies marital status and entails maintaining a respectful distance from men outside the immediate family circle. Despite this theological imperative, contemporary orthodox women have gradually shifted away from this practice, albeit not entirely.

Within modern Jewish communities, attitudes towards hair covering diverge. Unmarried women may have the liberty to decide whether or not to cover their hair, depending on the norms of their particular community. For married women, while tradition dictates covering their hair, there’s flexibility in choosing the style of covering based on personal preferences. Some younger women, intrigued by this tradition, delve into research to inform their choices, forging their paths independent of familial or communal expectations.

In conclusion, the decision to wear a hair covering is deeply personal and multifaceted. It can reflect religious convictions, cultural heritage, and individual preferences. Regardless of one’s stance, understanding the significance behind this tradition enriches one’s appreciation for Jewish culture and spirituality. Whether driven by faith or curiosity, we hope this exploration has shed light on the diverse facets of hair covering in Jewish tradition. Should you have any inquiries or insights to share, we welcome your engagement.