Dark Thoughts on Modesty
Rabbi Weinbach, founder and Rosh Yeshiva (Dean) of Ohr Somayach, comments on modesty for women this week.
You might think Rabbi Weinbach tackles the issue of the bleaching of women in the haredi community for wearing Shulchan Aruch acceptable but not fundamentalist appropriate clothing in his community…in a neighborhood right next to Maalot Dafna. But he does not say anything about that. As far as I can tell, he has been consistently silent on the subject, at least in writing.
You might think he has what to say about the women who have been beaten to the back of the bus…but again…only silence.
What Rabbi Weinbach does say on the subject of modestly this week is the following,
This slogan of the garment industry will certainly come to mind this Shabbat as we hear in the Torah reading the stress that was placed on the details of the sacred garments worn by the kohanim. Those garments not only identified the wearers as do uniforms in secular life but also exerted a mystical influence on those chosen to perform the Sanctuary service for the nation.
If clothes of dignity are important for men, this is even more important in regard to women. One of the disappointing features of secular society in Israel and elsewhere is the lack of appreciation by Jewish women of the need to dress in modest fashion. The Torah teaches us that the Divine Presence that protects us from our enemies departs from us when immodesty prevails.
It is to be hoped that the message of this week’s Torah portion that clothes make the man will inspire women to appreciate that clothes not only make the woman but transform her into a princess whose royal modesty will help protect Israel forever.
The idea that secular Jews will 1) be going to shul, and 2) extrapolate from a verse about the clothes of the male priests as pertaining to women’s modesty is a most dubious wish on Rabbi Weinbach’s part. In fact, one could be forgiven for believing that Rabbi Weinbach is being disingenuous. It would seem that Rabbi Weinbach’s message is not really to secular Jewry at all, but rather, a message to the already converted that the problems that exist in regards to modesty are not the beatings; are not the bleachings. These are the unfortunate, but justified, antics of vigilantes attempting to enforce the will of the Gedoylim.
And their will be done!
Rather, for Rabbi Weinbach, the root problem is the same problem that all middle eastern fundamentalists blame for all their countries problems. Whether in Egypt, whether in Israel, whether in Saudi Arabia. The problem is the secular government, and the nation’s lack of faith.
So cover up, bitches. You are the problem. Not the vigilantes. And certainly not the Gedoylim whom inspire them.
Yeshiva University appears to be reconsidering accrediting Ohr Somayach.
12 comments
I see you’re feeling better.
Dk
It’s a shame you don’t know enough about the configuration of the orthodox world to realize when you’re making an ass of yourself. But in general, the people who spray bleach have a lower opinion of the people you call gedoylim than you do.
I won’t defend the beatings on Eged though, religious jews shouldn’t take Eged.
I can’t believe with all the tzuros, all the violence in the world, that this is what I’m reading about.
That’s right, therapydoc…big kudos to the haredim for not blowing up the buses. Big gold star…aren’t they so wonderful.
therapydoc
heal thyself. it sounds like you’re taking home too much of your patients baggage.
Is there some actual link between Rabbi Weinbach, or Ohr Someach, and the bad guys you’re talking about, DK? Maybe you developed it in some other post.
Is it like some kind of racial blood guilt that the “Jew Weinbach” bears?
DK, why don’t you actually address his argument (rather than pretend he was writing it to address secular Israelis): Do you propose that the way women dress has no effect, as a general rule, on the degree of respect men, and other women, have for them? Discuss with reference to “Girls Gone Wild”!
“Is there some actual link between Rabbi Weinbach, or Ohr Someach, and the bad guys you’re talking about, DK? ”
The link is the The Godoylim, Ron. The Gedoylim whom R. Weinbach directly reports to. The Gedoylim who order these chumras in the first place.
Their will be done.
Ron, isn’t it more about attitude than dress? In Brooklyn you can see “tzniusdik” women that have dabbed on dark lipstick during daytime and wear non-lined skirts that show off their panty lines (under non-lined skirts, you usually opt for seamless or a skirt-slip); both would be considered slutty among secular Europeans, and that seems to be the provocative appeal.
Rabbi Weinbach,
If you’re reading this fine thread, just wanted to give you some design and marketing techniques, straight from the heart of fashion district and surrounding areas,you might find especially helpful for this clothing line you’re trying to promote.
When designing and marketing a clothing line its always best to have the interest of the end users you intend to appeal to in mind. For instance this off key “princesses of judaism” cliche, what audience are you trying to sing this tired and trite slogan to ? Its not especially clear.
And who exactly are you trying to get to cover, cover, conceal and hide and for what specific reasons ?
Ambiguous amber was never my favorite material color don’t let the popular shade topaz is generally associated with confuse you , its the pink topaz I like best. If you want any colorful /creative help re-designing this clothing line and slogan of yours please do not hesitate to contact me.
There is nothing like rayon reasonings and polyester presentations and or the wrong ideas to ruin a label that is supposed to be made from better stuff or the real deal. Educated consumers will eventually take their spiritual business elsewhere, as i’m sure you know.
As for marketing, you just missed the fall fashion week showing at Bryant park. But there’s always September for Spring 2009. And the next time your in the fashion/garment district be sure to get a copy of the new Fashion district guide for all your material and trimming needs, think Project Runaway…………
I would be more than ecstatic to show you around and introduce you to my favorite sources and connections.
Oh and a trip to the fashion district is never complete without a modest mug of jagermeister over at Stitch to warm the heart on a cold winter evening after work.
My other question on your heartwarming ,musty ,modesty message to the masses : have you ever heard of the concept of magnetism. Do you really think the answer to the problems you allude to, is a disconcerting, concerted effort on material modesty ? Or is it just the easiest message to promote, just curious mostly.
DK, in other words, as usual — no link, besides your “vast right conspiracy.” Check.
Sarah, I agree with you 100%. Anyone who thinks following specific black-and-white guidelines while actually developing a smoking “come hither” look is just gaming the system. It’s a matter of attitude, and every woman who gets dressed in the morning knows what she’s choosing and why. And for whom.
Jaded, I can’t wait to see your fall line! (Not to be confused for falling for any line.) I would say you have hit on something: Some women are so magnetic that they could dress in a burka and men will flock to them. I don’t know why God gives them that test.
Or why He gave it to me, for that matter!
Ron, the answer is clear. A burka is still not enough. We men are not able to control ourselves…so a woman should be placed in a lead, sealed vault, except when around immediate family members. ‘
Good point. Also, I have noticed people still kill and steal, so let’s remove all strictures on those prohibitions.
Never bother trying unless you can guarantee 100% results, I always say! Just don’t tell my clients.
Actually, I wish it were the case that a significant number of Jewish women fall into this “magnetic” category, DK. I have only known a couple (and pretty well, thank you). If they did we wouldn’t have the “civilization continuation” issue we have also been discussing, believe me…
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