2

I'm looking for a sourced reason for what purpose married women (as opposed to women who were never married) need to cover their hair. I have found that it is assumed that it is to make her less attractive, but have not found a source for that. Also, that would not explain why a divorced or widowed women needs to cover her hair. I also heard once, that it is to make her look more refined, but also no source.

The other questions on this subject only address the halachic requirements but not the reason for this obligation. I am not asking IF they have to cover but why. I'm clearly not asking about a divorced or widowed per se but married women in general.

Improve this question
10
  • 1
    @robev Why is that a dupe? That's asking about divorced and widowed women, why their status doesn't change from when they were married; this is asking about married women, why they need to cover their hair in the first place.
    – DonielF
    Jun 25, 2017 at 10:29
  • 1
    If it should be a dupe of anything, it's this: judaism.stackexchange.com/q/35926/9682
    – DonielF
    Jun 25, 2017 at 10:32
  • 2
    Possible duplicate of Level of obligation of married women covering their hair
    – DonielF
    Jun 25, 2017 at 10:35
  • 1
    Maybe the focus is not so much on the modesty-tzeniut aspect as it is a universal sign; it signifies that the woman is married and already taken by someone else, so that people don't think of forming a loving relationship with her (it is possible that the ancients regarded the hair as something that belongs to the husband only, thus covering it effectively conveyed the idea - that she is married - to everyone). Just sharing my thoughts.
    – Bach
    Jun 25, 2017 at 15:32
  • 1
    However, note that its called Ervah in the gemara. This suggests a different understanding of this custom/law, but it can be reconciled with my interpretation. regarding divorcees and widows see robev's link, it seems to suggest that its a cultural thing not necessarily Halachic obligation (perhaps the custom of covering later evolved to include even widows and divorcees).
    – Bach
    Jun 25, 2017 at 16:15

0

Reset to default

You must log in to answer this question.