Jewish women, especially in Orthodox and Hasidic communities, have long followed the tradition of covering their hair.
It’s a practice deeply tied to religious values, modesty, and cultural norms. Though customs have changed over time, the act of covering hair remains significant for many Jewish women, including those in Australia.
This article explains the reasons for this practice, its cultural background, and its place in modern Jewish life.
Let’s get straight to the point
Jewish women, particularly in Orthodox and Hasidic communities, cover their hair as a sign of modesty, faith, and marital status.
This practice, rooted in religious texts and traditions like Tzniut (modesty), varies by community, with wigs, scarves, and hats being common coverings.
Wigs, or Sheitels, are popular for balancing religious expectations with modern life. Some Jewish mystics also view hair covering as spiritual protection.
While modern attitudes vary, with some women choosing to cover only in religious settings, the tradition remains significant in communities, including in Australia, where it reflects religious and cultural identity.
The Tradition of Hair Covering in Jewish Culture
For Jewish women, particularly after marriage, covering their hair is more than a religious rule. It’s a symbol of modesty, faith, and identity.
The practice can vary based on community, tradition, and personal preference, but it often stems from religious teachings.
Modesty in Judaism: Tzniut
Modesty, or Tzniut, is a key value in Judaism. For women, covering their hair is one way of showing humility and respect for religious laws.
Many Jewish women start covering their hair after marriage, seeing it as a sign of modesty and commitment to their faith.
Religious Teachings Behind Hair Covering
The idea of covering a woman’s hair comes from religious texts, such as the Talmud, which stresses modesty for women.
Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish communities believe that once a woman is married, she must cover her hair.
It reflects her new role and signals her marital status. This tradition helps maintain the values of modesty and respect within the community.
Different Ways Jewish Women Cover Their Hair
Jewish women use various methods to cover their hair, including wigs, scarves, and hats. The choice often depends on personal preference, religious interpretation, and the cultural norms of their community.
Wigs (Sheitels)
One popular option for Jewish women is wearing wigs, known as Sheitels. Wigs offer full hair coverage while allowing women to maintain a polished look. Modern wigs can resemble natural hair closely, helping women balance religious expectations with everyday life.
Why Wigs Are Popular
Wigs provide a practical solution for many women. They cover the hair fully while blending in with the rest of society. A well-made wig can cost between $500 and $1500, making it an investment.
Many women have different wigs for different occasions—some for daily use and others for formal events. Wigs allow women to feel comfortable in public without drawing attention to their religious choices.
Scarves and Hats
While wigs are common, some Jewish women prefer scarves, called Tichels, or hats. Scarves are simpler and offer more comfort, while some women find them a more traditional choice. Scarves or hats are often used in daily life, while wigs may be reserved for special occasions.
Spiritual Significance of Hair Covering
In addition to modesty, hair covering has spiritual meaning in some Jewish traditions. Jewish mysticism, particularly the Zohar, ties hair covering to spiritual protection.
Mystical Beliefs About Hair
In Jewish mysticism, a woman’s hair is considered to have spiritual energy. Some believe that exposing a married woman’s hair can release this energy in a harmful way.
To prevent spiritual harm, many women cover their hair completely. For these women, the act of covering their hair is more than just modesty—it’s about keeping spiritual purity.
The Protective Power of Covering Hair
Women who follow these mystical teachings see hair covering as a way to protect themselves from negative influences.
By covering their hair, they maintain a sense of holiness in their daily lives. This belief adds another layer of importance to the tradition of hair covering.
Modern Interpretations of Hair Covering
Today, the tradition of covering hair varies widely across Jewish communities. Modern influences and changing cultural norms have affected how many women approach the practice.
Changing Attitudes in Modern Jewish Communities
In modern times, some Jewish communities have relaxed their approach to hair covering. In the 19th century, external cultural influences led to fewer women covering their hair in public.
Today, many Jewish women only cover their hair in specific religious settings, such as in the synagogue.
Ongoing Debates About Hair Covering
There’s an ongoing debate in some Jewish communities about whether hair covering is still needed. Some argue that hair is no longer seen as erotic or immodest, making the practice outdated.
Others believe that hair covering is still important as a sign of modesty and religious identity. This difference in opinion often depends on the sect and the individual woman’s interpretation of Jewish law.
Hair Covering in Australian Jewish Communities
In Australia, Jewish women face questions about hair covering similar to those of their peers in other parts of the world. For many, the practice remains a key part of their religious and cultural identity.
How Australian Jewish Women Approach Hair Covering
For Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish women in Australia, covering their hair is an important religious duty. Many choose to wear wigs, scarves, or hats to show their commitment to modesty and Jewish law.
In more progressive communities, some women may only cover their hair during religious events, while others opt not to cover their hair at all.
The Cultural Importance of Hair Covering in Australia
For Australian Jewish women, hair covering can serve as a visible link to their religious heritage and community. It’s a personal choice, influenced by tradition, religious teachings, and modern society.
Whether a woman chooses to wear a wig, scarf, or hat, the act of covering her hair remains a meaningful way to express her faith and identity.
Conclusion
The tradition of hair covering among Jewish women is a practice that carries deep religious, cultural, and spiritual significance.
Whether through the use of wigs, scarves, or other head coverings, the act of covering one’s hair is a way for Jewish women to express modesty, marital status, and dedication to their faith.
While modern times have brought about changes to this practice, many Jewish women, particularly in Orthodox and Hasidic communities, continue to embrace hair covering as an important part of their identity.
In Australia, Jewish women navigate the balance between tradition and modernity, maintaining the significance of this custom in their daily lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a woman to cover her head?
God’s order for the woman is the opposite from His order for the man. When she prays or prophesies she must cover her head.
If she does not, she disgraces her head (man). This means that she must show her subjection to God’s arrangement of headship by covering her head while praying or prophesying.
What does the Bible say about a woman shaving her head?
In 1 Corinthians 11:3-15, Paul writes that if a woman is to be so immodest as to wear her hair uncovered while praying or prophesying in a Christian assembly she might as well shave her head.
Paul instructs the Corinthians that it is “one and the same” for a woman to have her head shaved and for her to unveil her hair.
Why do Hasidic females shave head?
While some women chose merely to cover their hair with a cloth or sheitel, or wig, the most zealous shave their heads beneath to ensure that their hair is never seen by others.
What is a sheitel wig?
“A sheitel is the Yiddish term for wig. Observant Jewish women cover their hair after marriage with a wig or other hair covering.”
How long does a sheitel last?
“Virgin hair holds up dirt better and longer,” she explains. “So, you might only have to wash it every 8-12 weeks. As soon as it starts to smell though, you should bring it in.
