The Power of Modest Dress in Judaism: Honoring the Dignity of the Jewish Woman

There are those who find it difficult to understand why Jewish law places such importance on modest dress. If every Jewish woman was careful to dress with dignity, beauty, and modesty, their perspective would likely change. The intense sexual tension present in workplaces and city streets would dissipate, and along with it, many of the emotional, relational, and even criminal issues stemming from that tension would be significantly reduced.

It's no secret that countless cases of broken families, emotional struggles among youth, domestic violence, and even acts of murder or suicide are often linked to uncontrolled desires. Modest dress helps establish a respectful atmosphere, both internally and in one's surroundings. When a person presents themselves with dignity, it's easier to avoid inappropriate places and conversations.

Modesty can be appreciated through four lenses:

1. A sense of self-worth: Precious items such as jewels and treasures are kept protected and hidden, not tossed around carelessly. A woman who preserves her privacy and doesn’t expose parts of her body to the public demonstrates that she is a precious jewel. She shows the world that her value lies not in her exterior but in her inner essence. In contrast, a woman who seeks attention through physical exposure suggests, perhaps unintentionally, that she lacks deeper qualities to be appreciated for.

2. Eyes as a form of use: Watching is a form of interaction. We pay to view performances even though we take nothing physical with us. Should a woman of dignity allow anyone who passes by to use her body visually?

3. The gaze as a form of touch: There’s an energetic interaction that occurs when people stare attentively. The sages taught: “One may not stand over his friend’s field when it is full of produce,” because the intense gaze can damage it. Likewise, a woman’s modest clothing protects her from negative spiritual energies like the evil eye.

4. Causing others to stumble: The Torah prohibits placing a stumbling block before the blind which includes causing someone else spiritual harm. As Maimonides writes, if a woman dresses immodestly and causes someone to entertain improper thoughts, she is violating a biblical command. Who would want to carry that responsibility?

A Jewish woman must always remember that as a “daughter of the King”, she cannot behave like an ordinary citizen. A Jew, born from the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, or one who joined through sincere conversion, belongs to a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” G-d declared of us: “You are children of the Lord your God.” He chose the descendants of the patriarchs to represent Him in this world.

Being part of the royal family is a great honor, but also a great responsibility. A true queen has dignity and does not reveal her body in public. So it is with the Jewish woman, of whom it is said, “The glory of the king’s daughter is inward.” This noble title wasn’t bestowed by man like earthly monarchs, but by the Creator Himself.