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Modest Point of View: Four designers and why they design modestly
Name: Rachel Lubchansky
Religion: Jewish
Company: Funky Frum, Inc.
Position in Company: Founder & President
What does “Modesty” mean to you?:
People tend to think modesty refers solely to the way you dress. To me, dress is just a piece of the overarching concept of modesty within Judaism. The idea behind tzniut, Hebrew for modesty, is that people should "reveal" themselves through their behavior, their interactions with others, and the way they dress, rather than revealing themselves merely through exposure of their skin. To me, modesty is a lifestyle, as well as a form of self-expression, and the way I dress reflects my personality, my character, and my values.
What are the specific guidelines that you follow?
As with many religious concepts, there are a wide variety of opinions and interpretations of the Jewish laws that govern modest dress, and those translate into many different practices. For instance, some women are careful to cover their elbows, while others will wear a shorter sleeve. Some married women cover all of their hair, some cover most of their hair, some do not cover their hair at all. Some women will always wear stockings, while others are comfortable with their bare legs exposed. It really varies based on who an individual holds as their Rabbinic authority, and what that Rabbinic authority's interpretation of the laws is.
The laws are not meant to detract from a woman's looking and feeling beautiful. We are meant to take pride in the way we dress, and the way we present ourselves in general. At Funky Frum, we bridge the gap between these two concepts making it easier for our clients – not all of whom are Jewish – to be both in a way that merges their fashion sensibilities and their values.
Eliza
Fall 2007
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