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Tznius is usually defined as modesty. Is that the correct definition?
Modesty is a part of it, but even better is dignity. In Gan Eden, Hashem gave clothes to Adam and Chava; it was a chessed and we should emulate Hashem. Dignity is about preserving privacy. We should treat ourselves with dignity. When we don’t dress with dignity, we are doing a disservice to ourselves.
Dressing with dignity has always been important to Jews. The Sanhedrin says that in Egypt, one of our merits was not adopting Egyptian style of dress.
It takes courage to be different. Dignity is not valued in this society. In summer especially, it takes courage to dress in a dignified way.
What is the source for tznius in women’s clothing? Does the concept apply to men as well?
The Gemarra specifies what is immodest in Brachot 24. The Shulchan Aruch develops it further. The Shulchan Aruch is a comprehensive Code of Jewish Law, composed in the 16th Century. In Orach Chaim, one of the four books that comprise the Shulchan Aruch, Chapter 75 details the various requirements for women’s clothing.
Men and women have an equal obligation to treat themselves with dignity and not to use our bodies to attract attention.
What is the origin of married women covering their hair?
The Gemara (Berachot 24a) states that a woman exposing her hair is regarded as immodest. The question is then why are women who were never married permitted to be in public with uncovered hair. The answer is that there is higher standard of modesty for married women. The reason, it seems, is that the holiness associated with marriage imposes a higher standard much as the greater holiness of a Kohein demands higher standards of his Torah observance (such as his prohibition to come in contact with the dead).
What is the origin of men covering their heads?
Men wear a covering on their heads to remind them that Hashem is above. It is mentioned in the Gemarra. Whatever the style, whether it is a striemel, black hat or Yankee kippah, if it serves the purpose, it’s acceptable.
By Bracha Schwartz
