Maybe you've noticed women on campus or in the workplace covering up more than usual, wearing long skirts for example, or shirts with sleeves that cover the elbows.
What is that all about? Is it a fashion statement? A religious thing? Or some post-modern feminist trend?
In every culture, clothes are a basic requirement. Even in the hot jungles of Africa, the inhabitants wear some minimal form of clothing. Nowhere, however, do animals cover up. Why? What is it about human beings and clothing throughout all ages and across all cultures?
The truth is it wasn't always like this. Once upon a time human beings didn't wear clothing at all. Albeit for a very short time, Adam and Eve, pre-sin, roamed around the Garden of Eden naked:
And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and they were not ashamed. (Genesis 2:25)
After the sin however, a change took place in their feelings about clothing (or about their lack thereof):
And their eyes were opened, and they knew they were naked and they sewed fig leaves... (Genesis 3:7)
What caused the attitude to change from "au naturel"? What caused the need to cover up? The answer is rooted in an understanding of the sin of Adam and Eve.
What caused the attitude to change from "au naturel"? What caused the need to cover up?
According to commentators, through the eating of the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge, the tendency to do evil was internalized within the human psyche. Previously, man and woman had an intellectual choice between good and evil, but evil was outside of the body, a philosophical issue, not an inner pull or an emotional desire.
Before the sin, a person's soul expressed itself through its body. Body and soul were in consonance with each other. For example, when the soul wanted to pray to God, the body rose early and prayed. When the soul wanted to study and grow most effectively, the body ate healthy foods and took care of itself to provide the necessary fuel and energy for the demanding task.
POST-SIN DUALISM
Now, post-sin, a dichotomy exists. Almost dualistic. One's soul wants to pray, his body groans, turns over and shuts off the alarm clock. The soul strives to perfect itself, the body wants to eat chocolate cake, watch television and lie on the beach!
The body is no longer in the service of the soul, it no longer runs to do its bidding. Not only is the body not a reflection of the soul, but they are now working at cross-purposes.
What does all this have to do with clothing, modesty and covering up?
When Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden, their bodies were a mirror of their souls, there was no need to cover up such a pure innocent expression of a person's spirituality, of God's image within a human being.
It became necessary to de-emphasize the physical in order to emphasize the spiritual.
However, once evil was integrated into man, the body came to represent something antithetical to the soul. Looking at the body could now distract the observer from focusing on his or her internal being and instead focus only on the physical, the external and the superficial.
It became necessary to de-emphasize the physical in order to emphasize the spiritual, to cover up the body in order to let the soul shine through.
OF MODESTY, MEN AND HOLY OBJECTS
Why does it seem like modesty applies more to women than to men? Doesn't this disharmony between body and soul apply to both men and women equally?
Yes. Modesty does in fact apply to everyone:
(God) tells you, man, what He requires of you, but to do justice, love kindness and walk modestly with your God. (Micha 6:8)
...And with the modest ones lies wisdom. (Proverbs 11:2)
In Judaism the most heroic acts were done in private, with no fanfare, publicity or showiness -- qualities that represent the essence of modesty.
For example, Abraham's binding of Isaac and Jacob's struggle with the angel were both events, which -- although they marked the epitome of the lives of the patriarchs -- happened while they were out of the public view.
And yet, when modesty involves the issue of clothing and covering up, it does have more serious ramifications for the female gender, as it also does, interestingly, for Torah scholars and for the Tabernacle, God's resting place in the desert:
Torah scholars should be extra modest in clothes and in their behavior. (Derech Eretz Zuta 7)
From the day the tabernacle was built, God said: 'Modesty is appropriate.' (Tanchuma, Bamidbar 3)
What do women, Torah scholars, and the Tabernacle have in common?
Torah scholars are human beings who are granted a degree of awe from the public due to their tremendous Torah knowledge. To the extent that they represent God's word on earth, or holiness, they deserve that respectful regard.
However, if we are so taken in by their charisma, good looks, public speaking skills, and as a result, we are not able to discern their internal holiness, we are in essence engaged in idol worship by our misplaced reverence.
Torah scholars have an obligation to be extra modest, so that we will not be distracted by the externals.
Therefore, Torah scholars have an obligation to be extra modest, so that we will not be distracted by the externals of their appearance and demeanor, which, if too dominant, might obscure their inner essence.
Similarly, the Tabernacle represents the dwelling place of God on earth. Its vessels and structure were made of the finest materials -- gold, silver, copper, beautiful fabrics. If we were to see this Temple as a mere building -- devoid of spiritual content -- we would be serving wood and stone, distorting reality and the purpose for which the Tabernacle was built.
All the vessels, therefore, required coverings to de-emphasize the sparkling fancy exterior, so as to enable us to see the spirituality below the surface.
MODESTY AND WOMEN
And this is where women come in.
Women, according to Judaism, share a special trait called binah, loosely translated as "deep understanding." In the Torah, women are exemplified as having a rich inner world, possessing a unique power to influence people's character; they are described as having insight and perception beyond logic, external facts and superficial facades.
If women are viewed externally, they are stripped of their unique gift and strength.
If women are viewed externally, devoid of internal character and spirituality, they are stripped of their unique gift and strength. A danger exists that they will be objectified and degraded.
In fact, we see that cultures which admire women primarily for their physical characteristics, ultimately degrade them and take advantage of them.
In view of this dangerous possibility -- coupled with a strong tendency among males to notice the physical and external and be stimulated visually -- women would do well to de-emphasize their bodies in order to emphasize that which is their real beauty: their inner strengths, their souls.
All of the honor of the daughter of the King is within. (Psalms 45:14)
Of course, none of this implies that women shouldn't look beautiful.
In fact once the physicality is not distracting, and the internal holiness is realized, it is a mitzvah to glorify the vessel for holiness, that representation of spirituality.
Just as the Tabernacle was stunningly attractive, and a Torah scholar is commanded to accord his physical appearance major priority, so too a woman, an obvious vessel for a rich and potent inner essence, is further enhanced by a beautiful exterior. One which is infused with spiritual content. Not an empty shell.
Several of the ideas in this article were made by Rabbi Zev Leff in his lecture "The Concept of Modesty."
(69) Anonymous, November 12, 2019 7:46 PM
About the last comment
Women should look beautiful in the homes to their husbands, not in the public domain where it is mixed.
Very important distinction to make.
Thanks
(68) Gidigbi Matthew, August 4, 2013 9:13 PM
Commendation
Very inspiring write up and good for understanding without leaving out insights, if you read this, try and read ''The Bikini & I".
God's grace.
(67) Rachel, September 12, 2012 3:21 PM
I stumbled into this article, and I find it very interesting. I've always been a naturally modest woman, but I find it hard to mitigate this being single. I went with a girl friend to a Jewish singles party recently. Knowing that this would be a more Orthodox crowd, I dressed modestly. There were two women there whose skirts ended about half-way down their thighs. And the men went to those two like bees to flowers. Sure, modesty is great, but it's also a great loneliness.
Sarah, December 2, 2012 1:46 PM
yes, those girls may "get all the guys" now, but if your'e looking for real a real relationship, and more importantly for marriage, then i won't tell you "you don't want to marry those type of guys anyways", but i will tell you that the good earnest guys won't end up marrying those types of girls, yeah they go to them to have some fun, but when push comes to shove those aren't the type of girls they want to marry. i hope you meet your "the one" soon and i hope he appreciates you as more than just a body :)
(66) Marina, September 7, 2012 4:15 AM
Modesty works for me
I find Modesty dressing works powerful on me. I have been modesty dressing since 2011, and ever since I have regained the strength I had missed. My skirts are ankle length and my shirts covers my elbow and sometimes up to my wrists. My shirts opening don't show my collar bone. I began dressing this way after a strong comeback to the Lord. I prayed and fasted and as a result my clothing behavior started to be modefy. I stopped wearing Jeans and shorts and eventually blossomed into this new way of life. I DON'T force it upon anyone. All I know is it works for me. I attract very interesting and well behaved man. In fact they almost are instantly attracted to me and they always complament my attire. I in return , do not listen , and I am celiby from relationships with men, I also do not touch men, and abstain from touch for almost the same period of time. I pray that God places a God fearing man in my path and a man that workships the lord before he workships me. I know that God is going to provide this for me. Dress and behavior are things we cannot force on anyone, all I know is that for me this is the life I was missing and I WAS yearning. I love to dress modestly and I recommended to all girls. You will be surprised on how much power you will regain. I presently own my business and my life is going superb. I feel there is a corelation with my attire and the way I decided to change my life around. I have been studying Judaism for 2 years now and I love it. It is mind opening event in my life. God bless us all.
(65) RUTH, September 6, 2012 9:00 AM
MODESTY
I DEEPLY ADMIRE SOME OF THE MODEST WAYS WOMEN DRESS. SOME LOOK BEAUTIFUL AND PURE AND SOME JUST MAKE HER LOOK PLAIN UGLY! I WEAR LOOSE CLOTHING AND SLACKS BUT IN WINTER SKIRTS AT TIMES. I CANNOT MANAGE THE HEAT AND BE AS TOTALLY COVERED AS ORTHODOX WOMEN. I SUPPOSE ONE HAS TO GROW UP IN THAT WORLD. TOO OLD AND TOO LATE FOR ME.
Malka, February 10, 2019 9:12 PM
never too late
Ruth it is never too late to change. And you can still look pretty while dressing modest. The point is not to attract undo attention to your body since you are so much more than a body.
(64) smb, February 6, 2012 10:55 AM
Our body is special and we should respect it through modest clothes. And like you say, when we cover our body, our mind and soul are better able to shine through
(63) don, May 24, 2011 9:26 PM
I am amazed at the comments in the scriptures about Sara, Rebeca, Ester, and other women. They are often refer to as beautiful in form and figure. G-d made woman beautiful physically and this is not wrong. The sin is in not respecting woman's husbands or if they are unmarried, their fathers.
(62) Anonymous, August 12, 2010 7:29 PM
I find the "modesty" behavior empowering. I prefer keeping myself covered with the shortest skirt or dress decidedly below my knees by several inches. I would prefer mid-calf and many of my skirts and dresses are at this length. Some of my other skirts and/or dresses are ankle length. I just simply feel more comfortable. I find the rules in Orthodox and Chasiddic Judaism for modesty in women empowering because there are rules for men's behavior and dress as well. I truly believe that it is for the best of reasons that G-d presented modesty in the tradition because it is best. I am a single woman and I want to cover my hair. I have several very attractive pieces on a wish list and as I come closer to becoming a Jewish woman I look upon this as a way of sincerely showing that at 62 years of age I want to cover up my hair. That is just how I feel and I don't believe that anyone would have a problem with that. That is a personal choice that I have and I most certainly appreciate that.
(61) leah, May 5, 2010 12:51 AM
i understand where you're coming from, but i have alot of questions regarding dressing modestly, and i still have them. can you maybe write an article from a teenage girl's point of view?
(60) shells, January 2, 2010 11:57 PM
thank YOU Dina
for your words that touched my heart and blessed by soul this evening. thanks be to G-d for your message, your love and understanding with this sharing.
(59) SusanE, November 13, 2009 3:18 AM
Modesty is always good for the right reasons.
This is a quote from the 2000 article above. ""If women are viewed externally, devoid of internal character and spirituality, they are stripped of their unique gift and strength. A danger exists that they will be objectified and degraded."" I read this and wonder, just who is objectifying and degrading those women? I would have to say it is the men. I agree that dignity in choosing what to wear in public or in shul is very important for a women. It would show she has self-respect and honors her body. That is just sound good judgement. For a woman to be modest in dress just because it tempts or distracts a man, seems that a womans body is seen in a negative way by men. There would be lots of other women that the men would come in contact with in public and at work, where the women aren't modestly dressed. ......Shouldn't all men be responsible for controling their own thoughts and not blame their distractions on the clothing of women?
(58) Nechama, November 12, 2009 9:56 PM
Attractive but not Attracting
As a teacher of mine once said, you should be "attractive but not attracting."
(57) chana perel, November 18, 2008 7:40 AM
Great article.
(56) Anonymous, August 5, 2008 1:51 PM
in reply to comment no.(3)
In reply to Zahavah Devorah's comment...it was a while ago,but i hadn't read this then. I would like to say that modesty does not have to mean un-attractive. It is not suggesting going around in tatty old clothes. It does mean covering up,but not in a way that means you look ugly. A neat and clean appearance and a gentle and quiet spirit is very beautiful indeed.I am sure that a person who dresses in this manner,rather than revealing too much flesh or wearing skin tight clothing is likely to be taken far more seriously, which was one of Zahavah's concerns. And though the Kohen may have had to be spotless and wore elaborate clothing,every article of clothing would have meaning and been directed by God for them to wear.That is a far cry from people today who dress to impress, to 'sell themselves' through their clothing and who are trying to make themselves intentionally attractive in an alluring way to the opposite sex(apart from their spouses).Women who cover themselves can still decorate their clothing, wear jewelry etc but they know it is the hidden place of the heart that is more important, so that is where the emphasis lies, as they are answerable to God. We are to be vessels of honour, not vessels of scruffiness, so that as we represent God in this world we do it with dignity..to be men and women of excellence,inside and out! p.s we are all on a journey and growing, so i too am struggling with some areas, eg head covering, which i agree with but havent the confidence to yet embrace. Can anyone tell me where it is commanded by God?
(55) Esther, October 5, 2007 2:46 PM
Great article
Very informative. I'm a 23 yr old jewish college student and I fully believe in modesty.
(54) Yisroel kaplan, June 13, 2007 11:59 AM
great article. I want a copy
(53) Zahavah Devorah, June 1, 2007 2:34 PM
Confused with some claims
Modesty is an topic that runs deep, and I often have trouble making sense of the different levels of modesty and how to apply them. I wanted to make one point:
I understand why "Torah scholars should be extra modest in clothes and in their behavior. (Derech Eretz Zuta 7)," because overly attractive clothes might draw others to pay more attention to the clothing than to the lessons that can be learned from the scholars.
However, I also wanted to point out that in order for the Kohen to serve in the Temple, he had to be completely free of any blemishes, and he had to wear specially ornate garmets for the occasion. There's even a parsha specifically detailing what "deformities" would prevent a Kohen from serving in the temple. Serving as Kohen in the temple is one of the most prominent positions a Jew could endure. And we learn from the commentaries that because the Kohen is in such a visible position, it is imperative that he not have any imperfections and be pleasing to the eye. They need to be this way specifically because as humans, if the Kohen had a deformity, we would be focusing too much on the deformity and not on the actual holiness of the act of sacrifice. So it's confusing to me when in some instances the Torah emphasizes the importance of physical beauty and dressings and in other parts, it emphasizes modesty and dressing unattractively. Moreover, if someone were dressing very unattractively, they would not be approachable at all, and humans would not take them seriously. For example, someone dressed in dirty tattered clothes speaking out wouldn't get very much acknowledgment from the average passerby, but someone wearing nicer clothes saying the same thing would get noticed.
(52) Anonymous, May 31, 2007 11:54 PM
To Anonymous- Misnomer
"As a Psych major, I find it annoying when the term "schizophrenia" is thrown around and is used in the wrong context, as though it is a blanket term for any different type of psychosis."
So you discovered this as a psych major. And before you were a psych major? Stop looking down your nose at people who use this term wrong- it is very, very common, and no reflection on the person. I bet the farm you misused it too, before you became oh so knowledgeable, AS A PSYCH MAJOR.
If this is the kind of thing that annoys you, you've got a long way to go, baby.
(51) Anonymous, May 31, 2007 10:07 PM
To Anonymous
Schizophrenia- from Latin meaning "split mind." To restrict the definition to simply whether someone perceives that which is not there is a gross oversimplification. With repsect to the article, outstanding.
Yasher koach.
(50) anonymous, May 31, 2007 10:03 PM
congratulations
THANKS G-D WE SEE THIS CHANGE IN ALL THE COUNTRIES PLEASE PRAY FOR ALL THE JEWISH WOMEN TO HAVE ZENIUT IN THEIR CLOTHES. CONGRATULATIONS WONDERFUL YOUR ARTCLE
(49) Anonymous, May 30, 2007 7:23 PM
misnomer
to the editor- it is a common mistake to use the word "schizophrenia" to describe split personality disorder. the author clearly meant to refer to the latter. the former is a disorder characterized by hearing and seeing things that do not exist, and therefor possibly speaking back as though what they heard/ saw was reality. Split personality does not mean that the person sees or hears anything, rather it means that the person is living a double life with two different personalities. One personality can speak to the other, making the person look odd. But it is a completely different disorder. As a Psych major, I find it annoying when the term "schizophrenia" is thrown around and is used in the wrong context, as though it is a blanket term for any different type of psychosis. A schizophrenic does NOT have a split personality.
(48) Chana Manusharov, May 30, 2007 1:23 PM
reply to blanket statement
What it means is that a woman who dresses according to halacha dresses in an attractive, but not attracting too much attention, way. she looks like a truly beautiful woman, because her inner spiritual beauty shines through and complements her external appearance!
(47) Maritta Mountjoy, May 30, 2007 7:49 AM
How beautifully stated with wisdom on top of it.
Now I understand the reason for dressing up after years of marraige. This passage did bless me, thank you.
(46) Joshua, May 29, 2007 11:25 PM
You blessed me!
It is the Torah only that can teach what is right. This is great and i will pass it on!
(45) Anonymous, May 29, 2007 2:49 PM
Blanket Statement
I understand this article and agree in much of it but also understand that in the Muslim religion where the women are very modestly covered that honor killing by family members and regular abuse against females is prevalent (where is the respect of their own in this culture? Modesty I think to the extreme can also be a form of power & control). I also got confused by the statement that AFTER physicality is not distracting - it is a mitzvah to adorn the vessel for holiness. Does this mean a woman puts on makeup and lacy underware and then covers her body in all halachic observances? I mean this in no disrespect but not sure how this statement should be taken from this article.
A curious Jew who strives to understand
(44) Mrs.Epstein, May 29, 2007 1:37 PM
modesty doesn't mean frumpy
Modesty in the orthodox world doesn't mean you can't wear cosmetics or jewelry. Just not wild,outlandish styles. You can wear very fashionable designer clothing just with longer lengths and no tight or clingy spandex fabrics. Most Jewish women are very fashionable and we all love our makeup and jewelry!!!
(43) Anonymous, May 29, 2007 12:08 PM
Insightful, inspiring yet not "preachy"!
This article is very well written. In our times, I feel that somehow the outside world is totally oblivious to modesty to the point where I sometimes feel embarrased for others. Seeing this inspires me to try to be more tzinua myself, not try to incorporate "their" mode of dress into mine. I do hope you continue sending messages of "modesty" to all our "Bnos Yisroel".
(42) Anonymous, May 29, 2007 10:41 AM
excellent article
Outstanding article. The term "schizophrenic" is improperly used and may at least initially create doubt in the integrity of the article. Schizophrenia is often missued to mean "multiple personality disorder." Schizophrenics have one personality, charactoristics of schizophrenia are: visual, auditory, olfactory hallucinations and often paranoia in a variety of forms. I don't want to sound critical, I felt it subtracted from the integrity of an otherwise outstanding article.
(41) Anonymous, May 28, 2007 10:09 PM
On modesty...
Thank you Dina - what a great reminder to all of us that great, inner spiritual strength can be drawn from practicing modest behaviours in all aspects of observant life. If one of our goals is to make manifest G-d's moral laws on earth, then modesty is a great place to start! Blessings to you.
(40) james cleary, May 28, 2007 4:22 PM
ancient wisdom, modern times
How beautifly simple, the concepy of modesty. The world, the flesh and the evil one have blinded us to this truth. It has hurt virtuous women who seek virtuous men to love, marry and begin their families. Lack of modesty has hurt good, decent men who seek virtuous wives. We must stop the pornography -visual, verbal -on tv,movies,talk shows,magazines and from Hollywood. Write michael eisner, formerly ceo of abc, disney etc. He is near the top of the power pyramid. and pray first.
(39) Anonymous, May 28, 2007 11:23 AM
Heart Change
Our secular culture promotes immodesty and immorality as an idol to be worshiped. As a teenager I believed the magazines,songs and movies and accepted the false reality of objectification as being love. Now, in my fifties, I have found that women that dress modestly attract and are sought out by a different type of male...respectful.
(38) Thomas Peyton, May 27, 2007 10:22 PM
I understand
Great article. I understand the NEED to be modest in reguards to all parts of our lives. Thanks!
(37) Eleanor Gibson, May 27, 2007 8:05 PM
Modesty is a matter of style
When my grandmother wore floor lenght skirts the sight of an ankle was considered provocative. Modesty is more for the practitioner than for the viewin public.
(36) Gerry, May 27, 2007 7:11 PM
Changing appearence:/modesty
Enjoyed the article. We are always hearing "look and feel your best". It seems that the message society gives to us is change yourself or you will not be confident or successful---especially to young girls. Lose weight, dye your hair, whiten your teeth, show your stomach piercing, and the cleavage from your breast augmentation. Pride in ones appearence has gone astray. Clean hair, clean teeth, and a plain, modest dress
equal frumpy in this day and age. Another article on this topic would be great for women, girls.
(35) Ann Baltys, May 27, 2007 1:59 PM
Interesting Perspective
I have never read or heard such a perspective on modesty before this. Your insights are refreshing and ring of truthfulness. Wisdom is your gift. Thank you.
(34) Frank Schilling, May 27, 2007 9:33 AM
The light of our body shines in our eyes...
My parents taught me to always look into the eyes of a person when talking to them. Therefore my first contact is seeing one's attitude and spritial reflet of their body. Thanks be to my father and mother always.
(33) ElioraRut, December 26, 2006 5:29 PM
Now, if only men were as concerned with inner beauty....
Its frustrating. I did not find my beshert when I was younger, and now, in late childbearing years, it seems to be impossible to find a man who *doesn't* have some impossible image in his mind when it comes to finding a wife. Even self-described observant men cannot seem to escape this. Seems the secular world has deeply infiltrated the minds of most men. Sigh.
(32) janene, October 16, 2006 3:05 PM
Emphasis on teaching men to curb their display of desire
I AM in agreement with Lebab's comments on 5-19-2005. No matter how mosdest i have dressed, i have still had the unfortunate and degrading experiences of men's lusting over me in public like a dog salivating. Perhaps more could be done to educate men while they are still young about them being modest in their exprssions of desire in public especially over women like me whose hearts are fully Elohim's. I hunger for men of G-D to treat me with admiration because of my desire to worship my King and have favor in H-S Eyes most of all.
(31) Jena, March 23, 2006 12:00 AM
Praise from a different perspective
I am an African-American Christian woman that happened upon your website today. This article truly spoke to me. I agree that it is difficult as a woman to try to balance the desire to be "attractive" and be spiritual. Many of us, especially in the West, have personal experience with being victims of those who would see only with their eyes, and not with their hearts and spirits. Many other cultures understand that, by covering herself, a woman is protecting herself from this kind of abuse; unfortunately, in our Western culture, we see other cultures, such as Muslim or Orthodox Jewish societies, where women practice modesty as being patriarchal and oppressive. I personally find it freeing!
Although my faith might differ in some ways from the views expressed here, the humanity, spirituality, and thoughtful insights greatly appeal to me and have been a blessing to me. Thank you for these insights; I will be checking back in again - keep up the good work.
(30) Deborah, 41 years old, mother, September 22, 2005 12:00 AM
Right On!
You are absolutely right on! I found your website while searching for guidelines on producing modesty seminars. Western culture has
for some time been desensitized into accepting vulgar, form-fitting, and frankly what used to be lingerie, as appropriate fashion. I speak mainly to the women's issue because that's where the most extreme day-to-day violations occur. We have so many mothers now who don't recognize this problem and not only encourage this type of immodest attire but also dress this way themselves. Fingershaking is not in order but re-education is. This is a subject that should be addressed in places of worship but sadly many leaders are paralyzed by fear and rejection and won't "go there." Also, if women want to be taken seriously they should take their cues from the men in business wearing suits, casual dress, etc., but always decently covered, and never form-fitting. Also, many women do not know how to select a pair of slacks or jeans that fit properly or de-emphasize, in fact, the emphasis seems to be deliberately placed on the derriere! It is possible to dress fashionably and modestly, but one must choose to. One last point, men will not "out grow" a natural tendency but both sexes would do well to exercise self-control, modesty, and holy love.
(29) Arlene Guccione, September 20, 2005 12:00 AM
Beautiful!
When we understand doctrines and concepts against the backdrop of God's instructions, they become attractive and lovingly compelling. Thank you for being faithful to the teachings of the Torah! I received a tremendous blessing as a woman. I have shared them with others including a boarding school for high school students where our son attends!
Arlene
(28) Stacy, May 20, 2005 12:00 AM
A middle ground
While many of the points are quite lovely in this article, there is certainly a middle ground between long skirts and long sleeved shirts and inappropriately revealing clothing. I enjoy wearing shorts and tank tops in the summer, because they are comfortable, and I prefer pants over skirts because they are comfortable. I dress in way that is comfortable and practical, but not provocative. The idea that the only way to dress modestly is through long skirts and covering the elbows is an extreme expression of this idea.
(27) Lebab, May 19, 2005 12:00 AM
"A strong tendecy among males to notice the physical and external and be stimulated visually."
How many men in our long history have gotten themselves into trouble because of this? And the fact that this statement still holds true thousands of years later, saddens me.
If men do not outgrow this type of thinking, it won't matter how much a women "de-emphasizes" her body, he'll always find something on her that will stimulate him visually.
(26) Suzy, May 18, 2005 12:00 AM
modesty and dignity
thanks for the article.
I think modesty is very important. It makes us look dignified and smart. And people concentrate on us and not our bodies.
People say 'if you have a nice body, show it' but really people should protect their special bodies and dress modestly.
(25) Robert S Flaum, May 16, 2005 12:00 AM
I appreciate What's New at Aish columns, and my response to "Beneath the Surface" by Dina Coopersmith was "so true" and "that's beautiful". Women are so much more than a splashy ad cover or dinner on the table, and we should be grateful for this every day.
Robert S Flaum
Boca Raton
(24) Anonymous, May 15, 2005 12:00 AM
Inclorrect and Insensitve use of term Schizophrenia
Your article speaks very well to the point to the stereotypes of women and the misconceptions about the meanings of how they dress. In doing so however, your casual and incorrect use of the term Schizophrenia, which does not mean dichotomy, perpetuates another stigma that of Mental Illness. Schizophrenia is a debilitating serious brain disorder it is not about inner conflict or debate with oneself about ones drives. It would strengthen your article to choose a correct analogy.
(23) Anonymous, May 15, 2005 12:00 AM
great
very well-written
(22) Anonymous, May 15, 2005 12:00 AM
I believe the beauty of a woman can be seen on her face, even more her eyes. A woman is protected by her creator.A distraction as such may serve to be in awe of His handiwork. I have seen His work on all faces of many colors. Beauty in some countries is seen as evil because it's a distraction. Nothing He has created is evil. Only our minds need covering more yet changing. All is beauty.
(21) Roxanne Simmons, May 15, 2005 12:00 AM
dressing modest
I enjoyed reading your letter about dressing modestly. but my children attend school in the Baltimore City area, my children are often made fun of when they do not where the latest styles and fashion, and I find myself buying some of these clothes, just so my children can go to school in peace and not come home in tears, everyone wants to be accepted, and we live in the city, where rent is cheap, and I must do my best to keep my children in the faith but we must also dress so we can live in peace also. What would you do? If it were your child.
(20) Miriam, May 15, 2005 12:00 AM
Physicality and degredation of women
Ms. Coopersmith wrote, "In fact, we see that cultures which admire women primarily for their physical characteristics, ultimately degrade them and take advantage of them."
It is the obsession with a woman's physical form, whether it leads to a desire to uncover that form or hide it up, that can lead to women's degradation. The important point is finding a way to prevent the physicality from becoming distracting.
At the same time, is physical beauty itself not a gift from G-d to be appreciated on its own terms?
(19) Nathan Nigel, May 15, 2005 12:00 AM
Not all cultures wear clothing
An interesting article to be sure and I am not disputing that modesty is a good thing but it is factually incorrect to say all cultures wear 'something' many do not or do so now only after contact with western culture...South American Indians and Australian Aboriginals for example and many cultures do so only as adults and even then they only cover the genital area...out of modesty? Perhaps or because these are vulnerable areas physically in need of protection...just a thought...
(18) Pamela Aguirre, November 7, 2004 12:00 AM
Awsome
This point of view should be taught in all the schools and brought forth in all the magazines and movies because it is G-ds truth. Excellent.
(17) Anonymous, October 14, 2003 12:00 AM
Tzniut is viewed as empowering by those who practice it.
I am currently doing a dissertation on cultural implications of psychotherapy with Orthodox Jews and would like the author's permission to cite this article in my dissertation.
I think this is an excellent, well articulated statement of the way in which Orthodox Jewish women find modesty in dress empowering, rather than oppressive. I am always amused by colleagues who are dressed provacatively (and uncomfortably) who then tell me that I am oppressed because I dress modestly. Who is in more danger of objectification?
Thanks a lot!
(16) Anonymous, May 12, 2003 12:00 AM
thanks amilion
Very inspiring and strengtening words.
if you can write about the hair covering
once a woman gets married.
(15) Anonymous, February 18, 2003 12:00 AM
Very insightful
Thank you for sharing this beautiful perspective
(14) Anonymous, October 27, 2002 12:00 AM
By flaunting the external, women lose not only their worth but their very essence.
I have never really read many articles or comments on this topic that I appreciated. I would like to thank Dina Coopersmith for such a wonderful article - it expressed what I felt all along.
(13) Anonymous, August 19, 2002 12:00 AM
Surprisingly informative
It really is a good perspective..Certainly makes me wish I could do things over
(12) Deborah, July 8, 2002 12:00 AM
Thank you, Dina, for writing this article. I find it profoundly inspiring for those of us women striving to be modest in countries where women are indeed physically glorified yet devoid of character.
(11) Lynn Reed, February 22, 2002 12:00 AM
WOW- I never knew this
I wish more people understood this instead of lookign at modesty as a restriction only.
Where did we get these other ideas- like Judaism being resrtictive?
(10) Deborah Morgan, February 2, 2002 12:00 AM
Masterful!!!!!
How absolutely beautiful. I have a gnawing hunger for this profound insight. Thank you for sharing.
(9) , January 10, 2002 12:00 AM
I appreciate the insight of this essay.
(8) Anonymous, October 13, 2001 12:00 AM
Interesting,but...
In today's orthodox Jewish world, so much is concentrated on modesty (particularly in women), and what they are wearing, how they are acting etc.. that I find that at times this obsession almost seems to overshadow real and true strengths. Surely a true modest person should value other people's modesty, at whatever 'level' they may be at!? As modesty is one of the most important parts of life, it should be treated with humility, and therefore people should not be judged harshly if they are less modest than someone else.
(7) Mordechai Miller, May 17, 2001 12:00 AM
Extremely Important Service
The fact that there is an outlet and contact of sorts to display current trends in Judaism in regards to pertinent issuses is a life saver.
(6) Anonymous, February 12, 2001 12:00 AM
Interesting article, but leaves a great deal to question
An interesting article, but it leaves a lot of room for argument. This article suggests that if a woman is immodest (meaning that she isn't wearing a skirt and elbow covering top)she is devoid of character, because her immodest attire is obscuring her inner essence. Now, isn't that a huge assumption? Simply because a curve on a woman is showing she's hiding her inner beauty? I don't believe so.
(5) Ken Stidham, February 3, 2001 12:00 AM
modesty
I believe modesty in a woman is much more attractive than a woman who wants to look sexy on the outside.
(4) Anonymous, November 29, 2000 12:00 AM
Very interesting article. Point well taken. Thank you
(3) Anonymous, July 17, 2000 12:00 AM
wow!
If only I had read this article when growing up .. This is an article that should be given to religious girls who have in their minds that question "why?"
(2) Anonymous, February 29, 2000 12:00 AM
I enjoyed this article however I hoped that the concept of modesty for men could have been discussed further. While I have a better understanding now of modesty for women and see why it can be compared to modesty of Torah scholars, I would like to see it discussed for men in general. It seems that sometimes men equate their specific time bound commandments with superiority and feel that modesty is just for women...or that modesty for men is ensuring that their wives or daughters dress/act modestly.
(1) Anonymous, February 27, 2000 12:00 AM
well written!
Very well written. Your article put things into perspective and proved that the concept of modesty (as related to women) is really for the benifit of the woman. Thank you. Keep up the good work!