Why do the Orthodox Jewish women wear wigs?

Answer 1

Some Ultra Orthodox Jewish women wear wigs after marriage over their hair or a shaved head. Most Jewish Orthodox women will cover their hair in some way with a scarf, hat or some other covering. The reason is to be modest and because they no longer need to attract other men when they are no longer available. For example, wearing a ring is done by many people across the world to show you are married and no longer available. There are many traditions and levels of Orthodoxy within Judaism but the principles are about modesty and elevating the spiritual and not emphasising the outward physical appearance (like in the media today).

Answer 2

Orthodox Jewish women cover their hair once they marry because the Torah states that a woman's hair is sensuous and should be viewed only by her husband. Hair is covered only in public though, around family, in the home, most women don't cover their hair.

This practice is a 'minhag' (tradition) as opposed to being 'halachic' (required by religious law). Additionally, not all women use wigs to cover their hair, many wear hats or scarves.

Answer 3

Orthodox Jewish women used to wear wigs all the time in public. I would assume that you have observed a carry-over from that tradition. It was a modesty issue.

For a wonderful movie that will shed some light on orthodox traditions of immigrant Jews, get Hester Street.

Jewish women traditionally cover their hair after marriage, so it probably starts at the wedding.

Answer 4

Only some Orthodox women wear wigs for modesty reasons. All other wig-wearing in Judaism is not based on religion.

According to strict halachah, married Jewish women are required to cover their hair when in public for modesty reasons. Some women therefore cover their real hair with a wig. Other women use hats, berets, or scarfs.

Answer 5

Judaism teaches that a woman's hair is a sexually enticing part of the body (Talmud, Berakhot 24a), similar to her bosom or genitalia. As a result, married women cover their hair with a wig so that only their husbands can see them in this sexually attractive light.

Answer 6

Religiously observant Jewish women cover their hair in public once they're married because the Torah states that the sensuality of a woman's hair should be reserved for her husband.

Answer 7

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