Wearing the clothing of the land

Hi,

In a land where Jews and non-Jews were the same garb, this type of clothing cannot be considered "non-Jewish garb", such that a Jew should avoid it under the laws of chukot akum.

Of course, one must make sure to wear modest clothing, but that is an entirely different matter.

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah 1:81)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Tzniut (privacy) when undressing for bed

Hi,

We've been learning about the bedside Shma.

In its discussion of the bedside Shma, the Code of Jewish Law includes a law of tzniut (privacy): One should undress in such a way that particularly private parts of the body remain covered. This applies to both men and women.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 239:2)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

Women and men, when tearing kriah

Hi,

We have mentioned that one who is mourning a parent tears all but the lowermost garment he is wearing. This applies to both men and women, but women tear the upper and lower layers in different spots, for the sake of privacy.

(Code of Jewish Law Yoreh Deah 340:11)

Have a good day,
Mordechai