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Modesty

July 29th, 2010

Why Do Orthodox Jews Consider a Woman’s Singing Voice Immodest?

 

Dear Allison,

I have really enjoyed reading all your articles and watching your videos -- they answer many questions (some that I didn't even know I had). One of the many things you're good at is explaining the idea of modesty within the Jewish tradition. I recently had a Sabbath meal with a somewhat famous rabbi from the most religious part of Jerusalem, and I mostly knew what to expect. But one thing caught me off guard -- the women didn't sing because it was considered immodest. I found that especially hard to grasp and confusing because I am a singer who is possibly interested in conversion. I thought that you could help to explain a bit about why this is, and if there are contexts that are different. This may be a decision between my future career and religion. Maybe some more information would help my decision.

Thank you!

KK

Continue reading Why Do Orthodox Jews Consider a Woman’s Singing Voice Immodest?

April 22nd, 2010

Two Part Interview on IsThisModest.com

Here's a two part interview I recently gave on the Jewish view of modesty on www.IsThisModest.com.

Part 1

Part 2

July 15th, 2009

Isn't Wearing a Wig Over Hair Kind of Pointless?

Dear Jew in the City,

For the Orthodox ladies who wear a wig and claim part of the reason is for modesty, isn't wearing a wig over hair kind of like wearing a t-shirt with a naked body printed on it? (Sorry for the crude example.) Wouldn't it be better to cover the hair with a cloth? I know some Orthodox ladies do, and this seems to make more sense to me.

Thanks,

D.V.

Continue reading Isn't Wearing a Wig Over Hair Kind of Pointless?
June 11th, 2009

Why Don't Orthodox Jewish Women Wear Pants?

Dear Jew In The City,

Why don't Orthodox women wear pants even though in today's world you can tell women's and men's clothing apart?

Thanks,

Chelsea

Continue reading Why Don't Orthodox Jewish Women Wear Pants?
June 5th, 2009

What Not To Hear

The term "reality television" is a bit of a misnomer. Or maybe it's more like an oxymoron. Whatever the case, there is very little reality in any part of television. If we really wanted reality, we'd turn the television off.

Continue reading What Not To Hear

December 3rd, 2008

Is "Sex and the City" treyf?

Dear Jew in the City,   This may seem like a very odd question, however is it deemed immodest for a modern Orthodox Jew to go to the cinema to watch films like "Sex and the City"?   Kind Regards, Matt Continue reading Is "Sex and the City" treyf?
November 20th, 2007

Why Orthodox Men Don't Wear Wigs

I recently received an e-mail from a man who saw my "What to Wear on My Hair" video and wanted to know if my husband keeps his hair "special" and "saves it just for me." Now I'm pretty sure that this guy was just trying to give me a hard time, but he actually raised an interesting point. Why don't men seem to be held to the same standards of modesty as women in Jewish law?

Continue reading Why Orthodox Men Don't Wear Wigs