The Rebbe during a visit to Camp Gan Yisroel in upstate New York.

The Rebbe’s Call for Summertime Tznius: New Styles of ’69

“Every year before the summer, generally at the Yud Bais Tammuz Farbrengen, the Rebbe would speak about Tznius”, says Oholei Torah Mashpia Rabbi Michoel Seligson. At his suggestion, CrownHeights.info presents a new weekly feature for the summer months: a short thought of the Rebbe on tznius, as compiled by Rabbi Seligson.

A little background: Late 1969 much focus was placed on a new style of dress. On Simchas Torah the Rebbe had already addressed the issue of tznius at length. When the N’shei Chabad mid-winter convention took place in Adar, the Rebbe set tznius as the prime theme of the convention. In Iyar, when the Rebbe spoke to the assembled N’shei Chabad, tznius was the topic.

The following is an excerpt of a letter from the 7th of Adar I 5730/1970- Rebbe’s Igros volume 26 page 324 (free translation from Yiddish):

 “I have noted on various occasions regarding the necessity of strengthening tznius. However, taking into consideration the present situation on this topic, I find it necessary to come out with a highly urgent appeal. . .

Already from the reward assured in the Torah, in the Talmud, and the Zohar, and from the words of our sages OBM, relaying how Jewish women over the course of different generations merited through tznius to exceptional G-D’ly blessings, not only for themselves but also for their husband and children and grandchildren – makes it easier to understand the importance and meaning of tznius.

On the other hand, the strictness and admonitions about the sad consequences, G-d forbid, as a result of the lack of tznius (as clearly described in Isiah chapter 3 etc.), does not leave a shadow of a doubt about the severity of this matter.”

                                                                                     (to be continued)

8 Comments

  • CH resident

    Great. Please be very specific about the consequence . People need to hear this very clearly.
    How about starting a series of the rebbes clear statements about different topics each week. Tznius is great . Also the dire consequence about Messira which unfortunetly has become a machle. No preeching just facts from sichos, etc. maybe forgive me, even shulchon aruch. List the rewards and consequences. Mabe this will shake some people. The consequence for their children and husbands. You can ask people to send in sources. No mussar. Only facts

  • Perfect

    This is exactly what we need. No one hanging up sign on the street etc. the rebbe himself set the standeres and rules. And if you don’t agree with the rebbes standeres , then I’m sorry BUT YOU HAVE NO PLACE IN CH

  • to # 2

    The Rebbe, as usual, would not discuss punishment details. The Rebbe just refers to Isiah 3 etc. check further in this letter the Rebbe explains that this brought about much chaos and tragedies in Jewish homes etc. ומסיימים בטוב

  • Mother agree with # 2

    I agree with#2. I think that for people today, we need to spell it out very clearly. Just saying for example look in shulchon aruch such and such will just go over, ok next. But if it is spelled out with the source, makor, then it is there. Also this new CH machle of Messira, is true. The consequence are horrendous. For the children etc. we can go on and on. I agree Do not preach. Just facts with sources. Facts: This is something that you can not argue with.

  • HALEVAI

    halevai I should have the money to open up a nice clothing shop on Kingston……everyone come up with names. Someone who has plenty of money and has no need to lower standards to be able to sell less standard clothing in order to make money….and it will all be in the way of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka…..up to date and fully tzanua.
    I will start the first name suggestion:

    TZANUA !