Why do orthdox Jews cover their hair?

Answer 1

There are many misunderstandings as to why married Jewish women cover their hair. The most common and simplistic answers typically deal with issues related to modesty, or "tzniut". It is generally discussed that once a woman is married she should "save" the sensuality of the hair only for her husband. There are pheromones in the hair, and if a woman covers her hair, she is essentially "covering" this subtle energy.

The real, deeper and more meaningful reason that married Jewish women cover their hair deals directly with the vast spiritual and metaphysical powers related to a woman's hair. For example, when you are driving in a car and you see a woman walking down the street, what is the absolute very first thing you notice about her? 99% of people will say her hair. Why? Why the hair? Quite simply because a woman's hair holds powers that we don't necessarily understand.

According to the Zohar and Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, the woman is considered Malchut, or the "vessel". The man is considered Zeir Unpin, or the "drawer of Light and energy". When a Jewish man and woman marry, their Neshamot (souls) become one and they create a complete system: universally speaking, the man draws the light down from the universe and the woman is the vessel in which this Light goes--for her, her husband and any children they have together. How does she manage this energy? Through her hair. A woman's hair on her head (and a man's hair on his beard and certain parts of his head) act as conduits for this Light and energy. By covering the hair on her head a woman is managing this energy, containing it and essentially "saving" it for her family. When she does not cover her hair, this energy can escape or become unmanageable bringing challenges to her and her family.

The energy in the hair is the important thing to cover, not the beauty of it. Therefore, a woman may cover her hair with a wig, look beautiful, and accomplish the purpose of hair covering in a way that other coverings may not do. When one wears a scarf, some hair is almost always inadvertently exposed. Most women will not show any of their own hair when wearing a wig.

There are differences in what is acceptable for a woman's hair covering depending upon halacha, kabbalah as well as various traditions in different communities. For example, according to basic halacha, a woman is considered as covering her hair simply by wearing a hat on her head even if her hair is hanging down and visible. This meets the basic "metaphysical" requirements but does not meet traditional aspects of Tzniut, or modesty. However, according to Kabbalah and the Zohar, if a woman wishes to bring wise (tzaddikim) children into the world, her hair must be covered completely. According to most Ashkenazi traditions, a wig is perfectly acceptable, even if the woman still appears beautiful, because she is meeting the requirements of having her hair (or that that holds energy) completely covered. However, according to most Sephardic traditions, a wig is not acceptable--if a woman should choose to wear a wig she must also wear a scarf or hat on top as to more closely match with the tenants of Tzniut.

The most important part for a woman in making the decision as to whether or not to cover her hair, or even how to do it, is to take the time to educate herself and her husband on all of the customs of their upbringing or chosen community. When choosing to cover the hair it should be done with consciousness and a desire to draw closer to God (the Light) as well as to draw husband and wife closer to one another.

Answer 2

To remind ourselves that God is above.