Dressing Modestly in Jerusalem?

Question

I'm visiting Jerusalem for 5 weeks this summer and I was told that I should pack a few modest clothes for visiting conservitive neighborhoods or religions sites. Are jeans and a t-shirt modest or do I have to have a long skirt and long sleeves? What about if I visit a mosque? I'm not muslim and I don't know what to wear. I need help and I leave in 3 days!

Answer 1

Shalom! I currently live in Jerusalem, and I am a woman, so maybe I can help.

Jeans and t-shirts are acceptable at the majority of places, including the Old City, the Western Wall and churches.

There are some places where you will need to dress more modestly... If you go into a mosque, cover your arms and your legs. Take a scarf to cover your hair, just to be on the safe side. Visitors are not always required to cover their hair, but they often do, so just take something to be sure. It will be required of you to remove your shoes before you enter the mosque.

In certain neighborhoods, such as Mea Shearim (Jewish ulta-orthodox area), you should wear a long skirt and long sleeves. Do not do anything to draw attention to yourself, and don't take too many pictures, as the people there don't like it.

In most areas of Jerusalem you can wear whatever you like, including shorts, but most people don't. You will never have to cover your hair on the street, although in religious Jewish or Muslim neighborhoods you may want to. Also, there is no where that you be required to cover your face at all. Remember, you are going to Israel, not Iran. People are free to dress as they wish.

Like I said, most of the time jeans and t-shirts are fine. However, keep in mind that it will be hot, thus a lighter pant may be better.

If you have more specific questions, feel free to ask me any time!

Good luck, and enjoy your trip!!

Answer 2

It depends a bit on where you're going. I remember when I visited Jerusalem, on one occasion I did have to wear a long skirt and a top with long sleeves - you should definitely take these items, just in case.

But for the rest of my time in Jerusalem, I just wore jeans and a t-shirt, or a dress, or shorts.

It can get chilly in Jerusalem in the evenings, so you might want to take a little cardigan and also a sweater.

I'm afraid I can't answer your query about mosques, but you should check to see if women are actually allowed into them, as I'm not sure.

Have a wonderful time; I adored Jerusalem.

If you go to Yad Vashem, DO take some tissues; few people are able to walk around it without shedding tears. But I would thoroughly recommend you go there; it's a haunting and unique experience.

Answer 3

Jean's and T-shirt are ok for the street, however some parts of town its better to wear a long shirt or even a skirt (just to make sure) or you may be cursed or thrown rocks at (worst case scenario).

If you are visiting very religious people you should wear long sleeves and a skirt, and for muslims the same...

I do not suggest wearing something that reveals much except the face...

Its best to ask the people of where you going to, to make sure...

Answer 4

Pack a long skirt and a shirt with (at least )3/4 length sleeves. Take light weight cotton items that you can fold or roll up small inside your bag or back pack. That way, you're always prepared.
At religious sites of all faiths, just show the same respect that you would in any country. (It's also a good idea to bring a head scarf if you plan to go to a mosque.)

Answer 5

The idea of a plain long shirt and a long sleeve shirt would be good. And if you arent muslim I would stay away from going inside the mosque, look from outside but with the way things are over there right now be as careful as you can. Also try to bring a plain scarf along and keep it with you so if you see that most of the women around you are covering their faces you can do the same just to blend in. It's always best to be careful instead of risking it. Blend in and bring some extra money to buy a few outfits from there. Try going to a store and asking a woman from the area to pick out a few things for you to help you blend in.

Answer 6

I'm not sure about visiting Mosques but in most central areas Shorts will be fine, however, in certain religious Jewish areas, modest dress would be ankle length skirts and long sleeve tops up to your neckline (basically the less skin showing the better with the exception of your face and hands). I should imagine for most mosques you'd need to cover your hair and that would be advisable for synagogues as well.

Answer 7

You should just dress modestly. People don't need you to dress like you are religious, just in a non-revealing manner. Don't wear sleevless, very short skirts/shorts, etc. Jeans or a skirt and a t-shirt are fine.

Answer 8

Yeh, like Queen Ranya is going to be my role model; I don't know much about her and couldn't care less but her father in law was the number one freemason in the Middle East and her husband is worse than his father, the former was at least a smart traitor but Abdullah is both an idiot and a traitor! Oh, regarding your note to Amina, you are the sick one! Women are allowed to wear makeup and show their hair to close relatives BECASE THOSE RELATIVES WILL NOT LOOK AT THEM SEXSUALLY. How can you be so sick and assume a father is going to drool over his own daughter!! Edit: @Janie: sick people are sick people everywhere, whether in the Middle East or elsewhere - so is it a different case in the West? Not from where I stand. and no one said the Hijaab is for protection, it's for modesty.

Answer 9

a knee length skirt or longer and a 3/4 length sleeved shirt or longer should be sufficient anywhere you go. Have a great trip!

Answer 10

I lived as a student in Jerusalem for a year and a half.

and I would say to take Jennifer's advice. She hit the nail on the head.

--Enjoy your trip--