Expert: Ovadiah ben Avraham - 6/20/2007

Question
QUESTION: hello Rav,
i hav a lot of orthodox jews living in my area in london, (i think they are hassidic, though im not completely sure)i would like to know why their women shave off their hair and wear wigs instead.
what is the point of this? what does it mean?

ANSWER: Lila,
Thank you for the kind question. Orthodox and Ultra-Orthodox women cover their hair with a wig because, according to Jewish Law, only a husband may see his wife's hair. Hair is considered the most sensual of all 'exposed' parts. Some may shave their heads, but I suspect most simply cover theirs with a wig. Hope this helps. Shalom!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: y dont they just cover their hair with a scarf ? like the arab/muslim people cos clearly they share the same beliefs with regard to exposing hair..

Answer
Lila,
Thanks for the kind follow up. Your comparrison with Islam women is a good one. We were at Disney a while back and as we were waiting for the show to begin, I noticed Muslim women of several different tradions. Some covered their hair only, while others covered their entire head. It all boils down to their beliefs and tradions. Same reason I suspect some Christians don't drink alcohol at all; others don't have instruments in church and still others speak in tongues. Hope this helps! Shalom