A Modesty in Concept and Dress as Taught by the Lubavitcher Rebbe,
Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson
Published and Copyright (c) 1995 by
Sichos In English
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ISBN 1-8814-0017-4
The following is the Rebbe's response to N'shei uBnos Chabad, in answer to their question as to what should be the theme of one of their annual conventions:
Mahir [i.e., the response - because of its importance - should be conveyed with all due speed]:
It is obvious that any and all actions with regard to tznius is extremely important, and [is to be accomplished] in all manners possible. This includes approaching (in an inconspicuous manner - fashion designers) and women's clothing stores. Especially, since there are those who complain that it is difficult to find tzniusdik garments in the stores.
It is worth emphasizing - in an appropriate manner - that girls and women [who wear non-tzniusdik garments and thereby call attention to themselves] disgrace themselves by "proclaiming" that they possess no intrinsic qualities for which they should garner attention and according to which they should be evaluated - [and their sole worth is] only through a manner of conduct that is opposite of tznius.
The concept of
tznius, generally translated as "modesty," is much, much more than that. As the Rebbe explains,
tznius also incorporates
Kedushah and
Taharah, sanctity and purity. For based as it is on the verse "Your camp shall be holy, that He not see in you any immorality," and the verse "The entire glory of the king's daughter is within,"
tznius expects, demands and enables the Jewish woman to embark on an inward directed quest for purity and holiness - a quest that finds its natural extension in all aspects of a Jewish woman's thought, speech and deed.
It is our fervent hope and prayer that this book, culled from the Rebbe's sacred talks and letters, will serve to enhance tznius in all its varied aspects.
Surely, our enhanced observance of tznius will in turn help us become Nashim Tzidkaniyos, truly Righteous Women, in whom's merit - as the Rebbe was often fond of saying - will speedily come the Redemption, with the Rebbe at our head.
Sholom B. Wineberg
Kansas City
20th of Av, 5755 (1995)
The Rebbe's talks and letters pertaining to the important subject of
tznius is truly vast. What follows in this pamphlet is by no means exhaustive; it is but a sampling of some of the more readily available writings of the Rebbe on this vital subject. As such, this is not to be viewed as the Rebbe's final word on the many various details and aspects of
tznius.
Obviously, this compilation is also not intended to act as a Shulchan Aruch or as one of the many modern-day Seforim that list the many laws of tznius, nor does it take the place of asking a competent Rav when the need arises. Its purpose is rather to compile as best as possible the Rebbe's talks and letters on the general subject of tznius, as well as some of its practical details.
The reader will find quite a number of letters and talks in this compilation wherein the Rebbe addresses the matter of wearing a sheitel. Although wearing a sheitel nowadays is a given, in the early years of the Rebbe's leadership this was not necessarily the case. The Rebbe toiled long and hard to make wearing a sheitel - a most important aspect of tznius - the norm that it has now become.
The material in this volume was compiled by Rabbi Shalom Yaakov Chazan and Rabbi Sholom Ber Wineberg, with the Lashon HaKodesh portions translated into English by the latter. Mrs. G. Stolik was instrumental in the original translation of the material. Yosef Yitzchok Turner was responsible for layout and typography, and Rabbi Yonah Avtzon, Director of Sichos In English, edited the material and prepared the volume for publication. The cover was designed by Avrohom Weg.
May it be HaShem's will that there immediately be fulfilled the promise of "And those who repose in the dust will arise and sing," with the Rebbe at their head, and he will offer us wonders from his Torah, "a 'new' Torah shall come forth from Me."
5 Elul, 5755
