When I moved to Israel about 21 years ago, one of the things I noticed were the women who wore headscarves. I was fascinated by the many different variations. It made me wonder why so many women voluntarily cover their heads in this liberal country.

I have since found out why and I occasionally wear a headscarf out of conviction and because I simply find it very beautiful. I would like to share my experience and knowledge about it here.

Background and religious foundations

In Judaism, wearing a head covering, a tichel or mitpachat, is both a Torah law and a custom within the framework of zniut, or modesty. It is an obligation for married women, which is intended to show their connection to their husband and their religious convictions.

The biblical origin of the headscarf

The first known biblical reference can be found in Genesis. Chapter 24, verses 64 to 65 report:
“Rebekah lifted up her eyes and saw Isaac. She let herself down from the camel and asked the servant, ‘Who is that little man there who met us in the field? The servant replied, “That is my master. So she took the veil and covered herself.”

This example shows that covering the head already played an important role in antiquity, especially for married women, who used the veil to symbolize their marital status and express their modesty.

Hair as a sensual symbol in Hebrew literature

In the Song of Songs, chapter 6, verse 5, it says:
“Your locks are like a flock of goats growing up on a hillside.”

Here, hair is described in poetic language as something extremely sensual. Covering the hair should protect the woman’s private sphere and only be reserved for the husband. It creates a clear boundary between private life and public space, an important part of zniut.

Historical development of the hair covering

The custom of covering the hair developed in the 15th century. Since then, the custom has been widespread among orthodox women. Especially in the strict Hasidic communities that emerged in Eastern Europe in the 18th century, it was customary to cut off all hair at weddings and then wear a tichel or other head covering.

Questions and considerations: Why do people shave their hair? Why do women wear wigs?

Questions arise when looking more closely at this topic: Why do women shave their hair and then wear wigs made of human hair? Why is hair cut short when it is already hidden when covered? Why is it permitted to wear wigs that override custom?

These issues are not only practical, but also deeply religious and cultural considerations. Some interpretations see the shaving of hair as a sign of purely religious obligation, while others see it as a cultural tradition. Opinions differ and this issue is the subject of lively debate within the community.

The word Tichel – variety and meaning

The word tichel comes from Yiddish and simply means “scarf”. Among Orthodox Jewish women, tichels range from simple, single-colored cotton scarves that are knotted at the back to elaborately knotted head coverings that are intricately arranged. The variations reflect different trends, cultural backgrounds and individual preferences.

Excerpts from the Talmud and other sources

In the Talmud, Tractate Kesamim, covering the head is not explicitly mentioned as an obligation. However, in Tractate Berachot (24a), the Talmud emphasizes that showing reverence and humility before God is expressed through appropriate clothing and covering the head. It is generally understood that covering the head is an act of humility – towards God and towards the husband.