Tichels are not just for Orthodox
As a Jewish woman, I get asked what branch I belong to a lot. My answer is something along the lines of, "I'm just Jewish," or, "I don't belong to a branch."
When I first showed up at a Reform temple, one of the very first comments I ever received was, "We're not Orthodox, you don't need to cover your hair." I knew they weren't Orthodox, but I found it strange how a beautiful mitzvah was perceived as something that didn't belong to this shul.
Fast forward several years, and my friend Shamira and I showed up at a Conservative temple. The people were nice, and some asked us if we were from Chabad or were Orthodox. I said, "Nope, I'm just Jewish." The question was sparked by our hair coverings and very modest dresses.
I often get asked if I'm Hasidic, Chabad, or Orthodox because I cover my hair and dress modestly. I don't mind the question, and I don't take it offensively. I don't identify with a branch because I don't fully belong in any of them, and I don't think wearing a tichel should be associated with one branch.
I think the Orthodox practice of tznius is beautiful and respectful to a marriage. This is one of the biggest reasons I cover my hair. I feel my body, my body shape, my skin, and my beauty are for myself and my husband, no one else. I married the love of my life, and for me, I believe that comes with saving several parts of who I am and what I look like for him and our marriage.
Women are judged harshly for our looks, skin, hair, nails, clothes, posture, speech, you name it. We show a lot to the world, but we have the power to conceal what gets judged. Don't get me wrong, there will always be judgment and questions from others, but the conversation changes. Personally, I am more comfortable having someone think I'm less attractive because I don't show my cleavage than having someone think I'm attractive because I show it.
I look at covering up as a superpower: a way to give more to my marriage and less to strangers or judgmental minds.
Do you dress modestly? Are you on a modest journey? Let me know!
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