Rebbe: Lack of Tznius Similar to Plague

“Prior to the summer, the Rebbe would – almost annually – discuss the topic of Tznius,” says Crown Heights Mashpia Rabbi Michoel Seligson. At his suggestion, CrownHeights.info presents a weekly feature for the summer months: a short thought of the Rebbe on tznius, as compiled by Rabbi Seligson.

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“In our generation the lack of tznius exists, similar to a plague“.

Rabbi Hodokov the Rebbe’s chief secretary relayed many directives from the Rebbe regarding Tznius. They were compiled in the book Hachinuch v’Hamechanech

“In every generation exists an avoda zora (idol) that relates exclusively to that specific generation. Great effort needs to be made to overcome and nullify it.

In our generation the lack of tznius exists, similar to a plague [G-D should protect]. It is necessary to overpower it, and particularly in matters which provoke the yetzer horo. At times, after acting this way so often, it seems to the person that it is acceptable and is something permitted (see Talmud Yuma 86b). But the prohibition still remains in effect and one needs to exert extra strength [against it].”

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“I will need to distance them from my dalet amos”

Rabbi Shmuel Chefer, the dean of Bais Rivka in Kfar Chabad, Israel relayed a directive he heard from the Rebbe in yechidus:

The Rebbe expressed himself sharply on this matter.  The Rebbe requested to gather all the students, and especially their mothers, and speak to them words from the heart, not to change the tznius way of dressing.  The institution should demand that garments be appropriate for a Jewish daughter, according to the Shulchan Aruch.

“Although there are rumors that a non-Jew in Paris is coming out with a style that is opposite [to the Shulchan Aruch], hopefully they will wear long clothes because this is what the Shulchan Aruch states and not because the non-Jew in Paris chose another design.  Oy v’avoy to them, if they follow the non-Jew’s decision in Paris, and not do all in accordance with the laws of the Shulchan Aruch. “

The Rebbe concluded, “If after speaking to the girls and their parents, they will not adhere G-D forbid, I will need to distance them from my dalet amos” [my surroundings] (Kfar Chabad #1618).

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“A woman’s tznius is the assured path for health, parnossa and much nachas”

“It was explained in many places in the Talmud and the Zohar, that strengthening a woman’s tznius is the assured path for health, parnossa and much nachas; true nachas from children and grandchildren. This is dependent on each of you, to accomplish in herself and to be concerned for your friends, and that also relatives and acquaintances should be informed of the great potential that they have and the success attributed to that.” (Igros Kodesh vol. 8 page 203).

8 Comments

  • Beautiful article

    Thanks for sharing .the first is not about dress but about behaviour and applies to men just as much as women
    Tznius in the workplace is a very overlooked and impt ……..

  • skirts

    Most skirts sold seem to be just below the knee or very long, as well as made so that they are tight-fitting. Non-Jews I have spoken to are also dismayed by this.

    • Kosher Skirts

      We pay more for kosher food, for kosher chinuch, and to live in a Jewish Neighborhood.

      You also have to pay more for kosher clothes. Go shop in the frum stores in Boro Park, Williamsburg or Flatbush. Cost is higher, but the hems, necklines, sleeves are Kosher.
      I always take my granddaughters to Boro Park to shop for clothes. It’s wonderful! Even Elzee’s in BP has mini-rulers in the dressing room so you can check if the skirt is long enough, and they have signs telling you **not to buy** an item that is not tznius on you! How amazing is that?

      CH stores, please take note. A lot of your potential customers are spending their money in Tznius stores out of the neighborhood.

  • health parnassah, and nachas

    I know several Jewish women who dress tznius but who suffer from health problems or parnossa problems, as well as nachas from their children.

    • health parnassah, and nachas

      Yes. But where there is a breach the satan R”L has free reign.
      Which is why Hashem Himself had to slay the 1st born in Mitzrayim.
      As the Rebbe said many times, the way YOU dress can affect the life and well being of other Yidden. So when you look at your friends who dress tznius but who suffer, just remember, YOU may be the one to blame.
      Please get dressed before you CV”S do more harm to klal Yisroel.

  • #3 I know several Jewish women who dress tznius but who suffer from health problems or parnossa problems, as well as nachas from their children.

    regarding what #3 wrote “I know several Jewish women who dress tznius but who suffer from health problems or parnossa problems, as well as nachas from their children”

    Indeed it hurts when we see righteous people suffer and the wicked prosper, the question is very very old, however the fact that we even have the question shows what we all know, that those who keep the Mitzvois should be blessed with all manner of good in this world as well as in the next!

    Obviously the true reward for Mitzvois is ONLY in the world to come however we are promised and commanded to ask for material good, health and wealth in this world so as to accomplish G-D’s will in this world and earn a share in the world to come.

    When one sees someone who seems to be doing the right thing yet is suffering one should NOT justify G-D by saying they may have done something secretly wrong cholila, or be Matzdik Din Shomayim on them! That is ACHZARYUS Cruel!!!

    Justifying G-D’s judgment may only be done on yourself NEVER on one’s fellow friend CH”V!!!

    Instead one should indeed pray and storm the heavens on their behalf!

    Demand that Almighty G-D indeed bless them with Kol Tuv, All manner of material and spiritual good for the good!

    Shanah Toivoh Umesukah to all!

  • the Rebbes Kavod

    How can we sit idly when people question the Rebbes words.This question from a lack of faith that the mitzvah and nisoyan of todays dor will help us.

  • CH need more role models in tznius

    CH women are different , from different backgrounds , with different expectations in modesty …. But mostly CH are not wealthy enough to afford gourgeuos modest Jewish women outfit nowadays and shopping cheap clothes in gentile stores , doing some alternation work on a dress ….. or leaving it the way it was sold …..
    I dont judge anyone , I prefer all woman to leave in our community regardless thier modesty issue , and I think if you push them too much to tznius the opposit effect ….
    Chabbad never have a common look , every Chabad generation were Unique and were wearing outfits accordion the last gentile fashion … Same happens nowadays ….