By COLlive reporter
A Jewish owned women’s clothing line in Brooklyn, NY, is facing online criticism over a photo of a Muslim woman modeling their maxi skirt.
Mimu Maxi, creators of the “ultimate no-nonsense, canvas wear for the modest femme,” shared a photo of the Hipster Hijabis blogger named Summer who promotes “hijabis with trendy yet modest fashion wear.”
The photo showed the woman wearing a Hijab, a headscarf that mature Muslim women wear outdoors, and a limelight maxi. “How cool to see the #hipster #hijab take on our #skirtleggings!” Mimu Maxi wrote.
The post struck a chord in some, who politely (and some impolitely) expressed their opinion on the “insensitivity” and “timing” of the photo.
“Definitely not the right timing!” wrote hair stylist Esty Prus, echoing a comment by Rivky G. who said that while accepting other cultures is nice, posting this photo was ill-timed. “You know that Israelis are living in bomb shelters now,” she noted.
Another, wrote to COLlive: “Let’s face it, Israel is currently under attack, and people, our own brothers and sisters, are living in fear! Many people, who will scroll down their feed and suddenly see a Muslim woman in garb on a frum clothing page, will, initially, be appalled.
“There may have been nothing wrong if the photo was posted in a different time and place, however, it was posted in a time when our brothers need our support. ”
In response to the criticism, Mimu Maxi owners Mimi Hecht and Mushky Notik posted the following on their Facebook page:
Dear Friends, Family, Customers and Followers,
Last night, MIMU MAXI posted a picture of a Muslim fashion blogger wearing our “Limelight” maxi skirt, paired with modest layers and the Muslim Hijab head covering. It was a “regram” of her own outfit post, a response that was due to her at this time, after we chose to collaborate.
As MIMU MAXI has customers from all over the world–comprised of mostly Jewish but a growing number of Muslim and Christian customers as well–it was exciting for us to share a Muslim modest fashion blogger’s style-take on our design. It was modest. It was feminine. It was beautiful.
The post received a disproportionate number of “likes” and lots of beautiful open support, highlighting the integrity and openness of the majority of our followers and customer base. That did not go unnoticed.
At the same time, a different kind of response from a number of our Jewish followers was truly alarming. Although we understand the visceral reaction, we were shocked to see women immediately pit themselves against us, essentially accusing us of being insensitive, putting our business above morals and threatening to “unfollow” and never purchase from us again — effectively “copying” the way of Israel/Jewish haters by boycotting a beautiful, holy Jewish business!
In Judaism, especially the teachings of Chabad, we learn that our immediate reactions and thoughts must be tamed with thoughtfulness and intellect. It is this exact way of thought that supported our intuition to post the picture in the first place. And it was this type of thought that was sorely lacking in some of the comments posted to our Instagram page (some of which I was forced to delete, out of sheer embarrassment that our non-Jewish followers should see them).
This was heavy on my heart, so I decided to call my longtime Mashpia (mentor), a world-renown Rabbi, educator, Shliach (Chabad emissary) and scholar Rabbi Manis Friedman.
Rabbi Friedman immediately reminded us that it is a MITZVAH for Muslim women to keep Tznius (modesty.) As a light unto the nations, any Jewish support of modesty in the world at large should be promoted, should be encouraged. Modesty of the women of the world is a GOOD thing. The farther and more “foreign” the reach, the better. Collaboration on this essential value is important and must be embraced by the Jewish community.
On the issue of this post coinciding with war in Israel, Rabbi Friedman helped me realize even deeper: This was in many ways, on a more essential and “soul” level, the BEST time because this kind of collaboration and awareness is a huge component in fighting ignorance and hatred towards Jews. In times of upheaval, our unity and shared values–wherever they DO exist–should be highlighted and celebrated.
He then shared the story of someone who came to the Rebbe upset that the Israeli government subsidizes every single Palestinian birth in Israel. “How could they?!” The Rebbe responded calmly, but with surprise, reminding his guest that this is (again) a GOOD thing because they have the mitzvah and are obliged to “be fruitful and multiply.”
And this is what Jews do: promote Mitzvot. We support and embrace and propagate values that are good and right, for ALL people, irrelevant of any circumstances between us. We cannot adopt the unequivocal mode of hate our enemies have fashioned for us. Rabbi Friedman reminded us of all this, emphasizing these JEWISH values and supported us in being unapologetic in responding to our Jewish followers who reacted so hatefully.
Mushky and I are happy and proud to have “hosted” this blogger on our page, yes at this exact time, and we stand by this decision 100%. Summer is a modest fashion blogger from Missouri who shares some of our deepest values and did not deserve the ensuing response simply by collaborating with us on a beautiful shared cause that we are ALL meant to embrace…more than ever…especially now.
Mimi and Mushky
I reject the stand against using an arab style model for such ads. As long as they are tsniyus is not the problem, what is? Why blame an a possible bas noach for a war she has no relation to?
what people would do for a few more dollars!
to turn your back on your own people? great going! NOT
u should be ashamed to have publicized this story.
Whilst I don’t think we should make a big deal out of this for the long run, timing is everything and is a little off, currently!
I agree with Mimu and Rabbi Friedman. Keep up the good work. Kol Ha Kavod. We cannot and will not descend to the level of others.
A big shame this post !!!
All the Palestinians support each other
And as far as I hard, the rebbe said that they are
Considerd עמלק!!!
And we have an obligation to destroy עמלק!!
sorry- unconditional love does not equal accepting everyones inappropriate behavior.
chabad wouldnt be around if we let everything go in the name of love.
get real.
chabad does not compromise when it comes to halacha.
The skirt is totally sheer… what’s the connection to tznius? We dont follow Arabian dress…
When business and money come before our people and soilders in Israel- it is just shameful.
I am embarrassed for you and the self righteous response you posted. Don’t think you guys can write your way out if this one…
They have beautiful tznius dresses
I’m out! Not going to support someone who only cares about money. Notice that on your fb page you managed to delete all comments which disagreed with you – just like in Saudia Arabia
Also interesting to note if you look at Facebook pages of Muslims who have liked your post – they all have previous posts about boycotting Israel, pr against Israelis, horrible comments etc…
But hey, it all about the money…
I am actually shocked at the response this has gotten. Especially considering what is going on right now in Israel, if there is a Muslim woman and a Jewish woman who want to collaborate and be associated with each other, why is that a bad thing? Why do they deserve the amount of hate and negativity that they have received?
Not every Muslim is bad. There are Muslims in the IDF and proud to be there. When there is so much hate going on between two nations and a little bridge is built i think it’s a positive thing.
B”H
1) Is it mentioned in 7 Noachide Laws anything about “Mitzvah” for a non-Jew to wear Tznius clothes?
2) I have strong doubts that any hijab online store would post anything about frum Jewish lady. They stand for each other, we are not and this is the problem.
First: A few days ago there was a beautiful article on collive by a shliach which began with a story about when he was a child during one of Israel’s wars, he said “I hate those Arabs!”, and his father sensitively corrected him that while we certainly want to catch and punish anyone who hurt or CV killed any Jew, and we must defend ourselves against those who try to kill us, it is wrong to hate an entire people. Personally, every day I ask the Aibershter “Those Arabs and those non-Arab Muslims who do not hate Jews and do… Read more »
To #135
Thank you for writing your comment so eloquently. Ahavas yisroel and unconditional love for our fellow Jew is the key to bringing moshiach. The yetzer hora can be very cleverly disguised. The Rebbe would not like all the negative comments that are written here. Please yidden you know this is true
agree with #66
and personally I find this picture distasteful and distressful
People are so quick to say that this shows insensitivity to our brothers and sisters in Israel but at a time when they need our extra Torah and mitzvos more than ever people write hateful comments about the tznius of these two girls? They are fellow Jews and we already have the rest of the world standing against us, so can’t us Jews just have ahavas yisroel for one another, especially now?!
We love all of your clothing and we are here to support you agains all these judgemental Crown Heightsers.
Anonymous Fan!
You had to apologize instead of calling rabbies to find excuses why it was ok. It was NOT ok.
You guys are human being and it’s normal to make mistakes but you had to admit in your mistake.
stop arguing already. there is enough of this everywhere.
It’s ridiculous.
Mimi spoke from the heart and does great things for Jewish women. Maybe we could start a dialogue with Muslim women and bring peace thru tznius.
What’s there not to believe?
The Rebbe I am confident would side with this issue. It is hurtful and offensive, to have that pic up. Shows where some of our hearts and souls are regarding our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisroel. Wonder if the Rabbonim there would have said it was totally fine. The appalled shlucha!
No one wants to see or read this kind of photo
and response while our brethren are under attack.
I am a big admirer of Mimi Hecht but
this is really tone deaf. Please care about your
customers Mimi. This has really hurt us.
I can’t believe you believe that.
I don’t usually comment on COL but I find this article in very very, very poor taste. Lacking in sensitivity and mentchlchkeit. I will not be following MIMU on facebook anymore. And I for one am waiting to hear an apology, not a self righteous defense or ad hominem attacks.
It hurts because it’s true.
Women, COL Trollers, Everyone: we can help protect the borders of Eretz Yisroel by re-examining our own borders, meditating on our personal commitment to tsnius and acting! What are we saying? What are we posting? How are we acting? What are we wearing? There is always room for improvement. Am Yisroel needs us, needs our protection and we must be ready to fight the battle on our own front- starting with ourselves.
I feel like this is debate class. One side bashes, and then the other side tries to make a harsher comback. This is NOT all about this picture. This is about the tznuis, or lack there of. We are in Gauls, it is said that the Jews were taken out of Gauls mitzrayim because they did not change 3 things: 1.their clothes 2.their names 3.their language Let us stick to a high level of tznuis. I DO NOT consider skirt leggings tznuis, let alone a higher level of tznuis. I DO NOT think wearing a skirt with pants underneath it… Read more »
…is the libelous charges against the entire community being made by some supporters of this company. Bu$ine$$ is bu$ine$$. You wanted to get some fame and fortune, and you did. Good for you. Congratulations. But please dont wrap yourselves in tznius, in Manis Friedman, in the Rebbe. Free publicity is worth a lot of money, so congrats. But what disturbs me is the implication from you and your friends is that if somebody finds the timing and style of your post insensitive, unclassy or ill-timed, you come back with charges of racism, and worse. When you engage in ad hominem… Read more »
This has to STOP now!!! we are Chassidim above and beyond all else… stop getting on the bandwagon… and it doesnt matter if you are right or wrong in this argument… We are all missing the point, if we want to say something say it nicely… If anything let us learn from the Rebbe so soon after Gimel Tammuz how to be a mensch… The Rebbe even when he wanted to say something less positive would say “not nice” instead of “bad” ie he would never ever say to boycott a clothing label… More so he would try to bring… Read more »
clearly this company who seems to have a history of not upholding our high tznius standards is lacking in jewish pride by needing to resort to the enemy to model its clothing.
if we would have the right pride we would be proud to hire only jewish models for a jewish company, not neding to flatter our enemies.
definitely an off-choice.
lets b proud of our heritage and way of dress!
Try doing the peace and love thing from a bomb shelter while trying to console your hysterical children who are terrified and traumatized by the constant wail of the siren and the barrage of rockets falling all around them. And then tell me you still feel 100% correct in your decision.
Aside from the current political issue, the hijab is a potent symbol of Sharia law which is quickly gaining traction in the entire world. Wearing a hijab is a statement, a statement that most of us don’t want to make. The traditional garb of nuns is also tznius.
“Strongminded girls”? What an evil
Please do not succumb to the pressure of the uneducated, bigoted people commenting on this thread.
My previous post was only regarding the Arab “Issue”.
By no means was I endorsing MIMU as Tznius (To my understanding it seems to be well below the regular chabad standards, while it may be great for people who were not previously careful with tznius at all).
Mimu maxi is troublesome. Strong minded women with crooked heads. The Rebbe was Emes and the whole obsession with fashion is just a reflection of the false world we live in. Rise above it girls, dont sink into the shtus.
Lets sum it all up: you should apologize.
I didn’t read all the comments, and I won’t get into the Muslim/Jewish debate. I was kind of surprised saddened to see the picture. Boasting of Muslim chic /hip modesty etc etc. Yes the girl might be modest, but what does she stand for?
And another sad note, she is more modest and chic than many of the “Jewish” pictures that are up there as advertisement on the site. C’mon ladies, jeans and leggings under a frock? Or a frock, with Birkenstocks, is that how Chabad represents itself…..??
Stop being so liberal minded
‘If you’re too open minded your brains fall out’
What a load of garbage. “let the armies fight that out.” REALLY? What “army” is hamas fighting? They are terrorists who kill, maim and injure CIVILIANS! These are not people, they do not act like humans. They use their women and children to shield their weapons! The fact that the mainstream liberal media refuses to admit the truth, doesnt mean that we should all fall for it!!!! The truth is, that anyone who supports any arabs who support the terror of our innocent Israeli brethren is just plain wrong and COLD! So, no, what Mimu Maxi is doing is not… Read more »
Lots of emotions here.
Its OK to be emotional, its recommendable and nice to have strong feelings about what is happening in Israel, but that doesn’t mean that we have to let them submerge our being.
Get over your instincts!
Think.
Think what the Rebbe would say in this matter.
Ask any Rov or Mashpia.
I’m waiting to hear from any respected Rabbi who disagrees with Mimi.
Until you are not ready to name yourself, your comment is probably just a nice Hergesh from a who-knows-who-you-are.. which isn’t worth too much..
Why do you play the racist card? Charity starts at home. If this post seems to bother your very OWN then you should have a chance to apologize, take it down and move on. Clearly this has offended many of your own. On another note. I live in a small town in Canada where i live amongst muslim. Some are peaceful, others are not. Some offer to mow my lawn while others give me and my children evil looks. I would not trust ANY of them! In one second they would all turn on me as a Jew. Mimumaxi has… Read more »
Do you really believe Mimu maxi promotes tznius clothing. Let’s call a spade a spade. If they feel the need for this business then go ahead but don’t make every other hashtag #modest #modestclothing #tznius?? What exactly is tznius about sockless/stockingless? What exactly is modest about short sleeves? What exactly is modest about skirt leggings? What is tznius about leggings and pants in full view??? What is modest about posting in tichels? (Do you really not know what the Rebbe said about sheitels)??? Maybe you can actually make tznius clothing that look nice, classy and dignified. Then ask Rabbi Friedman… Read more »
Mimu maxi is doing something amazing. Many muslims are indoctrinated to think that Jews are awful. She is a regular muslim girl, who- without a hijab- would look like any of us. Don’t judge an individual by the religion they were raised with. We will never have peace if we refuse to understand this. Right now, what the world needs to see is that we Jews have respect for all humanity. War is war, terror is terror, so let the armies fight that out. But as individuals it is our obligation to reach inside ourselves to find that piece of… Read more »
I think it’s great that Mimu Maxi is promoting
Fashionable tznius clothing. But let’s not play dumb. They are Jews who know how sensitive the situation is right now. They DEFINITELY had a thought or two go through their head when posting this. That it might strike a cord. No body is being racist. Bit a little sensitivity to the timing would help. And dragging in a rabbi to justify their actions is just an attempt at an embarrassed cover up. Nothing Against this company. But poor marketing skills.
It’s easy to justify your hard headed business decision when you drag in Rabbi Friedman & even worse, the Rebbe. You should be ashamed of yourselves – you looking to make money on the backs of my fellow Israelis who are living in bomb shelters. A stretch? No more than you dragging the Rebbe in to justify making money. I think everyone here would have a lot more respect for you both if you had admitted you made a mistake & removed the picture. But using a Palestinian lover to promote Tznius? Are you completely insensitive and so out of… Read more »
Amazing how many racists are posting here. Check what you are posting before questioning why there is so much hate in the world against Jews.
Did mimu maxi consult a Mashpia before posting/selling pants or what the call ‘skirt leggings?’
If not, So why all of a sudden consult one now?
I wish your business much Hatzlacha and inspiration
to create clothing that adheres to Halacha and the standards of Halacha and real modesty.
This is just an act to stir up some publicity for her clothing line. I won’t even read it!
Girls,
The longer you let the silence (on your part) continue, the worse off it will be. You both are too talented and too smart to ignore these messages. A sincere apology would be a great start. It’s painful to read these written comments and blows directed toward Mimu Maxi, nobody wants to see you both hurting, we just want to know that you understand that this wasn’t the greatest decision.
“At this time we can use and should highlight the arabs that don’t hate us.”
ARE YOU SERIOUS!?!? Your comment is BEYOND disturbing.
You’re the reason Israel has terrorists. Yes we’re all calling for the murder of every Muslim, couldn’t you read that in the comments? Seriously. We just don’t need to applaud them how stupid do you have to be to not be wary and careful when were constantly abused and attacked by this race? Get a grip.
As
Much as I disagree with Mimu maxi,
Let’s just try to remember we are doing much worse
By fighting and disagreeing and hating then what they did.
We made our point, let’s forgive and forget.
Eisav soneh Es Yakov
End of story
I was taught that the reason we have to dress tznius is because we are daughter of the King. So why do non-Jewish women have to dress tznius?
I’m not surprised by this ridiculous PR stunt by MimuMaxi….They’ve done this kind of thing before….
Mimu Maxi clothing may indeed be modest for Muslims but I daresay a lot of the clothing advertised by them is NOT tznius according to halacha and definitely not in accordance with the Rebbe’s directives. Sorry girls, you can’t dance at every wedding!!
Interesting that Rabbi Manis Friedman was consulted after the fact and not before, as then I highly doubt his answer would’ve been the same. Timing was indeed terrible, our brothers are fighting wars that they never started, are soaked in blood and tears not from their doing. And us with no care in the world don’t just continue life like regular but serve to ‘kosherize’ these peoples of all things- dress code?????! I think the (wo)man enough thing to do would be to issue an apology with absolutely no buts, only then can your business hope to regain back its… Read more »
True that. Nothing morally wrong. Apparently people are really not ready to hear that now. Yes, especially now is optimum time to promote the factor of tznius and unity to all those that value that including Muslims; but you should have began by stating that although the situation in Israel is shady (to put it lightly) this girl has chosen to work with us and we want to celebrate those friendships that people can have when putting their religion aside. It did not come off this way, you merely explained what rabbi manis said, which was to you directly as… Read more »
Stop being so “holier than thou” – you sound very naive. “Mitzvah in the Torah not to pester them”? It’s actually called self defense
Guess u got lots of publicity. Perhaps the Muslim population might even mean potentially more business than l’havdil the Jewish, but…why not simply find out how “peace-loving” hijab woman is…MIMU ask her…do you support Israel’s right to exist & defend itself against Hamas & the Palestinians?
How much are you willing to sell you soul for $?
If your quoted R’ Manis how about our Chazal…”Halacha hi she’eisav….”…wish it weren’t true, sadly….that’s the Halacha
I really Don’t care what companies do to advertise themselves or how they advertise themselves but being that this issue is SO important that it is on Collive I will comment. 1. To say that not all Muslims hate Jews or want to kill Jews regardless were they are from is incorrect. It says in the Koran that anybody that does not believe in their Muslim faith shall be KILLED!!!!!! even if you are Christian or any other religion but theirs. As a religious Jew that knows exactly what the Muslim faith is all about would not feel comfortable doing… Read more »
Don’t be ignorant! No one is suggesting we become like them, we just don’t believe in promoting them! You sound like you need a good, healthy, thorough education! Best of luck! Sounds like you need it!
I think this heading speaks for itself. Please MiMU maxi Cater for people other than Jewish Women!!
very well said and perfectly written!
The inability to distinguish the individual from the whole, on display for all the world here, is a sign of immaturity. Grow up. Not every Arab is a sonei yisroel. Get over yourselves.
Why r we posting abt a clothing line that is not even according to the rebbes guidelines of tznius?
I can tell you way many more stories the rebbe had to say about tznius!!
Whatever the case, Ahavas Yisroel will do a lot more to help Eretz Yisroel than saying negative things concerning fellow Yidden, even if it’s because of a muslim!
I was waiting for this type of lie, which is no worse than a blood libel on a whole community to come out. Wow. If people say that this was bad timing, this means that people want to slaughter every last Muslim? How dare you!! How dare you impugn an entire community because you seek to defend a business? All people are saying is that, given the timing what is happening is Israel (and all over) that this picture was not in sensitive to the situation in Israel. That is all that was said. Don’t start creating blood libels as… Read more »
Very well said.
I’m never surprised by the racism expressed during this time. What would you suggest, that we become like them? We become murderers? I’m not condoning Hamas, but most of you sound like if you could get away with it you would slaughter every last muslim. We have a mitzvah not to pester them, it’s in the Torah, if anyway we should be paving the road to peace with businesses like this. We might have to take out quite a few of them to reach peace in Israel but it doens’t mean we have to hate and loathe and wish death… Read more »
These comments are shocking!!!
Shouldn’t the fact that the Arab woman is willing to promote a frum business prove that she not only doesn’t hate Jews but is willing to collaborate and is not acting on the call to BDS and should therefore be celebrated for her act of courage?
At this time we can use and should highlight the arabs that don’t hate us. They do exist.
I like their response. Nevertheless, I have serious doubts about the story of the Rebbe saying that it is a good thing for Israel to subsidize the birth of Palestinians because non-Jews are commanded to be fruitful and multiply. I seriously doubt this applies to an entity that has sworn to eliminate the Jews of Israel, A source for this story would be appreciated..
The muslims are dressed more modestly than the ads you display for Jewish women..just saying
Of coarse not.
You don’t have to be Zionist to realize this is wrong.
so disrespectful….
I’ve been saying since the beginning that the MIMU line is adorable but far from tznius. And that’s fine…if your soapbox is not “there was no tznius clothing out there so we made our own”. Come one. Dresses way above the knee (really meant to be worn with leggings which is a story in and of itself); showing styles with mamash pants! wide necks and too short sleeves.
Seriously?? Just because your long skirts are long (and super tight) doesn’t make your whole line tznius.
The whole thing frustrates me.
A young chayal during the 6 day war walked up steps in Yerushalayim past an older Arab woman sitting looking out. Y=This chayal walked behind his dear friend. The “innocent ” Arab woman killed his friend in front of his eyes. Not all Arabs murder, how you work that one out?
SO at first when I saw the pic on instagram I felt it was in poor taste.. but now with this whole Manis friedman explanation I feel even worse…sorry i will not be a returning customer
The only people who like this were the people so open minded their brains fell out. Most of us are not as ignorant as you are convinced, we would not start cursing out random Arab women we met on the street but you don’t have to shove it in people’s faces and then get mad when they aren’t as ‘open minded’ as you are. Maybe you need to be open minded to the fact that most of us have family and or friends in Israel. Maybe you need to be open minded to the fact that three Israeli teenagers were… Read more »
Can’t help but wonder if Mimi & Mushky were experiencing the panic of air raid sirens & the fear of running to bunkers, would that picture still have been posted??
the world is where it is today……………….because of all the people who always find it necessary to find the zchus in our enemy. remember, it’s also a mitzvah to kill out amalek!!!
to those of you commenting its fine or i support your every move.. shame on you thats all i could say
What Israel Needs
A Prime Minister like Harper, or maybe even better, Putin. Putin for sure would clean up the cancerous growth that it Hamas, the PLO, etc. in no time flat. And we wouldn’t have to listen to Bibi impress himself with ‘We Build, They Destroy’ shallow lip service that will never bring back the dead or cure those who are injured and missing loved ones.
Lets all stop the sugar coating – this is about more publicity regardless of the cost. There are families in bomb shelters as we speak and we get this spin and drivel. The last lines smacked of outright arrogance. ” We stand by our decision 100%”. They couldn’t have the humility to say we made a mistake. They mentioned that they have a ” growing number of Muslim and chrisitan customers”. Alright, go cater and pander to them. Sorry, there is a time for outreach to others and there is a time to take a stand for your sisters who… Read more »
For starters i agree with everybody the timing is horrible. How dare you post this picture when our brothers and sisters are risking thier lives to protect OUR country. Who do you think you are to do this? By all means Summer could be the sister of the terrorists that killed our 3 boys and all those of you who bought this skirt is supporting the muslims its DISGUSTING to think that. Shame on you for posting the picture. Do yourself a fovour and take down the 2 posts from your instagram. I’m not sorry you lost so many followers/customers… Read more »
Honestly, I think you’re getting so much heat because you keep stressing and pointing out how you’re so super #modest Lets face the facts here: I highly doubt that you would be proud to walk up for dollars in front of the rebbe in half the outfits you post as #modest (ESPECIALLY when you wearing pants underneath which you seem to think is also #modestfashion.) yes compared to the half naked ladies of the world you’re pretty covered up and yes i guess you could say, #modest, but you’re not fooling anyone unless you count yourselves. If you want to… Read more »
thats bad
Israel has ALWAYS been under fire and the overwhelming majority of Muslims actively support the horrific destruction that they claim as their religious right. I am assuming the best, that the store owners are not doing this for monetary gain but are naive enough to think that by showing these people how ‘nice’ and friendly we are to them, they will come to love and respect us.
And look at the woman’s face in this picture. She is a person. Don’t be so superficial and look at her headress. I’m so proud to know these two girls.
totally agree! couldnt have said it any better!
Talk about being insensitive. Just read the comments here. All of you are generalizing.
#34 They are not obligated to follow those rules I was also under that impression.
Double whammy here – immodest and inappropriate Mimi and Mushky don’t shove your ideas on us. We are not saying anything wrong we are saying the #truth know the difference and apologize
This was clearly a business move and i found the tone in their letter to be quite hurtful. After hearing all this backlash and you still go ahead and say you back this decision 100%? Only seems to show that they care more about their muslim relationships than their Jewish patronage. A smart business move would have been to take it back and apologize, but then again, once it already went up, it’s too late, they would get the criticism of the Muslim community, which is very obviously more important to them. 2 months ago this probably wouldn’t have bothered… Read more »
I’m sure you are all aware of the origin of ” lihisatef batzitis”. Halachikli a Tallis is wrapped “ki atifas hayishmaelim”, translated as the custom of the Arabs.
Business is business. Advertising is advertising.
Free+Advertisement=Great for business.
Tznius, not tznius. Peace, peace not peace. Ahavas Yisroel, not Ahavas Yisroel…its business, and its good for business.
L’chaim!
Comment num 14 kudos !!!
Not all the Palestinians are terrorist
But I promise you that they all support each other
And they rather have only a state of palestian and
Have us all dead
So there is no peace with them
Bottom line the post was really wrong!!
Sorry
I feel terrible writing this. I do honestly wish Mimu success in their work but I also would love for them to be a tznius example for Neshei Ubnos Chabad. Many of their styles are no way for any Bas Chabad to dress. I personally don’t follow any Lubavitcher clothing sellers on Instagram that promote things that are not tznius. Girls you have such an opportunity to help us dress tzniusdikly and help bring Moshiach! I hope you can change your clothing line and pictures to one I would be proud to follow on Instagram. I have a feeling that… Read more »
Forget all of the dramatic comments and carefully written up responses that have been posted thus far. GIRLS, you guys are both adorable and I admire your business savvy and determination… BUT— Mushky, Mimi- You should have simply apologized for your insensitivity. There are ways to make a buck, access followers and customers, yet there is also the importance of doing the right thing. This isn’t the time to wave your liberal flags of passion. You both, practical as you are, could have taken the high road (the RIGHT one) and written up a small apology and it would have… Read more »
I wish I could DISLIKE their post
C’mon, how I can’t stand these Frummer than thou. Ffbs, think they can override everyone, take the picture off your site and stop bring so full of yourselves. Respect others, you may lose a lot of Buisness and the Muslims are not going to help you two out are they?
Wake up to reality, honestly….you got your head on the wrong way.
The inability to distinguish the individual from the whole, on display for all the world here, is a sign of immaturity. Grow up. Not every Arab is a sonei yisroel. Get over yourselves.
It pains me just to see that this controversial photo is on the front page of a chabad news site. At least change the picture.
PURE EMES
I wish there was a dislike button. Distasteful to say the least. Not buying anymore but I’m sure she will have far more Muslim’s buying so I don’t think the company will take a hit. Business is business!
Still! She is from the same Muslim family that bombs Israel! I would prefer to never see pictures of them! I’m upset that we have to become friendly with them…
you may have over 300 likes on your ignorant post on fb, but I am sure if there was a dislike button even more voices would have been heard! What does it say that out of my 557 Chabad friends on Facebook only 2 liked your post? not buying from here anymore – deeply disheartened!
I don’t know if I would have made such a backlash and boycotting MimuMaxi re theMuslim girl wearing a skirt. It’s actually surprising to see that so many people are affronted : even if it is not the time and place, we are going to war with Hamas and everybody’s antennas ARE extremely sensitive to all things Muslim/anti Israel/anti Jewish, you are not thinking correctly with regards to this. Basically, whoever is affronted is mixing up radical Muslims and moderate muslims. You may say that all Muslims are radical , but that is emotionalism speaking. What this is is a… Read more »
Please take a step back for a minute and realise that all the people condemning MiMu Maxi for posting a picture of a woman of the Islamic faith are doing what we condemn anti Semites for all the time, generalising and stereotyping. She does not represent the extreme terrorist organisation that lends their name to her faith, just as we do not represent the extreme barbaric Jews who horrifically murdered Mohammed Abu Khmeid. Extremists exist in all religions. Judaism too. At best, outrage at this post is xenophobic and intolerant. Calling peace liberal? Get your head together. Realise that now… Read more »
Great to see a positive relationship between a ‘Hijab wearer’ and a Jewish business.
This is precisely the time for such positive PR! There’s enough hate out there.
How about getting a picture of a Neo Nazi wearing one. Will that be ok??
Bottom line is there are more Muslims then Jews. So if you sell clothes geared to Muslims, the profit will be greater.
Business is Business, so it seems for these ladies. This is not new, this is as old as the word.
So, what’s new? Shock value for business.
Hakesef Hu Hakol.
Money, money, money.
So what if its insensitive to some nebach Jews in Israel? Money is money.
It is so sad to read all of these condemning comments. Mimi and mushky although I do not know them ,have nothing to feel bad about. It is ignorant and sad to think all Muslims hate Jews. And perhaps us Jews need to see this as a test to show ahavas Yisroel to our fellow Jews and not be so quick to judge poorly.
No such thing as bad Advertising – all advertising catches your attention whether bad or good. Hence it’s advertising.
I think this was thought out and used as a business venture, knowing that they’d be an outcry – but great 4 business!!
they sent the muslim girl from middle america a free skirt in the mail because they wanted the muslim business.
was not malicious…
I was under the impression that non Jews had the 7 mitzvah benei Noach, and if I am not mistaken tznius isn’t one of them.
but not exactly politicians
still like ur skirts!
What is business worth, if you know ur brothers and sisters are suffering. Where is the comfort in that.
DON’t SATISFY UR SELVES!
No no NO! That is wrong. Yes u are trying to make business with other groups and people. However u know, and don’t lie to itself that THAT picture is hurtful!
Don’t cover up with what Mannis said. Ye the story sounds perfect with trying to allow all cultures to keep tznius. YOU KNOW very well that mainly Jews buy from you. As stated above. Therefore how can u possibly do such a thing?! It is hurtful in such times for my jewish family to support the group that is so against us.
The only ones that are experts on Muslims are people living in Israel that are running for cover.
Stick to fashion, pretty please!With a burqa on top..
I think this post was for one reason only. Summer has 11K followers on Instagram. Mimumaxi wanted the publicity. Business is business no matter what, regardless of what’s going on with our brothers and sisters in Israel. I think this is insensitive. I will not be purchasing again. #sadbuttrue.
There is a time to talk, a time to be silent.
Bad timing and insensitive to Jewish suffering.
to the “not all Muslims are terrorists, but all terrorists are Muslim” comment…………………………. what kind of statement is that? Obviously I’m referring to to terrorists throughout the globe who threaten an array of different groups. But even in terms of terrorists who target Jews…. do you know anything about neo-Nazis? Not that this has anything to do with the post. But I cant just sit by and read such ignorance. In response to Mi and Mu- kol hakavod. Beautifully written response and wise words from Rabbi Friedman. Those that find the timing off really are just too conditioned and short… Read more »
This is a time where all Jews are supposed to come together as one and do all they can to bring Moshiach!! We must stand strong and united as a nation and stop writing hurtful comments on the internet!!
A lot of the Mimu maxi advertising is bchlal not done in a tznius matter. A lot of the models don’t even bother wearing stockings, or the neck lines are showing. Why don’t you first work on yourself and then you can go and start worrying about who’s wearing what.
She may not endorse HAMAS but she endorses Palestine. But without Hamas would there ever be Palestine?! It’s quite simple really it’s an equation you learnt in high school. If a=b and b=c then a=c COMPRENDE?!
But bchlal find their skirt leggings (as well as some of their other clothes) very #UNmodest
THEY SHOULD HAVE NOT POSTED IT!
Definitely ill timing
Although the letter is beautifully written and has it’s points, it is still difficult for some of us to comprehend. Some of us are angry, reasonably so, and we feel offended by this post on behalf of the nation of Israel. It is difficult to understand how it could be a mitzvah for שנאי ישראל to “be fruitful and multiply,” when many of their children are raised in the hateful footsteps of their fathers! (A source would for the story would be great!) Furthermore, I have looked into Summer’s Instagram feed, and sadly some of her friends whom she follows… Read more »
And this isn’t it
I doubt r’ manis friedmans words werent twisted. They always are when other people try quoting him.
Totally inappropriate especially at this time. I am not surprised. It isn’t the first time that you have stirred up controversy. And as far as saying that you were showing the beauty of Tznius, why do you have to model your clothing with pants underneath. Is this the Tznisus you are trying to project. If you want to project Tznius all your clothing should be shown in a Tzniusdikeh fashion. It does not seem like you are being truthful in general in relation to this matter.
Mimi and Mushky, whoever you are, the issue is not about tznius or not tznius. The issue is not about hate or not hate. The issue is this, that right now, Arabs worldwide have risen up in hatred against the Jews. In Morocco, a Rav was almost beaten to death. In LA, in Seattle, in Germany, in Montreal, in New York, the death rants are frightening. Right now, in Eretz Yisrael, over 1000 rockets have been raining down on our brothers and sisters non-stop. People are having heart attacks, children are developing Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, weddings are being disrupted. In… Read more »
So not pleasant to see sorry
Love the picture, shes beautiful and p.s. shes not the one bombing, its hamas,
Dont mix fashion and politics
So they get R. Manis Friedman to kasher their highly insensitive acts. And he even manages to shlep the Rebbe into this.
How about following what the Rebbe says in all areas and not just picking and choosing which words of his to interpret for your benefit? I am shocked at your actions.
so inappropriate of mimu maxi
At the end of the day, we have the right to be affronted over what is to many, an example of insensitivity. Perhaps you need to consider their point of view. It just shows the truth of what many feel is the golden rule of business – anything for a buck. It’s a pity you didn’t put half as much concern for the sensitivity of your clientele as you show in this cleverly-crafted op-ed. Bottom line – based on your patronising response you clearly care more for other customers than these outspoken, easily-offended, Jews. I won’t be buying these skirts,… Read more »
Mimu, you guys are aces in my book and it’s beautiful what you do, your cause, your goals and everything in between. I do think though, just keep in mind, sometimes you can be 100% right, and it still isn’t the time or place. You are right, and I read the entire article, you did nothing wrong. But, just sometimes, ya know? Best to maybe shelf it, and post it later.
Keep up the amazing work.
theres nothing holy about your business when you post not tznius pictures , and comments that go along with it. i hate to say this but you girls can learn from Summer how to dress.
B”H there isn’t any other important news in the world. Businesses shouldn’t become a part of the middle east crisis. Its time for Lubavitchers to be educated on the REBBE’s views on Shlamius Haaretz…
I don’t know why anyone would have an issue with this picture. This has nothing to do with what is going on in Israel. This is a beautiful thing to bring harmony to the world.
If a Muslim woman wantsto wear the skirt, that doesn’t bother me. What does bother me is that frum woman are wearing it. A skirt that is unashamedly called skirt “leggings”. Even the name shows it is untznius. If you are going to cater modest yet fashionable clothing to frum woman, why not make sure it is tznius? No, if there are sleeves that come in middle of the elbows, that is not ok. Otherwise, why are you different than any other clothing line?
Not all Muslims are terrorists but all terrorists are Muslim. . I don’t understand why people are overlooking the same situation that happened in Germany ny by Hitler yemachshemo, by we letting the enemy among us again. I do have Muslim friends who are peaceful and loving and pro Israeli. We need to know if the girl in this picture stands for Israel or Palestine, the case seems to unfortunately be leaning towards the latter. Peace is not an option between pro Palestinians and Jews! Furthermore, it’s difficult to believe that Manis Friedman said this. I really think that he… Read more »
I couldn’t agree more. It definitely was timed badly and was incredibly insensitive of mimu maxi to put up such a photo. Why would they put up the photo during such a rough time for Israel? They should have thought it through before. Never should anyone place a photo like that online for all to see. It is like they are trying to show the world that hipster hijab is kind and friendly all though she’s a Muslim which may be true! But at the end of the day, a Muslim is a Muslim and it is hurtful to see… Read more »
was an avid mimu fan but rethinking their ideals are too liberal for us…
but it is a sensitive time and would be nice if they waited until things got quiet to post it
No one cares