Why Do Orthodox Jewish Women Wear Wigs (If They Look Better Than Hair)?

[@simplysarell1720]

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!

[@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.

[@wills242]

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”

[@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.

[@Wxtst.3]

Ah thanks for clarifying! I didn’t get the concept until you described the part where you wear clothes vs wearing none.

[@aybaybay5432]

I’m Muslim and the wig makes sense to me actually. We wear hijabs for modesty. No exactly the same thing big.... but similar.

[@00SuperA]

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

[@jewinthecity]

Thanks for your comment. We have the comments moderated to keep out cursing and ad hominem attacks. Of course we publish respectful questions! The idea is not to keep your beauty only for your husband. We wear makeup, jewelry, beautiful clothing. We don't believe that modesty means you have to look ugly or unattractive. The idea is to have a boundary on your head as a reminder to yourself that you are married. No one forgets that she is covering her hair.

[@peninafriedman9996]

Jew in the City Why don’t men need a reminder that they’re married?

[@AmetafJohora]

i think the point of covering is for the WEARER, more than for the viewer

[@worldtraveler134]

I think I understand although it could be confusing, simply, a woman wants to be attractive, but shaving of your hair and wearing a wig, is a reminder of your commitment to Your husband!

[@jewinthecity]

@@peninafriedman9996 men have a reminder of all mitzvos with their tzitzis.

[@nicolemarie151]

I STILL DONT GET IT So, only she knows she’s covered but she wants everyone to think she’s uncovered.

[@jewinthecity]

It’s a personal reminder of her status as a married woman. It’s the idea of knowing that she keeps a part of herself only for her husband. Hair is not overtly sexual like private parts. So it doesn’t require the same kind of covering.

[@sn4733]

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!

[@sarasrandomz]

I've never heard of this before. Thanks for the info.

[@jewinthecity]

You bet!

[@mgz_5482]

Jew in the City would you kindly provide me with reference on the modesty on hair for women anywhere in Tanakh or the Torah? Would gladly appreciate it !

[@jewinthecity]

@@mgz_5482 We give sources for it in the video.

[@Vulcanwoman]

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.

[@kinndah2519]

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.

[@jewinthecity]

Orthodox men also cover up for women, but in a different way jewinthecity.com/2007/11/why-orthodox-men-dont-wear-wigs/

[@JRock1900]

1. With this logic, why does anyone cover anything at all? Would anyone cover anything if they were the ONLY person in the world? I doubt it! Why should we cover for 'other' people? 2. I'm looking for more things to do special for my spouse. (If the Torah gives us another thing that we can use to express our special oneness to our spouse, we should embrace it). 3. Having said that; if the Torah says that one should do it, then it's beyond us to question the reason. However, as much as we will never know the true reason/s behind G-d's commandments, G-d expects us to use our brain to find positive aspects of his Mitzvos/commandments (see Drash Moshe P' Vayeitzei - Vataan Rochel V'Leah, and other places). *I believe Allison/Jew In The City, is doing a great job in finding **positive things in the commandments. (**positive things we can relate to.)* 4. I believe Allison would say, *the fact that there are other men in the world is the reason you have an opportunity to express your oneness to your husband. Thank G-d for all the 'other' men.* Kudos to Jew In The City!!! P.S. We missed these type of videos... Welcome back!!!

[@misterbonzoid]

Couldn't agree more.

[@lurves12]

I was super confused by this practice. Thanks for explaining!

[@jewinthecity]

You're so welcome!

[@ishratjeh2012]

Purpose of modesty is to create a barrier between one and natural world

[@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.

[@noradachille7795]

So glad to see this back! Please do more!

[@jewinthecity]

What other questions should we answer?

[@acchaladka]

Jew in the City All the basics that my non-Jewish friends ask - I haven’t seen the list from six years ago.

[@jewinthecity]

@@acchaladka like what? We answered so many of these questions so we stopped. If we get feedback on what else people want to hear, we can make more.

[@itsalwaysmeansitis6122]

@@jewinthecity What about customs surrounding death and burial?

[@itsalwaysmeansitis6122]

@@jewinthecity What about Orthodox Jewish eschatology? What are the teachings about the "end times"?

[@micheletwilkinson-penningt6940]

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!!!

[@jewinthecity]

thanks!

[@Qali3isha]

I am Muslima hijabi and I didn’t know that Jewish women also cover hair. Thank you for the info 🫶 shalom

[@jordaniaberg2979]

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.

[@prithalove]

If covering the head is the requirement then why a wig..you can always use a scarf or head wrap..

[@jewinthecity]

Different women do different things. It comes down to personal preference and some communities have different communal practices.

[@erldagerl9826]

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.

[@oksanasum321]

Thank you, this is actually makes more sence to me.

[@lennytheleopard]

I'm not Jewish. I found this fascinating. Thanks

[@katherinek6392]

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.

[@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.

[@felicityedwards1306]

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.

[@jewinthecity]

Thanks for your question. The barrier that is created is for her. She is aware that there is an added separation between her and other men.

[@markrcca5329]

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!

[@vinitaw8219]

Explained so well. Thanks. I learn a lot from your videos so pls do keep posting them.

[@susankievman642]

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?

[@jewinthecity]

Thanks for your question, but it does not assume such generalizations. Jewish law always recognizes that there are exceptions and also recognizes that a man can sexualize any part of a woman and the idea is to only sexualize your wife (even if that is challenging). There is a universal idea that hair has a sensuality to it. That is not an idea that only the Talmud has. In terms of who determined hair is sensual, we see in the Torah that the hair is covered and then in the Talmud (which is an oral tradition) that the hair is in the category of "private." You are welcome to disagree. This is part of Jewish tradition. Someone else freely practicing something should not infringe on someone else.

[@miriamsaidov5252]

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!

[@JaimeMesChiens]

I was raised with modesty dress, modern Orthodox. Because this is part of my upbringing, my mum, my Bubbe, this is how my sense of beauty and style developed. What many do not understand is this is how many orthodox girls and women experience/perceive beauty. It is an honour, not a burden. Idk if this piece is difficult to understand.

[@Mocs6574]

LMAO the advertisement is Justin Beaver. In his Calvin Klein underwear.

[@mendingwall3823]

You explained everything well and this is a cool video. I wear wigs too (for different reasons). The only thing that confuses me is why hair is considered private only after marriage. Other parts of the body like breasts, your lower regions etc are always private and are covered up even in childhood. But hair becomes this private thing only if you are married.

[@jewinthecity]

Thanks. Before Jews are married, we are not sexually active. We don’t touch before marriage according to Jewish law. So in getting married, a woman taps into a new part of her identity. Hair is not sexual but it is sensual. And this sensual part of herself becomes something sacred to only share with her husband.

[@kestrelle5345]

I was curious about that very question, and you answered it nicely. Thanks, JITC.

[@jewinthecity]

Any time!

[@raincoathaveli]

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.

[@loretta_3843]

Looking for information and I really appreciate you sharing it and doing it in such an engaging and interesting way. Thanks!☺️

[@mindyschaper]

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.

[@jenniferingle8950]

I love your question/answer/explanation videos. ❤️

[@denisselopez3913]

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!!!

[@JRock1900]

So happy to see her back the way she used to be. Keep up the great work! We really enjoy it!

[@3as1]

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.

[@jewinthecity]

Thanks! But I think women get to decide what they do. So if that works for your mom, that's great, but other women want to do something different.

[@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.

[@jewinthecity]

It is sad, but keep in mind, this show is depicting the most dysfunctional members of the Hasidic community - not the healthy ones.

[@rlfolder5437]

so if an orthodox woman does NOT want to cover her hair, does she have the right to, or will she be shamed and even threatened to be kicked out?

[@jewinthecity]

It depends what community. In some communities most women don't cover their hair at all. In other communities, some cover, some don't. In other communities, most cover, but no one cares if someone doesn't cover. And finally, there are those communities wear everyone is expected to keep everything and if someone deviates from that expectation, the school might kick out the family.

[@learntogrow6861]

As a BT who wants to cover her hair someday...thank you for the WHY!!!

[@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.

[@jewinthecity]

She would need to have something on her head but not cover it all.

[@tomiwa1a]

Muslim here that reverted from Christianity. Islam and Judaism are 2 religions where whenever there's an explanation for why something exists that I didn't originally understand, I just go "well, that makes sense". I think this is why Islam kept so many rules from Judaism. If it ain't broken, don't fix it.

[@chih9397]

So, if hair is already shaved, and there is a separation from other men to the married woman's hair (through continuous shaving and removal), then why does she need to wear a wig? The act of shaving removes the hair, thus making it impossible to be touched or noticed by other men.

[@jewinthecity]

I’m not Hasidic so this is not my practice but Torah law still requires for there to be something on the head to symbolize being married.

[@lorettatayor5840]

Why don't they wear a scarf instead?

[@calisson47]

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?

[@jewinthecity]

There is a practice of shaving the hair in parts of the Hasidic community. This was a custom that started a couple hundred years ago and is not based on Jewish law at all. I don't understand it myself.

[@weeziej8716]

Thank you for sharing. Very informative.

[@CaptJackPal]

Love your editing style. I appreciate this video and how informative it is.

[@jewinthecity]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@talkdtwo]

Not being jewish, I though this was nuts... that is, until I heard you're explanation. Very interesting. Love the definition of modesty.

[@smiljanalukic4955]

Still don't get it

[@jewinthecity]

It's fine. The Jewish community is split when it comes to wearing wigs. This explanation is meaningful to many but it won't make sense to everyone. That's OK.

[@mendyhilman4800]

It took me a second to conceptualize your answer. Well done. My fav it when you use the hammer.

[@dottiekarate]

But why did she have to shave her head in the show Unorthodox once she was married? What does that have to do with modesty?

[@jewinthecity]

It’s a practice that only some Hasidic women do. It has sources in the Kabbalah. Some say that it started because Hasidic women in Europe would get raped by government leaders the night before the wedding. So this was an attempt to make them less attractive. There are different opinions on how this got started but the majority of Orthodox Jews don’t believe it’s part of Jewish law.

[@mguest1940]

A very nice explanation ,funny ,informative and interesting.

[@lisalyons4462]

If her hair becomes uncovered by accident, does she just recover it? She doesn’t need a mikveh or anything does she?

[@eyallevin6302]

Note that Sefardim are more Machmir and don't allow for wigs

[@stephaniedonato6414]

Oh so it's just like why Muslim women wear a hijab . I get it now.

[@EbrahimHassim]

Looks beautiful either way. I'm a Muslim guy btw looking to make friends with Jewish ladies like yourself, seeking to understand and to build bridges and friendships. I hope that we can be friends.

[@zz55jf]

I really miss this q and a type videos ♡

[@noraginny2415]

Yes please more question videos! I've missed them.

[@nnijahk8582]

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🧕🏽

[@patriciaoflynn7050]

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

[@jewinthecity]

Thus is just a portion of Hasidic women who do this. This is not part of hair covering for the rest of us.

[@Eiramilah]

Some sects forbid long wigs.

[@southerngirlsociety]

Tell me though... do Jewish women cut their own hair? I know a lot of them wear a wig but, it seems like it would be super hot to put all that thick hair up under a wig. Do you ladies maintain a full head of full length hair under those wigs or do you keep it short or do you shave it all off?

[@jewinthecity]

There is no one answer. Some have long hair, some have medium, some have short and a minority of Hasidic women shave their hair. Everyone does their own thing. In hot weather I wear a baseball cap or bandana.

[@kershamartin7353]

I love this story. Nice to learn about Jewish culture.

[@welearn9993]

Great Question and perspectives!!!!!!!

[@deliaguzman5003]

love your video!!! so cool!

[@abdurrashid]

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?

[@jewinthecity]

Wow! That sounds like it is the same word! Yes, there are a variety of ways Jewish women cover their hair. The Jews who come from middle Eastern countries tend to prefer scarfs and hats over wigs.

[@profesraelise]

Very enlightening, thank you!

[@mahtava5964]

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)

[@jewinthecity]

Women only need to cover their hair in front of men they are not closely related to - so a father, grandfather, brother, son, husband can all see their hair. All women too.

[@mahtava5964]

@@jewinthecity Thankyou for your reply.

[@averystrandmark2779]

That was very informative. ThNk you for the knowledge

[@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!

[@jewinthecity]

Thanks! Keep in mind that with this approach the barrier is a reminder more on the wearer than the observer.

[@ej1722]

You did a Excellent explanation👍

[@elizabethbaker3162]

Where do you get the wigs from they look great

[@IronDogger]

I wish all humans had NDE’s and then it would end all of this confusion as to what our beautiful God creator of all matter had to say about how we should live. After my NDE I have total peace, all of my questions were answered and I truly wish that divine joy for all of life. God is Love and we cannot begin to comprehend that intensity of pure divine love so we grasp and put human attributes to something we cannot fully understand. We are all here now at this time for a divine purpose. Love and fear do not exist together, they repel one another.

[@zeldytrieff7753]

Great video, Allison!

[@jewinthecity]

thanks!

[@gia9551]

You got some good analogies in there. It actually makes sense now lol

[@joygernautm6641]

So how come married Jewish men don’t have to cover anything special that they don’t have to cover before marriage?

[@jewinthecity]

Men do have to cover something special - their eyes. Judaism sees women as the "shower" and men as the "lookers." I think taking a look at society and biology would confirm this trend (yes, there are always exceptions). Therefore women have more rules on what they can show and less on what they can see. Men have more rules on what they can less and less on what they can show. What this leaves a couple with is a man saving his eyes only for his wife's body as she saves her body only for his eyes.

[@Benny.Goldstein]

I loved the video I wish you a lot of luck!

[@modestmidwestmomma9988]

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.

[@criscross1656]

Greek Orthodox women cover their hair with scarves too. Grandmothers ("Ya-Ya's) especially.

[@Elevated-yid]

So technically the wig is not Jewish law but rather custom .🔯

[@jewinthecity]

Hair covering is law. How to do it is preference.

[@kunklejennifer]

Very interesting and informative. Thanks.😊

[@jewinthecity]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@southerngirlsociety]

This woman is awesome! I am LOVING the creative moments added into this video... Epic!!

[@nicosaporito]

Awesome video!

[@parveenbegum6073]

It still doesn't make sense

[@jewinthecity]

It's OK. Not all Orthodox Jews agree with wigs. You can be in the scarf on hat camp. I'm gladly in the "wear whatever looks good with today's outfit" camp.

[@shifrabaila6673]

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!

[@reignajoyce7440]

Brilliant presentation!!!

[@carriejeffels9663]

Fascinating! As long as your happy, that's all that matters.

[@alexdolly6077]

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?

[@jewinthecity]

If a woman covers her hair, it is highly likely that she wears skirts and skirts that cover at least her upper arms and upper legs and no plunging necklines. There are left wing modern orthodox women who dress completely secular and you wouldn’t be able to recognize them as religious by their dress.

[@NaturallyNitaful]

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.

[@jewinthecity]

The idea is the hair isn’t overtly sexual. It’s sensual. So single women are permitted to show it. Men and women are celibate until marriage, so when a woman gets married, she taps into her sexuality for the first time. In recognition of that, this sensual part of her becomes something out of view for the public. It is something private she shares with just her husband.

[@Baubles8889]

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?

[@jewinthecity]

Jewish law says that neither a man nor a woman should engage in sexual touch before marriage. So there is an idea that while a woman's hair has a latent sexuality, a sexually inactive woman has not tapped into that part of herself yet. Once she has, her hair takes on a different status. It is also a reminder that she is married and it's a part of herself that only she and her husband share together. Conversely, men have restrictions on their eyes. They are more the lookers than the showers, so Jewish law restricts them from looking at any woman's body that is not their wife's.

[@pvt.rickert4002]

I kinda did the hair thing today I’m not Jewish or married but felt the need to cover hair.. Christmas 🌟

[@MyJewishMommyLife]

This may seem strange but I compare it to kosher for Passover bread 😂

[@brecruz4832]

Thx! I have often wondered!

[@cenedra20]

This was adorable and informative, thank you!

[@jewinthecity]

thanks!

[@alicecaillet-roussel146]

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 !

[@jewinthecity]

I’m covering my hair for 20 years and there is no damage. Some women uncover their hair the moment they get inside, women who follow stricter opinions wear a scarf or hat inside.