Why do Jewish women cover their hair?

A Tichel? A Snood?  A Headscarf?

Sometimes also referred to as turban, head wrap, scarf, Jewish hat, hijab, bandanas, and headdress... 

But whatever name you use for this modest Jewish women's headcovering, the idea is the same, it allows a married woman to cover her hair when she is around people other than her immediate family.  This is one of the Jewish laws that religious women abide by after they get married.

Tichels come in many shapes sizes and colors and there are endless ways for women to express themselves by choosing what style they use to cover their hair.

It is derived from the torah in a section (Sotah) where it describes a woman who is brought to trial and found guilty of infidelity. It mentions that her hair is uncovered in this moment (since she will no longer be married), and the torah sages understood that in all other times her hair should be covered since she is married. Although this is the original source there are numerous approaches to when, how, and why women cover their hair.

When do women cover their hair?

A woman starts to cover her hair after the becomes married. Women do not cover their hair before they are married, and even their wedding day. Going forward their hair is covered when they are around other people than just her husband. Since it is a sign of respect,during any Jewish rituals women are extra careful to cover their hair, like when lighting Shabbat candles, entering into the synagogue, or saying prayers.

How do women cover their hair?

A tichel is used to cover the hair on a woman head. There are various opinions and interpretations as to how much hair should be covered, or how much can be revealed. Each Jewish community from different parts of the world has developed their own style of covering the hair. In eastern Europe many women used a handkerchief. In Israel today, a full long hair wrap is often used that keeps all the hair inside. Even today specialized hats are made that can be slid off and on easily similar to a beanie used in the winter.

Why do women cover their hair?

After a woman is married, her hair, similar to certain parts of her body becomes a private matter. Hair in nearly every culture in the world is sensual, a sign of beauty and youth. After marriage a man and women wish to show this side of themselves only to their spouse. On the most basic level it sends a symbol to those around her that she is a proudly married woman and unavailable. It has never been a used to take away from a woman’s beauty, in fact many tichel are extravagant and beautiful, but are to conceal part of her physical beauty for those closest to her.

The tichel and other forms of head coverings allow a woman to proudly preserve her heritage and values of modesty that have persisted throughout the ages. Today the style, colors, and variety allow for a unique mix of the old meets the new, as Jewish married women accessorize and express themselves with the tichel.

Check out our entire line of headcoverings at the link below, where you will also find shawls, Berets and Caps, Hats, Headbands, Accessories, and more!

https://www.shtotty.com/clothing/head-covering

We'll be happy to hear your feedback on this article, you can comment below, and it'll be super shtotty if you like our post, and/or share our site on your favorite social network!  

Thank you