Question for Orthodox Jews , Why do your women cover their hair and do they receive as much flak as Muslims?

Question

As a Traditional Catholic I do cover my hair.

Answer 1

to show devotion to God

Answer 2

Wearing wigs is a bit of a cop-out though, I lived in a Jewish neighbourhood for about ten years and when I first moved there I knew little about Judaism and was most disturbed to see all the women wearing rather bad wigs, one day I found a wig hanging from a branch on my front hedge, it was like someone had been walking down the street and the wig got caught on the branch and was left behind without the wearer realising it.
But often I would be called in to switch on somebodies central heating or lights because they were not allowed to do this themselves...also seems a bit of a cop-out getting someone else to do it for you.
I have seen groups of young Jewish schoolboys 11-12yrs old harassing a Muslim woman, you wonder who is putting them up to it.

I just wanted to add I liked my Orthodox Jewish neighbours and the neighbourhood although they kept to themselves pretty much.

Answer 3

Orthodox Jewish women don't have as strict rules for covering as Muslim women do, to be fair. Typically, skirts can fall about 4 inches below the knee (whereas Muslim women are supposed to wear ankle-length clothing), Jewish women can show their lower arms (forearms), Muslim women cannot. Jewish women cover their hair, but not necessarily their ears (whereas some Muslim women show their ears, but I've been told that's not halal). Jewish women can show their necks as well (but not their collarbone), which makes them stand out a bit less than a Muslim woman wearing full hijab around her neck and chin.

Answer 4

Only married Orthodox women wear wigs. Just as a Jewish man wears a kippa to show he is under submission to another (G-d), so a married Orthodox Jewish woman wears a wig to show she is under submission (to her husband).
There is a natural flow of authority, & this is how Orthodox Jews have chosen to "flesh out" their humility.
Because choosing to humble oneself is an act of submission, it is considered an honor. Even Jewish men sumbit themselves to the authority of G-d. Rude comments & stares are typical.

Answer 5

I live in NYC near a lot of *both*, and I think most of my fellow citizens are more used to Orthodox Jews. I also think there's more of a perception that they are weird but generally peaceful, whereas Muslims are "terrorists." (Tell that to the Palestinians!)

Answer 6

Hi Deb,
I noticed alot of your questions of late has gone around this subject.

Are you thinking on this issue in your personal life lately?

Answer 7

Good question... I've wondered this before...