Tzeniut

One of the ideals of Judaism is humility. Moses is referred to as "exceedingly humble, more than any man in the world" (Numeri 12:3). Shamedfacedness is mentioned explicitly by the Talmud as one of the cardinal traits of the Jewish people (Yevamot 79a).

Table of contents

1 Description 2 Practical applications 3 Criticism 4 See also 5 Sources

Description

Tzeniut is the group of laws concerned with modesty, in both dress and behaviour. It is first mentioned in this context by the prophet Micah (6:8): "[...] and to walk humbly (hatzne'a lechet) with your God". The root form is Tzadei, Nun, Ayin.

In its wide definition, Tzeniut means placing limitations on arousing other's feelings, be it frustration, annoyance, anger or lust. In its limited sense, Tzeniut has come to mean Judaism's "dress code", as nowadays practiced by orthodox Jews.

Practical applications

The halachic principles guiding the laws of Tzeniut comprise two areas: the laws that are respected by everyone and the laws that are determined by personal stringencies and local custom.

Examples of Tzeniut-laws are:

• The covering of hair by married women
• The length of arm sleeves (below the elbow)
• Not showing the separation between the thighs (i.e. wearing skirts) by women

Many feminists argue that these laws focus excessively on women, and claim that Jewish law is pessimistic about (male) human nature. However, several women (notably Gila Manolson) have written praisingly about the dress restrictions to the point that women feel more a person and less a sex object when dressed traditionally.

See also

• Shidduch