Rebbe’s Call for Tznius: Being ‘Distinguished’ from a Young Age

“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.

Being ‘distinguished’ from a young age  

“The commentator Rashi explains that the verse, ‘Reuven (Yaakov’s oldest son) went to collect jasmine’ – is to give praise to the shevatim (tribes). This took place during the wheat harvest, and the shevatim only took unclaimed plants.

From the words of Rashi, we learn that no one else conducted themselves in this manner. The shevatim knew that their behavior needed to be different [Editor’s note: particular about not taking another’s property]. Every detail of their conduct had to be in accordance with Torah and holiness. This is how Yaakov set up his home, that it be different from all others.

One should not follow the ‘spirit of the time’. The way people conduct themselves needs to be so obvious, that children recognize that their father and mother are different from everyone else. While other women wear clothing that is tzniusdik but not b’hidur (not particularly so); their mother is dressed with utmost tznius.

This occurs even when the child is young and cannot absorb the meaning of Torah and holiness. He can already understand that his home is different than others – ‘vniflinu’- [we need to be distinguished, different than others]. As a result, a child will not follow those who are behaving incorrectly. He knows that such children are not appropriate friends.

From such conduct comes shevet Reuven and shevet Yissochor – Reuven and Yissochor became leaders of the Jewish courthouse in Jerusalem and pillars of rabbinical authority”. (Sichas Simchas Torah 5715/1954).

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The Rebbe addressed this letter to The N’shei U’Bnos Chabad convention in Israel, Elul 5728/1968:

“V’yehi rotzon, that the desire of the Almighty should bring success in their hands to be inspired for good activities in this direction, illuminated with Chassidic light and energy, in strengthening tznius and publicizing it in their close and distant environment – as one. This is the crown of beauty of the Jewish daughters, and every one of them is referred to as the daughter of Sara, Rivka, Rochel and Leah, Jewish daughters everywhere and surely in our holy land.”

The Rebbe concludes: “The explanation of our sages is well known that tznius is a sacred matter. It is a special mission given to the Jewish woman, who is referred to as the ‘Akeres Habayis’ (the foundation of the home), akeres of the Jewish home – individually and collectively. Equal to the responsibility and mission is their great reward, as stated in the Zohar, to draw down blessings in the home and family – blessings [converted] to wealth, children and grandchildren.

(Igros vol. 25 page 215)

3 Comments

  • sra

    I really challenge anyone to prove that there is no way to look trendy and attractive and “with-it” while being tznius. It is a fun challenge, and one ends up feeling very satisfied that they have a fresh, “up to date” Tznius personna. It is really quite do-able.
    anyone who can’t do it, has other issues with which they should come to terms with themselves

    • Issues?

      “anyone who can’t do it, has other issues with which they should come to terms with themselves”

      This disgusting, condescending attitude is why your daughters will one day be completely frei.

  • Twills

    Chas veshalom! Almost rosh hashana why curse each other. As the rebbe says may it be Hashems will. May he show us the way. With ahavas yisraelwhich is what attracts me to the Chabad way. Don’t lose your chein by speaking this way. Tznius is also the gracious way a Jewish woman speaks. That is our strength in all this darkness. Good words, Ayin Tov- this gives our prayers power.. And we need all the goodness we can muster to make it through this particular Rosh HashNa. Stay strong am yisrael!!