How is an observant Jew supposed to dress? What garments are required? Walking down streets in Jerusalem, one might think that certain black garments and specific black hats are required, or black pants, white shirts and black kippot, or on Shabbat, silk robes of white and gold stripes. For sure, a head covering for males and for married women. Speaking of women specifically, long sleeves and long skirts would seem to be required.
Of course, none of that is to be found in the Torah, although rabbinic writings would indicate a head covering for married women and that it is a pious custom for men to have their heads covered. On the other hand, pictorial evidence indicates that Jewish men in ancient times went bareheaded. The magnificent third-century frescoes in the Dura-Europos synagogue on the Euphrates River clearly show men, including Moses and other luminaries, without head coverings, an indication that this was then accepted practice. Read more »
