Hide and Seek: Jewish Women and Hair Covering - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 9657108489 ISBN 13: 9789657108482

Publisher: Urim Pubns, 2005

Synopsis

Traditional Judaism considers the hair of a married woman erotic. Married Jewish women are, therefore, expected to cover their hair, except in front of their husbands and, sometimes, other women. For most of Jewish history, this practice was not disputed - largely because society at large also considered it immodest for women to let their hair down in its city streets. However, as the general definition of modesty has changed in the last two centuries, Jewish women have followed suit, debating the necessity of covering their hair in a world that has become 'uncovered'. Today, most observant, married Jewish women cover their hair in some way, although a vocal minority declines to do so at all. In essence, hair-covering has become the bellwether for religiosity, turning practice into politics. This book explains the law, considers the customs, and includes the voices of people from around the world who are very much moved by the nature of this challenging observance.

About this title

Review:

"This book is unique in its examination of a religious practice that affects a woman's identity and self-image by changing her appearance. Observing this commandment is challenging, and these essays explaining why women choose to cover or not to cover their hair demonstrate the diversity of our Jewish communities." --Barbara M. Bibel, "Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter"

"The essays are remarkably candid and engaging.... it's refreshing to encounter a work that charts new territory." --Sandee Brawarsky, "The Jewish Week"

"The book gives voice to the swirling thoughts that have lain hidden beneath synthetic, 50-50, and cloth-covered hair for the past two generations. It speaks to the rabbinate as well as to the public about a topic neither easily broached nor easily resolved. "Hide & Seek" can be a harbinger of conflict resolution when it is followed by intelligent, compassionate discourse between couples." "Jewish Press""

"The essays are remarkably candid and engaging. . . . It s refreshing to encounter a work that charts new territory." "Jewish Week""

About the Author:

Lynne Schreiber is a journalist, a college instructor, and the author of "Driving Off the Horizon," a book of poetry; "In the Shadow of the Tree: A Therapeutic Writing Guide for Children with Cancer"; and "Residential Architecture." She lives in Oak Park, Michigan." "

About this edition

• Publisher: Urim Pubns
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 9657108489
• ISBN 13: 9789657108482
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 224
• Editor: Schreiber Lynne