Thursday, October 29, 2009

A BEAUTIFUL GARMENT FOR HER SOUL

Women are drawn to beauty and harmony. Therefore, we delight in beautiful garments. Just as wine helps a man bring out his thoughts and express himself, similarly, through her clothing, a woman expresses the creativity of her soul. The halachic requirement for man to wear a belt when he prays to Hashem indicates that men are required to make a conscious separation between their upper spiritual soul and lower physical body (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 91:2). However a woman's body is a much more refined garment for her soul. This is reflected in the beautiful dresses with which she wraps her body that become an extension of her spirit. Therefore, no division is necessary. Nice clothing makes her happy, because it enables her to beautify and express her innermost being.
Posted by at

2 comments:

  1. UnknownOct 29, 2009, 9:37:00 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rebbetzin Chana BrachaNov 8, 2009, 9:13:00 AM

    THE BEAUTY OF SIMPLICITY AND THE WOMEN OF THE LAND

    In the discussion in the Talmud regarding the kinds of clothing that makes women happy, Rabbi Yosef relates that the women of Babylon enjoy multicolored garments; whereas the women of the Land of Israel prefer clothes made of white, ironed linen (Pesachim 109a). Representing those who are in exile, the women of Babylon express themselves in fancy, multicolored robes. In contrast, the women of the Land of Israel are happy to cover themselves with simple white linen dresses. From my experience living both in exile and in Israel, I have noticed that this difference of attire is still in effect. Multicolored fancy garments are an expression of the fragmentation of exile, whereas the closeness to the One and only G-d in Israel is expressed through simplicity. The color white derives from blending all the colors in perfect harmony, letting the light shine through each of them equally. Therefore, in the Land of Israel, women do not need fancy garments to impress or surpass anyone. Our unity with each other and with G-d can be expressed through simplicity.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)