Traditional Judaism considers the hair of a married woman erotic. Married Jewish women are, therefore, expected to cover their hair, except in front of their husbands and, sometimes, other women. For most of Jewish history, this practice was not disputed – largely because society at large also considered it immodest for women to let their hair down in its city streets.

However, as the general definition of modesty has changed in the last two centuries, Jewish women have followed suit, debating the necessity of covering their hair in a world that has become “uncovered.” Today, most observant, married Jewish women cover their hair in some way, although a vocal minority declines to do so at all. In essence, hair-covering has become the bellwether for religiosity, turning practice into politics.

Sources dispute the when, why and how of hair-covering, but nearly all agree on one thing: it is the obligation of married Jewish women to cover their in some manner. To be frank, it is in no way always an easy observance. It can, in fact, change the very nature of a woman’s identity when her reflection fails to include what was once considered an identifying trait. This book explains the law, considers the customs, and includes the voices of people from around the world who are very much moved by the nature of this challenging observance.