Splitting Hairs: The History, Law, and Future of Jewish Laws of Modesty and Women’s Head Covering

In Splitting Hairs, Rabbi Michael J. Broyde delves into the intricate history and nuanced legal discussions surrounding the Jewish laws of modesty, with a particular focus on the practice of women’s hair covering. Through a meticulous examination of sources spanning nearly 3,000 years—from the Bible, Talmud, and medieval commentaries to modern responsa—Broyde challenges the commonly held views within the Orthodox Jewish community, arguing that many of the traditional norms around modesty are not as immutable as they appear.

Broyde makes a compelling case that the dominant approach to modesty in recent centuries, which has insisted on objective and absolute standards, is a departure from the more flexible and culturally responsive interpretations that characterized Jewish legal thought for most of its history. He presents the argument that Jewish law requires women to dress modestly according to the norms of the society they live in, rather than adhering to rigid, universally fixed standards.

Splitting Hairs is more than just a scholarly analysis; it is a thought-provoking exploration of how Jewish law evolves and adapts in response to changing societal values. This work invites readers to reconsider long-standing traditions and to engage in a broader conversation about the role of cultural norms in shaping religious practice.