A Hat on to you…
After reading The PT’s most recent post,I feel I need to talk about my own situation. I’ve been married for nine years now, and I’ve only covered my hair on Shabbat.
While studying at Pardes, we (a group of female students) met with a variety of female teachers about the issue of head coverings. I’ve never said never, but I just never felt it was the time. Truthfully, I’ve recently felt the main reason for not doing it, was just an issue of having to add another layer of confusion for an already not-so-steady fashion faux-pas known as myself.
So, in late August, I started wearing scarves, first I said I’d only cover while I had a scarf that matched, and since then it has been all the time (outside the house). I chose to start in summer because I had a vacation and I could get used to it prior to seeing lots of people I know. So far it is going okay (although I still have clothes that don’t have a good match…) and only one person has truly angered me by her comments.
So the question is (getting back to the PT’s post) Why? Is it because of the health issues I had earlier this summer? Is it in hopes of petitioning G-d for something I want? Is it because of a vow I made? Is it because of peer pressure? No. Although they all could have been reasons, they aren’t mine.
I think my reason is not to insightful but I looked around me at the women I respect, the women who are my friends, my peers and saw that this is what the majority of them do. I don’t consider this peer pressure, because none of them thought any less of me before–and if they were the type of people that would, they wouldn’t be my friends.
I don’t have any pictures of myself in scarves or hats yet (except for my work ID which was taken a few days after I started covering my hair). I think it looks good, because since the haircut–oh did I mention my hair is now shoulder length now?, my hair looks better and less stringy…and there is a decent amount that shows from under the scarf.
The next question is how to tell the family….but the answer to that is that if they come by the blog (which I don’t think they will) they will see it, and if not, they are coming at the end of January…
You’ll be wearing a black fedora in no time!
Seriously, the only reason to do it would be that you think it’s the right thing to do from a halachic perspective. Say hi to your dad for me.
Comment by psychotoddler — December 13, 2006 @ 5:49 pm
Hmmm…truthfully I believe that it might be Halachic from a Rabinical point, but not from the Torah….I think I’ve learned too much about what different Rabbis have said and the definition of “Paruah” is still causing me some problems….
Comment by Safranit — December 14, 2006 @ 12:11 pm
I have 2 close friends who are religious - one covers her hair and one doesn’t. I say if covering your hair feels right to you - go for it and don’t apologize to anyone - even if the scarf doesn’t match your outfit (hint - white goes with almost everything
)
Comment by Ayelet — December 14, 2006 @ 11:59 pm
I agree with Ayelet. Do whatever feels right. Have you told anyone in your family yet? I think you’ve been heading towards this for a while. I’m actually surprised that you hadn’t reached this point sooner. It sure has been some journey for us both since meeting in “that” bus station all those years ago, hasn’t it?
Comment by Liza — January 3, 2007 @ 12:18 pm