Tznius Booklet Sparks Discussion

By COLlive reporter

Over the Chof Beis Shvat weekend, Crown Heights residents and visiting Shluchos were presented with a new booklet titled “Pride and Dignity.”

Published by the organization Merkaz Anash, it claims to explore “the Innate Character of the Jewish Woman” and contains several articles and thoughts on the subject of modesty (aka Tznius).

Many seemed to appreciate the endeavor, praising the organizers for strengthening an issue that the frum community constantly struggles with. “Tznius is of crucial importance,” one reader remarked. “It’s beautiful to see something being done about it in a positive manner.”

The Shluchos as well enjoyed the booklet, and it was distributed at the Kinnus on Moitzoei Shabbos.

A ‘New’ Approach

The theme of the booklet was Pride and Dignity, and focused on the ‘inner’ aspect of tznius.

Beginning with a compilation of stories and thoughts, the booklet attempts to brings to life the beauty of modesty and the pride to dress in a distinct and elegant manner.

The subsequent articles take a similar approach. Modesty is no longer perceived as a checklist of rules about how to dress; it is now a way of life which emphasizes sensitivity, pride and dignity.

In an essay based on a talk given by Rabbi Yosef Heller, a Rov and Rosh Kolel in Crown Heights, the general nature of tznius in all facets of life is stressed.

“Tznius is not a set of halachos like Hilchos Shabbos, Netilas Yadayim and brochos. Rather, it is way of life comprised of a bashfulness and sensitivity to aidelkeit and holiness,” he said.

Rabbi Heller added that each person must develop this inner sensitivity and apply it in their life.

A Way of Life or a Set of Laws

But some were taken aback by this approach, noting that this breaks ranks with the efforts of schools and educators to establish a tznius level in the community.

“This will destroy our community,” a husband and father who asked not to be identified told COLlive.com.

“This gives people the idea that they can be called tzniusdik without dressing properly. They will dress as they please, and ‘feel refined’.”

This issue was clearly addressed in the booklet.

During the final months of his life in 1962 battling an illness, Rabbi Uriel Tzimmer, a translator at the UN who also worked as a secretary for the Rebbe, began composing a guide for Jewish youth, ‘The Jewish Adolescent.’

Only with the encouragement from the Rebbe, did he succeed in gathering his remaining strength to write the book.

In an excerpt from the book printed in the booklet, Tzimmer makes it clear that just as in all areas of Yiddishkeit one cannot only be a “Jew at heart”; the same is true with tznius.

Though the essence of tznius is fine nature and elegance, it must be expressed in practical observance. Even those who have lost the sensitivity may not put off following its ways, the book wrote.

A Top Priority

The importance of this message is stressed in a letter by the Rebbe (on p. 26). Addressing N?shei Ubnos Chabad, the Rebbe writes, “I am of the opinion that the subject of ‘Tznius’ must be set as one of the top priorities of the daily schedule in responsible Jewish circles.”

Central to the Rebbe’s vision, the booklet stresses the importance of tznius, not just as another precept of the Torah – but one central to our daily lives as Jews.

‘Pride and Dignity’ has been distributed to all the houses in Crown Heights.

In addition to the booklet, Merkaz Anash has released an inspirational CD with lectures from 29 respected rabbonim and teachers, as well as 30 sichos from the Rebbe on the subject of tznius. They are being sold at select stores in Crown Heights.

To download the booklet – click here