Wigs
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Women wearing headscarves define the streetscape of the devout neighbourhoods in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
According to orthodox Jewish tradition a married woman should cover her hair, to keep it from the prying eyes of other men. The method of concealment chosen depends on the religious school to which the women subscribe.
00:27
Aliza Lavie only covers her hair during religious ceremonies. But she understands the tradition. (- 00:33)
00:37 OT Aliza Lavie
Political science, Bar-Ilan University,
"There is no source that states directly, in black and white that a married woman must cover her head. We see it indirectly in the Scriptures. In the fourth book of Moses, the High Priest exposed the hair of a woman. That was interpreted to mean that a married woman should cover her head. According to later interpretations women should cover their hair out of modesty, to signal: I'm married, stop! - I'm not available. "(- 01.08)
01:10
But now there is a new way for women to convey this message – wigs. About five percent of Israeli women wear a wig, or a "Sheitel", in Yiddish, to signal that they are married. Designed to look as natural as possible, they aren’t always easy to spot. Is this a challenge to religious integrity?
01:36 OT Aliza Lavie:
"This is a very divisive issue, because women want to be beautiful and look good. The wigs, which are imported from Europe, give them this possibility. You cannot see real hair when it is covered with a wig. And the wig will always look beautiful and well groomed. It is a very practical solution. But some rabbis have spoken out in concern. They’re worried about what this may lead to. (- 02.07)
02:08
Rivka Zahavi is a hairdresser. She wears her hair uncovered, but has many wig-wearing customers.
02:19 OT Rivka Zahavi
Hair and wig stylist:
"Even a religious woman wants to be beautiful and keep up with fashion. They can choose their desired hair length and colour, as long as the wig is in good condition. As long as they have their own hair completely covered, it's okay. And you can’t always tell it’s a wig. The hair looks great, the cut is chic. You can’t even recognize it as a wig.
As a result, there are many very devout women who wear a wig and a scarf over the top, to demonstrate that they are already married. Only the front part of the head is covered with a wig, the rest with a hat or a scarf. (- 02:59)
03:00
A good wig can cost several thousand pounds, and says much about the standard of living of the wearer.
03:12 OT A. Lavie
"In orthodox communities, there is a strict hierarchy, and the wig shows quite clearly who you are and what social class you belong to. For example, whether the wig is made from real or synthetic hair reflects on your social standing…” (- 03:27)
03:29
Since her wedding five years ago, Hanni always wears her hair covered.
03:36 OT Hanni
"I always cover my hair, even at home."
03:45 Question
"Must your hair be covered at home too?"
03:47 OT Hanni
"That depends on whether there are friends or children in the house. Then I must cover my head, because the children aren’t allowed to see my real hair.
My wigs stay styled for a long time. My own hair is not as beautiful. "(- 04.03)
A. Lavie 04:05 OT:
"Some women who cover their heads believe they can behave with greater licence, as it’s clear that they’re married. Others think that the key to true religiosity is behaving accordingly. This conflict is about modern religious women, who no longer live in a strict environment."(- 4:21)
04:23
Dina is divorced, but still voluntarily wears a wig. Is this detrimental to her search for someone new?
04:32 OT Dina:
"It’s not like I would go out in the street and meet someone who might want to get together. I look like a married woman. A potential meeting like that is almost always arranged by mutual friends."
04:45
And for an important occasion such as that, she will certainly find the perfect headpiece…
04:52 resounding
Report: Daniela Blessed
Camera: Yossi Leon
Editor: Doron Adar