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Wednesday, 26 Adar I, 5784
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Tznius Campaign Gone too Far

From the COLlive Inbox: What happens when a Crown Heights woman finds herself being harassed on the street by a "tznius defender"? Full Story

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abuse
December 28, 2012 2:40 am

verbal abuse is abuse, and more damaging than physical abuse. While physical torture can inflict wounds and corrupt a person with anger… verbal assault is the most damaging to a persons productivity, their ability to love and their souls strength over their mind. next time you have a point to make to an ENTIRE GENERATION about theyre adherence to your view of jewish modesty laws.. start a revolution of gemilas chassadim, not street hazings and abuse on mild mannered civilians. …and yes, if you are so compelled to act in the way this article described… SEEK HELP. You are exhibiting… Read more »

CH – many communities today
December 26, 2012 2:32 pm

Hey, new flash – CH is a not a private gated community. It is a neighborhood within NY city that today is a home to multiple Jewish (mostly orthodox) communities of various levels of observance that share various levels of connection to Lubavitch. Period. Those of you that want a more homogenized level of observance and a single standard of Tznius, need to consider creating a private community somewhere else, where you can legally enact modesty bylaws and enforce them to your angry little hearts content. Just follow the Monroe or New Square model. As to your claims that the… Read more »

concerned hasid
December 26, 2012 11:29 am

On Shabbos Parshas Shemos 5751, the Rebbe again criticized those who speak ill of our generation[65] and added the following point: “There are those who wish to suggest that such a path of rebuke and citation of punishment, retribution, etc., is authentic as it is the path of the Mussar Movement. This is how the Maggidim of old used to rebuke their congregations. They further add that all the writings of the Prophets are full of such rebuke. “The answer: “In addition to the fact that in most recent generations the way of Chassidus has been embraced in most Jewish… Read more »

Objective Thinker
December 26, 2012 11:26 am

For all those people that are “fed up” with how these women are dressing, you must think objectively. In many cases the Rebbe was a strong advocate of such thinking. If you see somebody doing something that is “wrong”, you must educate them and teach them what s right. It is clear why this man is living in Crown Heights and not on Shlichus. A Shliach is a person who can show restraint and respect, and do positive things through edcuation and warmth. Just imagine if a campus Shliach started to harshly rebuke students (let’s say for example those who… Read more »

Crown heights
October 9, 2011 5:01 pm

In ch I c people dating in public and smoking when will moshiach come??

to # 185
October 1, 2011 9:33 pm

whats popular isnt all ways right and whats right is not always popular

u should remember that the next time u think of all the un tznius girls

210
September 28, 2011 4:19 pm

I wrote comment 209, Yes I’ve been taught well in my opinion, I knew about most of the things you’ve mentioned. yes I know there are whole books on the subject, kinda obvious, I’ve read books about tznius, yichud etc., etc,.And whatever I don’t know, I will learn, I’m only in 9th grade and some of the things you brought up are above my age to know about… so…

209
September 28, 2011 3:20 am

How can you honestly know that you know all or even most of what there is to know Did you know that there are entire books on the laws of modesty. Dress. Speec. intergender guidelines. The severity of being an asset to the sin of man. The longterm afgevts pn ones own children. The impact on ones own intimacy. The impact on the adjacent neighnors. The impact on telatoves who past away. The impact on ones finances. The impact on prolongong galus. The impacton malachei ahshoreis. the impact on the success of the Israeli army. The impact on terminal illness.… Read more »

# 202
September 28, 2011 12:03 am

Uh, I’m an average graduate and if you were to test me on the laws of Tznius I would IYH pass that test… Maybe because I didn’t grow up in Crown Heigths. There are people who come from Crown heights and they’re perfectly fine and Halachicly “ok”. But they come far and few between…

I actually get what she's saying...
September 27, 2011 7:59 pm

I totally agree that one’s style can be modest, even it the clothes do not adhere completely to the “laws of tznius”. You can have your elbows uncovered but behave in a modest way, without asking for “negative attention”. If men can’t control themselves when seeing an elbow, those men should be kept out of the streets.

To #138
September 27, 2011 7:21 pm

wow i thought that that was very well written and nicly put.Thanx for not being so negetive

To #185
September 27, 2011 7:19 pm

You shouldn’t be jelous of how the other gilrs are dressing, just because they’re dressing that way doesn;t make it right. By being Tznius you are showing that you care about your body and therefore you don’t want to expose it. Who says that your type is the type that Bochurim are looking for now adays, I’m sure they want girls who are Tznius.

#197 [speling]
September 27, 2011 1:51 pm

it’s a clear outcome of our rebbe’s shita

mrs!open up ahayom yom and see a quote from the rebbe rashab,eheyv es habikeyres ki hi taamidcho al hageyva ho'amiti. p.s. if you don't understand [which you probaly don't] ask someone who dose.
September 27, 2011 1:41 pm
What does the Torah say about Tznius?
September 27, 2011 8:49 am

“Ve’hatzneah leches im Hashem” “Walk modestly with Hashem”

Treating other people rudely because you don’t like the way THEY are dressed is NOT TZNIUS. That is their mitzvah, not yours. Harassing people is a Chilul Hashem.

Personally I can not stand people who smoke. This is a filthy disgusting habit and forbidden by halachah because of the harm that it can cause to a person. And yet you do not see squads of “Shmiras Nefesh” running around snatching cigarettes away from people.

What are we here, Mea Shearim?

a long comment, a short op-ed
September 27, 2011 3:55 am

according to american secular law, how you dress in public is governed by secular laws of “quality of life” & “public safety” & “public sensitivities” its not a free for all. -yes despite the 5th amendment. yes even the secular world wont consider how you dress in “public” as private personal matter. what you decide to show & expose to the public street, is tempered by “public nuisance & safty laws” that means that even secular common sense recognizes that we must take the impact we have on others into consideration. secular law recognizes that there are certain “limits” (albeit… Read more »

YELLOW CAP???
September 26, 2011 11:13 pm

did the guy who harassed you wear a yellow cap ??

spelling
September 26, 2011 10:46 pm

ppl post comments from their blackberry while waiting @ red-lights!

as long as u get th point their trying to make, to me thats well spelled enough

Much too far
September 26, 2011 10:38 pm

Next time he comes by and says “again”, loudly yell at him that is is not tznius to check out women and to follow them around in the street, and ask him if his wife knows that he is a pervert. Do that loudly, very loudly, loud enough that everyone else hears.

Solution
September 26, 2011 10:21 pm

Why not call in the Taliban?

to 135
September 26, 2011 8:50 pm

I agree. But what is up with the spelling? Spell check is a wonderful new(ish) development that I think you will find lovely.

mashpia disclaimer:
September 26, 2011 4:20 pm

To fully benifit from the brachos that the rebbeh promissed comes along with having a mashpia, read first hand the Rebbes insructions how to choose the right mentor &how often to report to them even when you have no particular questions or dilemas to resolve; also full disclosure is important as well

185
September 26, 2011 4:12 pm

Id like to echo the advise of 186

Having a caring wise mentor is the smartest thing anyone can do at any stage in life
Especially if your a teenager or looking to get ready for marriage
Its a great idea even if it wasnt a BakashaNafshi of the Rebbe
And even if the Rebbe did not promise his Brachos to those who _properly_ follow a perzonal Mashpia

Disclaimer:
Its not enough to just go to a mashpia when you have

Tznius
September 26, 2011 10:28 am

Tznius! That is our battle cry! Tznius! We’d rather do or die. Tznius! Cover your knee-es! Cover your elbows, and try not to cry.

to 185
September 26, 2011 10:15 am

how do “we” bochrim find u!

tznius advocate!
September 25, 2011 11:54 pm

this man (if he exists) is not following tznius!

judge the ACTION not the PERSON
September 25, 2011 11:49 pm

its ok to call a spade a spade! if a ACTION is wrong its ok to say its wrong! just dont JUDGE the PERSON!

maybe its not their fault! be dan lekaf zechus!

assume the person (wrong doer) is better than you given their internal & external circumstances!

never judge others! even if their acrtions are completely WRONG

oh vey
September 25, 2011 11:26 pm

ok, the fact that it was a man that stopped you is completely inappropriate! its unacceptable that a man should be looking you up and down BUUUUT on the other hand, being almost perfect is going against halacha to the same degree as wearing a bakini! yes, i know thats not how we think of it and foresure for oursleves, we shouldnt say “oh, if im going to wear a skirt an inch above the knee, i may as well wear a tank top!” CHAS VSHALOM!!!! but there should be no reason for anyone stop you in the first place!

wow!! thats alot of coments!!!
September 25, 2011 11:09 pm

as for the story: THATS DISPICABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
MIND UR OWN BUSINESS & GET A LIFE!!!! DUDE HAS NO BUSINESS TELLING STRANGERS WAT TO DO!!!!

att: 128
September 25, 2011 10:54 pm

you cracked me up!!!!

mind ur own business!!!
September 25, 2011 8:46 pm

It’s a free country! Just because someone isn’t 100% tznious in crown heights u can’t judge them! Don’t judge a person till u walk a mile in their shoes. Ppl have challenges. U have you’d, others have theirs too. So until u overcome every single challenge u have which is impossible, don’t judge! What his man is doing in 100% wrong. I’ve been in boro park lately. Not one man I passed was looking at women to see if they were tznious. If men wouldn’t look they wouldn’t get offended. These ppl make such big issues with tznious because they… Read more »

to 185
September 25, 2011 6:26 pm

for your own good get a mashpia, its well worth the effort!

you will find that doing the right thing is far more satisfying than trying to compete with the lowest commondenominator -race to the bottom

a maSHPIA PROVIDES GREAT SUPPORT & AFFORDS YOU THE ADVANTAGE OF A FRESH OBJECTIVE OPINION TO AUDIT ALL YOUR GOAL TO HELP KEEP YOU FOCUSED & ACCOMPLISHING

WHEN YOUR ON TRACK, YOUR NATURALLY LESS VULNERABLE TO PEER PRESSURE ETC

BEC YOU FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF & WHERE YOUR LIFE IS GOING

Why I show my knees
September 25, 2011 5:01 pm

I am a girl here in CH and I find I have to compete with all the other stylish girls because I care how I look to them. I don’t want attention from men, I only dress for myself, but seeing everyone out and about loking good and being free, makes me jealous. I don’t yet have a husband to dress for, but I think that most of the guys are looking for somone who dresses like me.

seriously guys
September 25, 2011 4:11 pm

It is not just the women that are not tzniusdik. What about the internet problem in our community? What about the onslight of internet problems that has overtaken alot of our good men from good yichus families?
That cannot be good for Klal Yisroel either. So yes, women please get more tzniusdik for klal yisroel but gentlemen you know who you are……… clean up you act for Klal Yisroel also.

to 128
September 25, 2011 2:59 pm

I appreciated your words of wisdom in this sea of idiocy.

usa
September 25, 2011 2:43 pm

Whether its right or not, this is the United States of America and noone has a right to tell anybody to move out of the neighborhood. It is illegal. As a married women in this neighborhood, I feel an immense pressure to look good on the street for none other than my husband. I dress for him only. It is my choice and you extremists cannot take away my choice and my rights to wear what I want.

TZNIUS?
September 25, 2011 2:32 pm

TO QUOTE THE REBBE – FOR THOSE THAT STILL GIVE A DARN ABOUT WHAT HE SAYS; “WHEN A WOMAN DRESSES UNTZNIUSDIK SHE IS IN EFFECT MAKING A STATEMENT THAT SHE HAS NOTHING ELSE TO SHOW FOR HERSELF. DO YOU WOMEN WHO MAKE ME AS A WOMAN FEEL EMBARRASSED NOT WANT TO BE SEEN AS SOMEONE WITH A BRAIN AND PERSONALITY RATHER THAN JUST A BODY WITH PERHAPS A DECENT OR GOOD FIGURE????

to the author
September 25, 2011 12:42 pm

listen,i’m not saying this to insult you.i’m just telling you like it is.when a women doesn’t dress tzneeus,this shows a lack of yiras shmayim and kabalos ol and i therefore won’t eat anything she baked or cooked.

?elbows?
September 25, 2011 11:34 am

what about elbows???

california girl
September 25, 2011 11:22 am

To comment #19,
watch out when you generalize. I am born and bred in L.A. and am 100% tznius as well as my daughters. And , still manage to be stylish and not nerdy as well!!!

Be positive
September 25, 2011 10:09 am

If you want to encourage women to dress more Tznius you should have women handing out free chocolate to women that are 100% tznius. If someone comes for the chocolate and is not appropriately dressed then you hand them a pamphlet with the rules of tznius and the sources. Ask them to come back appropriately dressed. If they have the pamphlet and are appropriately dressed this time then they should get twice the chocolate. If chocolate doesn’t work how about a coupon for $1 off at a local store.

hmmm...
September 25, 2011 7:13 am

I skimmed over the last 50 or so articles, so i cannot say for sure that i am the first to bring up this topic (it’s understandable if i am not, it seems like every possible point to argue has been done so….over and over) but i just wanted to state this: i sincerely hope that all those who are commenting to “get out of CH” if this woman cannot conform to the halachos of Tznius realize what they are saying. it is ok for women to move elsewhere and dress how they wish? why is CH the only place… Read more »

Kiruv
September 25, 2011 3:26 am

Is annoying, embarrassing and harassing women the way that shluchim make 1000’s of Baalei Teshuvah?

Why of all the things this “yossi” could be doing he choose to stand in kingston watching how women are dressed.

Tznius is a sign of how disappointed and uninspired people are, and not the problem itself.

Much harder to inspire than to shame, yossi, but it works.

PS: If I ever see you bothering any women, I shall… bother you to say the least.

Who is the victim here?
September 25, 2011 2:57 am

It”s so funny that you know that you are not 100% tzniyusdik and you are totally fine with it. You see, a lot of people in this community are not totally fine with it, because this is a community that was established on the basis of halacha, not almost halacha. I chose to live here because of that. I really don’t want my daughters to be exposed to your almost way of dressing and think it is an acceptable option. It’s not. You made up your own rules and now you are imposing them on the rest of the community.… Read more »

Wanda Ring
September 25, 2011 12:34 am

Sounds like this guy was exercising his First Amendment right of free speech. Did he do anything other than say things the lady found offensive? Let her not listen. If the truth hurts … If he lifts a hand, call the police. Otherwise, tough.

to #142
September 24, 2011 11:56 pm

you’re describing the chabad approach in dealing with yidden who are not frum,who are from the outside. the chabad way for lubavitchers has never been it’s Ok to pick and choose but to exhort each other to go higher.what do yo uthink a frabregen os a mashpia is for?

LIFE IS A JOURNEY BE A GUIDE NOT A STUMBLING BLOCK!
September 24, 2011 10:25 pm

thank you to #70
we have to keep at this issue in the CHABAD way. YISROEL.if someone is not Tzniusdik consider them like someone you are trying to Mekarev!
Would you talk so roughly to such a person?

Could you imagine talking like that to someone who walks into a Chabad House?

Our children don’t get the tznius “thing”. We did something very wrong to get to this point.

Lets ALL start looking to how our Shluchim behave with their people and learn from them!

to 142
September 24, 2011 10:06 pm

I think you are 100%. Let every girl/women go as they wish. Let the schools accept the students dressed as they wish. Let the shuls accept the women dressed as they wish and try to be mekarev them. Let your wife and kids dress the way they want. Lets be liberal.

Whistle treatment
September 24, 2011 9:55 pm

I think all woman dressed untzniyus should get a whistle treatment from all the men they pass.

Tznius brings Hashem's protection!
September 24, 2011 9:50 pm

Do it for your kids!

PPL ARE DYING!!
September 24, 2011 9:49 pm

be considerate to all the families who are suffering devastating losses due to the surge in Disasters!! hiting our community

(torah clearly predicted this HYR)

show true love to the public & control ur urge to be immodest in public
THIS WILL PREVENT SOO MUCH SUFFERING! PLEASE HAVE RACHMANUS!

Drill a Whole in your seat... is NOT PRIVATE BIZ... =(
September 24, 2011 9:46 pm

unfortunately, since how women dress in public has a (Massive) impact on the (Blessings & Fortune of the) Entire community it is not private personal preragative no more! according to many Torah sources (including the Rebbeh who we all trust) immodesty chases away Devine protection from a comunity R”L many tragedies occur as a result of lacking Hashem’s protection Ch”V no need to elaberate on the clear corelation of the spike in Tragedies we’ve all seen recent years, as the Tznius declined! (The politics was always with us in the 80’s 90’s etc) what changed was the Huge increase of… Read more »

To D.Benveniste
September 24, 2011 9:12 pm

Seriously? If the article was written about some sheltered place, maybe, BUT this is Beooklyn NY, the men better get used to minding their own business and not having a major battle to overcome every time they see an immodest woman. There are many things on the streets of this city that are innapropriate, you learn to control yourself and not pay attention to them. And at the end of the day, if he sins it is HIS AVAIRA, halacha is clear about that. Sorry to all the men who are so up in arms, but maybe that’s why, they… Read more »

Don't blame the victim
September 24, 2011 8:54 pm

“Dumb if u are writing a article u dont leave out details like “almost 100 % tznius” how are we supposed to translate that to mean?? i take it that u are saying half truth that u really werent properly tznius and u were a little tznius in some places and therefore u could say “almost 100 %” It doesn’t matter what she is wearing! Whether she was wearing sleeves that were a tad short or a skirt with ultra sheer hose or her skirt was to the knee but the wind was blowing it – it doesn’t matter. Two… Read more »

why
September 24, 2011 8:14 pm

is tznius rlly important

shobbas
September 24, 2011 8:06 pm

when u some1 asks u do u keep shobbas u cant say most of the time u either keep shobbas or u dont just like tznius if some1 asks u r u tznius u cant say ya mostly i mean i cover my knees but not my elbows u either r tznius or ur not

152
September 24, 2011 7:51 pm

First of all, when we orthodox write the word G-d we do not write it the way you did! Second of all, Chabad orthodoxy is not known for radicalism. The Rebbe spoke strongly on the subject of tsnius but never said a lack of it was like being shmad!!!!!! What kind of gibberish are you spewing???? YES, women must dress tsniusdikly when they walk down the streets of crown heights or any other street, but let’s not get carried away with extremism!!!

A gold ring in the nose of a swine...
September 24, 2011 7:02 pm

is a woman with immodest clothing. Don’t you know men are hard wired differently ? Show respect for our divine differences. You are only looking at half of what a man SEES when you dress that way.That is the sad reality of your grasp of this issue.There is no beauty or joy in making every young man or boy in the street test his character by turning his head around with the most you can show us.Have the maturity and awareness that makes you the foundation of holiness of the world, directly descended from everyone from Sarah.Rachel and Rivkeh to… Read more »

Asher
September 24, 2011 1:24 pm

BS”D

Get your head on straight!

1. Since when is it ok for a frum man first gaze at, and then to approach women on the street? Especially a “not quite tsnua” woman?
2. Shall we no longer welcome all potential baalei tshuvah visiting Crown Heights, bannig them lest they not meet the standard?
Kiruv is by example. Fix the man in the mirror.

to the writer
September 23, 2011 6:54 pm

hes not right but ur not right either ur in the rebbes shcuna treat it with respect

To 149
September 23, 2011 6:11 pm

“She could be wrong, but that’s between her and G-d”

Are you crazy? In HER HOME, it’s between her and G-d, but in THE STREETS, it’s not between her and G-d, but between her and her fellow yidden! She MUST have respect for her fellow yidden when she goes out. Stop confusing people with that displaced tolerance. What you do in the streets is public.

To 150
September 23, 2011 6:07 pm

Who told you that this guy was looking at her? Why don’t you consider the matter in the other way around? This is not the guy who was looking at her! When an untzniusdike woman goes out, this is HER who wants other people to look at her! Untzniusdike women and their supporters (unfortunately, there are backed by many people as the above comments prove) should no something: we are in a Chasidish neighbourhood. Think about our children! Think about all the men and women who want to live according to the rules and in kedusho. Either you stay at… Read more »

in the gemara
September 23, 2011 5:51 pm

there’s a story about a rabbi who tore someone’s clothing because she wasn’t dressed tzniusdik. it turned out that she wasn’t jewish. but apparantly, if she had been jewish, it would have been the right thing to do.

hello?
September 23, 2011 5:42 pm

99% kosher is 100% treif.

I am comment 120
September 23, 2011 5:40 pm

Number 148, you are off base. It is because I value tzbius so highly that I refused to intervene with this woman. There is a huge difference between mivztoim to people brougt up in a secular lifestyle and people who know the halachos but for some reason, refuse to follow them. And in any case, no shlucha worth her salt “gaods” any woman into going to mikvah. We are talking about sensitive issues and complicated feelings. And yes, the Iranian guard recruited women to harass other women on the street to wear the veil, which is why I made reference… Read more »

Thank God something is being done about Tznius
September 23, 2011 4:59 pm

Acc to Torah a woman who does not cover her knees when sitting is not Orthodox. (S”O E”H 115 and poskim)
Everything done until now has not worked, something must be done to save Yiddishkeit. The Rambam in the laws of sacrifices would call this a situation of Shmad.
Our women must be saved from Halachik Shmad R”L.
Who is the continuation of Judaism is not the women, mothers.
It must be done in the right way and if somebody was to drink a poison, would you not do anything to stop them.

Who Is This Guy?
September 23, 2011 4:58 pm

And what is he doing accosting a strange woman on the street?????

unappropriate!
September 23, 2011 4:29 pm

His behavior was what was not Tzinusdik! Why is he looking at woman and how they dress???? That is totallu unacceptable in my eyes!!!!!

Responsibility
September 23, 2011 4:20 pm

People need to take responsibility for their actions. This man was innapropriate, and and it’s not the woman’s fault that he was innapropriate. How she dresses is her decision, just like how he reacts is his. She could be wronf, but that’s between her and G-d. If he is wrong he could be charged with harrassment, and I hope he is. To all our “appreciative” out of town guests: maybe you forgot that CH is part of the United States of America? Sorry your tour of the eccentric and quaint locale was infringed upon by real people with with real… Read more »

Ironic
September 23, 2011 4:13 pm

This is not the first time that certain people feel harassed and attacked by those who attempt to notify them about laws of tznious. the response from many are Talaiban Iran etc. But it always seems strange to me coming from Lubavitch, since the whole fondation of mofern Lubavitch is to “harass” nudge, bambard the secular Jews with information, and goading, pushing him to put on Tefilin to light Shabos candles (aacepted that men Shluchim do that), to teacj Mikvah? It is therefore quite jaring to see the dissonance between the official dogma of Lubavitch regarding the outside secular world… Read more »

source of halacha
September 23, 2011 3:56 pm

Yes, please provide an exact SOURCE of the halachos of tznius. Please do not refer to a sicha of the Rebbe, but instead give an exact source of where the halachos of tznius are clearly laid out and defined. Thank you!

Crazy
September 23, 2011 3:51 pm

OK, here’s whats flying: I think that it’s Crown Heights thats the problem. The people there are sooo spoiled. People on Shlichus (like myself) would never dream of this. You have the choice to be tznius, all the stores there give you PLENTY of stylish options but you choose to dress in miniskirts. There were girls in camp who showed up in miniskirts, there was quite an unpleasant “scene” of their bunkroom door flying open and they weren’t dressed, like literally. They made comments like “I can’t wait to get home where it’s back to pants, no socks and flip-flops.”… Read more »

chabad
September 23, 2011 3:29 pm

we need people to stand on street and do mivta tzius the same way we do all other mivzum we need a big mitzva tank and give out sichas and halaches of tznius

so who is going to stand up for the right thing?
September 23, 2011 3:17 pm

Ok ,I have read and heard all these replies which in a nut shell are either; its my life and free choice i can do what I want or somebody has to do the right thing.
The Question is exactly who is that supposed to be and if they are why isn’t the message getting through.Is sitting around doing nothing going to solve anything either?
If one doesn’t at least protest isn’t he or she agreeing to status qua?
In what form should a protest take? No easy answers but at least its not sweeping it under the carpet.

#1 Touch anyone and you will go to Jail
September 23, 2011 3:07 pm

You are angry and belligerent towards a well meaning kook whose message has apparently touched a chord. What kind of hatred are you advocating? Just because you disagree with someone doesnt give you the right to espouse and incite violence towards that person. If he were to touch, or hurt someone, then he of course he should be stopped. But why violently?

THIS IS NOT THE CHABAD APPROACH
September 23, 2011 2:56 pm

it seems like evryone is forgetting the whole chabad approach that we dont impose anything on anyone we let them know the halacha and then its up to them decide! inwould be so embarassed if i had to bring non religious friends to crown heights to show them the rebbes schuna only to have them feeling uncomfortable and feeling harassed by other JEWS! its not easy to keep all the 613 mitzvos some have a better time keeping tznius than others. some are better with the mitzvah of ahavas yisroel. some are better at not JUDGING our fellow Jews. but… Read more »

To #131
September 23, 2011 2:52 pm

It’s one thing to comment on an article before reading all 130 comments before yours, it’s another to comment on an article before reading the article.

The editors here at Collive attached a two page letter from the Rabbonim of Crown Heights, probably to bring a balance to story.
The Rabbonim, in their wisdom, accompanied everything they wrote with sources, particularly from Chabad Halacha sources (primarily Shulchan Aruch Harav), please take a look.
Oh, and one of the sources they bring is actually saying that in some aspects, Tzniyus is more chamur (stringent) than Basar bechalav.

ch resident
September 23, 2011 2:41 pm

” I am a married woman, who, for the most part, tries to stick with tznius laws. Although sometimes it is difficult to follow the letter of the law, I am always in keeping with the spirit of the law, modest in my style appearance.” do u find it hard to stick to all the marrage laws??? ” I was dressed almost 100% properly, and what wasn’t was definitely not obvious and “in your face.” what exactly does dressed almost 100% properly mean? Either u were tznius or u were not. Going out dressed not tzniusdik is asking for trouble… Read more »

To 122
September 23, 2011 2:35 pm

“From A shlucha Women should feel scared and petrified to walk down the streets of cCrown Heights in an untznius way. just like someone is aware f the consequences wen they walk around meah shearim. yes, its the only way! when i take peope to crown heights i want to show them the beauty and dignity of the Rebbes Shechuna, not that kingston is just like Main Street usa……we are an am kodosh, its time to start dressing that way too ” Do your mekuravim also know that you don’t believe that ahavas yisroel and being dan lechaf zechus and… Read more »

Jewish Women and Girls are Gems!
September 23, 2011 2:28 pm

Being a 100% tznius is no easy task but if u look at it in this perspective then it will make u have a better outlook on it. All Jewish women and girls are gems and one of the ways that we can show the world this is through being Tznius. They say that when a person is Tznius, this shows that they care about their body and therefore dont want it to be exposed.Dressing Tznius doesnt mean that your clothes will be nerdy,there are Tznius clothes that are pretty.We know that we are the Rebbe and Rebbetzins children making… Read more »

4 all men
September 23, 2011 2:27 pm

you shouldnt even be commenting u know whats rlly not tznius is men going over to a women who isnt related to them in anyway and harresing them especaily touching them if u feel that a women is not dressed properly which in the 1st place why should u notice as its untznius to look at a women aspecailly at wat she wears u could allert the head of community but its none of ur personnal buisness now the woman might be wrong but do u think going over to her and making it ur buisness is going to make… Read more »

ok... but...
September 23, 2011 2:24 pm

this guy was crazy and he souldnt be doing that but you have to understand that your living in the rebbes shchune and by doing so there are rules just like there are goverment laws there are jewish laws . all im saying is that tznius needs to be taking care of but not the way that guy was doing it but in some other normal way.

woman who are not happy
September 23, 2011 2:09 pm

woman who are not happy feel better wen they dress to turn on ather men thats a fact calld negative a tension

Bathing Suit
September 23, 2011 1:47 pm

IN SHORT!
1) Woman should dress tzniusdik according to halacha Not their interpertation of halacha.
2) Tznius patrolis a good idea, but MUST be done by woman ONLY.
3) To the writer: Please advise what day and time you will be walking down Kingston in your bathing suit!

#67
September 23, 2011 1:42 pm

i agree with you

All quoters of halach
September 23, 2011 1:39 pm

Instead of saying that covering your elbows “is halacha” like traife please give us a place to look in the halacha.

Here’s for meat and milk
Exodus 23:19
Exodus 34:26
Deuteronomy 14:21
Babylonian Talmud: Hullin 113b, 115b

To 66
September 23, 2011 1:35 pm

When did crown heights turn into an open beach?

Article and Video in Forward
September 23, 2011 1:31 pm

Have you seen the recent article and video on the Forward website: entitled, “Orthodox Women Push Limits of Modesty -New Generation Wants To Look S–y and Obey Religious Dictates” by a man (eye roll)? Women shopping in the store are described as, “an exposed elbow here, a bare collarbone there, a skirt that ended at just the wrong side of a pair of knees.” The article says the store does not accept miniskirts, yet at 3:03 minutes, that’s exactly what is seen in the video. The video is a horror with numerous non-tzniusdik women including one who extols the virtues… Read more »

Moshiach is imminent
September 23, 2011 1:28 pm

Rabbosai, by reading the comments, I’m glad to see that there are many Lubavitchers who still stick to the Halacha and are willing to defend it. On the other hand, I’m amazed by all those people trying to justify lack of tznius and who are refering to those faithful to our Rebbe and the Halacha as being “Talibans”, “extremists”, “unsensitive”, etc. Rabbosai, in Sanhedrin 97a, it says that in the Ikvasa d’Meshicha those who fear G-d would be dispised, the generation will be dog-faced and the truth entirely lacking. So, there is not surprise that those who are faithfull to… Read more »

Laws of Tznius for Our Degenerate Age
September 23, 2011 1:16 pm

Tz’niyus – Not Just About Wearing Gabardine Tights in 90-Degree Weather Many women mistakenly think that tz’niyus is about covering your legs and arms. This is wrong. Tz’niyusis also about covering your feet and wrists. More than that, tz’niyus is really a way of life, a set of rules that governs everything you do – whether you are cooking meals, sewing clothes, scouring pots or doing laundry. Tz’niyus means avoiding attention, wrapping yourself in anonymity. One famous Gadol was married to his wife for twelve years before he learned her name. Even then, he only found out by accidentally overhearing… Read more »

Dumb
September 23, 2011 12:48 pm

if u are writing a article u dont leave out details like “almost 100 % tznius” how are we supposed to translate that to mean?? i take it that u are saying half truth that u really werent properly tznius and u were a little tznius in some places and therefore u could say “almost 100 %”

whats with the klalos?
September 23, 2011 12:42 pm

are all of you losing your minds?? true , being untznius is wrong. the beis hamikdash was destroyed for sinus chinom,not for women dressing untznius or other terrible sins its so easy for people to hate and say its not so bad,but if you dont do 100% right,then they are ready to tell you off. the funny thing is , that all these people screaming about tznius, are doing major sins and they arent worried about that. by the way , i think its terrible the tznius situation,but we need to explain to the women in a nice way ,… Read more »

No proof that he went too far
September 23, 2011 12:41 pm

Nobody should blame that guy. First of all, the author of the article didn’t even describe how she was dressed. She is giving vague description. But I’m sorry, it is not a proof that she was tzniusdike. I know many women who, for instance, wear body fit skirts, claiming at the same time that because it reaches below the kness it’s OK. Tznius is not only about the skirt lenght. It’s also about the colors of your clothes and wheither it’s body fitting clothes or not. So, a woman can have the impression that she is tzniusdike while the truth… Read more »

go live in mea sharim
September 23, 2011 12:33 pm

anyone who doesnt like the way people in ch dress should go live in mea sharim. Will you also keep track of how the goyim in ch dress and harass them as well. How about all the actresses on TV and internet that you find in your own homes. Please people pull it together. Love your fellow Jew before it is too late.

you can move
September 23, 2011 12:29 pm

for all that have a problem with Tznius the Gemorah give a choice

תלמוד בבלי מסכת קידושין דף מ עמוד א

אמר רבי אלעאי הזקן: אם רואה אדם שיצרו מתגבר עליו, ילך למקום שאין מכירין אותו, וילבש שחורים ויתכסה שחורים ויעשה כמו שלבו חפץ, ואל יחלל שם שמים בפרהסיא

From A shlucha
September 23, 2011 12:23 pm

Women should feel scared and petrified to walk down the streets of cCrown Heights in an untznius way. just like someone is aware f the consequences wen they walk around meah shearim. yes, its the only way! when i take peope to crown heights i want to show them the beauty and dignity of the Rebbes Shechuna, not that kingston is just like Main Street usa……we are an am kodosh, its time to start dressing that way too

go ahead and blame the effect not cause
September 23, 2011 12:21 pm

instead of spending all your time bashing the guy who has no clue how to approach someone why dont you realize that the real problem is your clothing?

What is the world does almost 100% mean?
what if i tell you this food is almost 100% kosher?

you are looking for ways to make yourself feel good by bashing the nut who followed you

You should be embarrassed to write it was not 100%

Is it the same guy?
September 23, 2011 12:20 pm

Something similar happened to me last Friday. I was approached by a bochur who asked me to speak to a nearbye woman about her lack of tznius, which was offensive to him. He explained that he, as a bochur, could not approach the woman, but he was asking me to do it instead. After I explained to him that the Taliban has not yet taken over in Crown Heights, I asked him what her thought I could accomplish by verbally attacking the other woman. (And yes, even if I had done it nicely, she would have perceived it as a… Read more »

to comment 105
September 23, 2011 12:19 pm

Your Wrong. Period. It is NOT a grey area… it is a HALACHA, that’s the mistake that everyone is making, its not an option, it’s not a chumra – its a halacha!!!!! plain and simple!!! look how much sense this makes: A person says their keeping shabbos, and does everything right, except friday night after the meal he goes outside and lights a cigarette, and says “Im ALMOST completely 100% keeping shabbos….”, what kind of narishkeit is that??? Either you are or you arent, that’s first of all – second of all, it is a halacha, if you call yourself… Read more »

old time
September 23, 2011 12:05 pm

This guy has no social skills. Does that mean that he is wrong? This is not the way to do it. However, what she did is a lot worse. Do not pollute our streets, our youth and our minds.. If you want to dress the way you want to, go to a different neighborhood. Please get out of here!!!!!!!! We do not want you here. You do need to be taught how to dress. However, this guy is not the one to do it. I wish there were enough men and women with guts to harass people like you. Maybe… Read more »

Finally!
September 23, 2011 11:54 am

Rabbonim you are doing right.

The people have heard the tznius cry for quite some years now and have chosen to ignore it. It is time you take it to new hights.
If they feel they can’t do as they wish they can leave the neighborhood and the Rebbe will be thankful!

(If you can’t take the heat get out of the kitchen. You are burning the neshomos of innocent yidden.)

Stop Harassing the resident of CH! Dress Properly!!!
September 23, 2011 11:51 am

Well I feel I am being harrassed by not being able to walk the streets as a chassidishe yungerman would like.
Why do I need to be privy to the most uncomfortable of situations??? If I would seek that Ican go to Times Square for 1 MTA fare..!

Thank you!
September 23, 2011 11:45 am
Did you learn chitas this week?
September 23, 2011 11:43 am

In this weeksa parsha the TORAH tells us that we are responsible for each others and therefore are punished for the sins of others as it says “hanisturois L”Hashem Elokeinu vhaniglois lonu ilvoneinu” – we are responsible for anything done in public and it is our responsibility to take it up and be mochiach those that sin.

The minhag in many places is that the above mentioned possuk is read louder than the rest of the parsha so that everyone should hear it CLEARLY!

Yes, according to the Torah, if you would, consider yidden the Taliban…”

105 who's the moron
September 23, 2011 11:42 am

Kindly find one Jewish Halacha book that backs up what you are saying that tzniyus is a grey area???

to 25!!!!!!!!
September 23, 2011 11:39 am

only pics will work!!!
are you crazy who the heckl do you think will be looking at these pic’s

Kosher, Tznius and Grey areas
September 23, 2011 11:39 am

There are many kosher restaurants (especially out of NY) where it’s 95% okay, such as a pizza or bagel shop where people buy the bagles and salad but not the cream cheese which they know isn’t cholov yisroel. etc.

Yes not everything is black and white, not in kosher and not in Tznius.

proof, you say “bright colors” are bad and “dark colors” are good. now there are 1000’s of color shades, go find a rule book that says which is ok and which is not.

That’s the meaning of “spirit of the law”

Test of our generation
September 23, 2011 11:35 am

One of the tests of our generation is in matters of tznius, as we see how very difficult it has become. Since it is so difficult, it means we all have to work on that and improve in that area. It is true that criticism should be done with sensitivity and in an appropriate manner, but it is also true that women and girls should be given shiurim not only about the laws of tznius, but the deeper inyanim and the affects lack of tznius could wreak in a person’s personal life, marriage, and for the community as a whole.… Read more »

Almost Tznius
September 23, 2011 11:31 am

Very simple, it means that on a scale of 1-100 it’s somewhere in the 90’s.

No, it’s not like almost pregnant (don’t know where you pulled that example from). it’s like, I almost got everything right,

Aaron
September 23, 2011 11:24 am

BH 50 and 94 ecellent points

Finally!
September 23, 2011 11:22 am

Finally, Rabonim speaking out about the importance of Tznius. I think many of us are so ignorant, and don’t realize just how important Tznius is!!

Anonymous
September 23, 2011 11:19 am

I wonder what you meant by “almost”. Whatever you wore must not have been according to proper halachic standards. Maybe it wouldn’t be such a bad idea to have “tznius police”. We don’t sem to be able to be tzniusdik without it…

you morons
September 23, 2011 11:11 am

Kosher = black and whiteTznius = gray area
so you cannot compare the two!

spirit of the law
September 23, 2011 11:06 am

is only lifnim mishuras hadin. it is impossible to act in the spirit of a law that u r violating. Hashem should help you.

Just curious
September 23, 2011 10:58 am

Why dont the non jewish women walking around dressed with barely a fig leaf get harrassed by these people? I do agree that the problem with tznius needs to be fixed but harrassment is not the way to do it. This turns people off and pushes them further from yiddishkeit. There must be a better way to get the message across.

Both are wrong
September 23, 2011 10:51 am

The man has no right to do it in such a manner as it is not at all a tzniusdike way. The woman too admits that she was not tzniusdic 100%!

The reality is that the way ladies (chasidishe ladies!) dress in the community is a pure emabressment!

Also COLLIVE: you forgot to add a ? mark at the end of your title or are you not just reporting but stating an opinion?

challenge
September 23, 2011 10:41 am

I think we should challenge those women, that obviously are not ashamed, to seat by a table with Rabbonim, mashpiyim and mechanchim to discuss the issue of tznius. Neshei ubnos chabad should make parlor meetings of 10 women at the time it will have a great effect. If we get one women per session to change it will be tremendous!!

chinuch
September 23, 2011 10:33 am

I think it came to a point that mosdos have to reject talmidim that their mothers go untzinusdik. when this will happen and they will have to send their kids out of the schuneh they will move out or they will realize that they can’t spit on our faces and they will change for better. Then, our kids will be better too. Hashem yerachem!

long sheitl
September 23, 2011 10:29 am

halevai every women in ch will go out to the street with a long sheitl instead of tichl that covers hal heads!!!

just wondering
September 23, 2011 10:21 am

so looking at a women to see how she is dressd, and so much so to even notice her again….and stoping her to talk to her about that. IS THAT TZNIUS????????

shouldnt this at least be a “job” for a women to do??????

Damage controll
September 23, 2011 10:16 am

Sad to come to this, but the ladies and girls crossed all red lines and are causing damage to ALL our children and families. We are all harased by the “pritzus” of some ladies. Time to take our streets back, for 10 years some people (ladies and men) have made us and the rebbe uncomfortable in OUR sechuna, we tried many ways maybe not enough, but yes now will make YOU uncomfortable if you ruin our streets and families. While this may not be right way the alarming damage is forcing us to do things out of frusteration. So if… Read more »

innapropiate
September 23, 2011 10:11 am

in crown heights this should not be happening of course i agree that tznius is a very important matter and everyone in crown heights should dress accordingly to these standards but for a man in ch to go over to a married women and start harrsing her is just unacceptable wat would the rebbe do would the rebbe go over to that woman and start screaming at her and embarresing her ofcourse not do u think it would make that women want to dress more modest after some1 harrassed her only she can decide you cant change some1s mind 4… Read more »

Long Shaitel
September 23, 2011 10:00 am

Stop here. You want knees covered, fine. Women are supposed to look good for their husbands and feel good about themselves when they walk in the street.

Just because you get married you have to look plain and flat headed and ugly.

Extremism is wrong…Rebbe says Middle path

WHEN WILL WE ATTACK THE MEN?
September 23, 2011 9:55 am

lets start by asking men to stop cutting their beards, wearing pink shirts & way too tight pants! In ch stores, men are being ridiculed for wearing a kappata that isnt the length of a mini skirt, or pants that are not like womens tights! If your “holy” men wanted tznius wives & found tznius attractive you would not have this problem! They all want runway models. So now kingston ave looks like Milan! Hope all you men who wanted this are happy! & ladies….if someone does harass u CALL THE COPS! there are laws against the pervs who bother… Read more »

Illegal activity
September 23, 2011 9:49 am

What ever the halachic opinion is will never give anyone the right to harrasanyone under the US law this is not Iran or Afganistan! The rabonim has the right to publish the halachic opinion as a reminder of who we are and what are our values but if anyone is taking the law in to their hands and try to enforce is by all kind of tactics should be arrested and put away women has the rights to dress as they wish and it is between them and their creator Men, you should not look at any woman especially if… Read more »

not tznius
September 23, 2011 9:49 am

Its not tznius for a man to talk to a woman, if anything a woman should be the tznius police. which i think doesn’t work anyway.
A woman has to feel that not dressing tznius it’s an aveira like eating treif of michalel Shabbos. It’s not a nice thing to do or a chumra, its DIORAISA.

Sick people
September 23, 2011 9:41 am

What the heck are these men who PREACH about tznuis, even glancing at women??? sick world!! people’s priorities are messed up! Look what’s happening with these “so called rabbi” being molesters..I think we need to take a moment and realize what is going on in this world!

Chassidim!
September 23, 2011 9:39 am

#13 why do you assume that only a BT speaks this way?? I find it funny that most of the non tznius action going on on Kingston ave are FFBs not BT! Author – you are in the Rebbe’s schuna! Don’t like it – get out! When Williamsburg came protesting the streets of CH everyone said it was their right because they wanted to keep non-tznius shops out of their neighborhood… what about ours? Are we not Chassidim??? Cover your knees and hair and you won’t be asked to dress in a tznius manner… KINGSTON AVE is disgusting to see,… Read more »

Two words: restraining order
September 23, 2011 9:31 am

This type of behavior easily escalates to violence. CH has had enough violence in the past which led to a total rehaul of the CHJCC and the BD.

Do what you can to stop the downward spiral of the community and put a restrating order on such people. Do not wait until you are a victom of violence and nip harrassment in the bud.

Inappropriate
September 23, 2011 9:24 am

Regardless of the way a woman is dressed, it is absolutely inappropriate for a man who is not her father or husband to be physically scrutinizing her and speaking to her about her physical appearance.

is it ok???
September 23, 2011 9:22 am

so its not ok to dress untzinus BUT its ok for men to talk to MARRIED women on the street??? what would the REBBE say about that? and the MEN dress with thier shirts untucked???? i never saw the rebbe dress with his shirt untucked

the Rebbeh wants our good
September 23, 2011 9:11 am

since the Rebbeh begged us re Tznius and Sheitul
that’s thats because it really does brings soo much good into our life…

its not just sifrei mussar that talk of the harm caused by Immodesty! the Rebbeh who never condoned mussar also (on this matter) warned of the dangers RL…

spirit of the law...
September 23, 2011 9:10 am

@comment 62:
It means that the skirt may not cover the knees while sitting, but the clothing are never in bright colors or tight. They are subdued and classy.

Yitzchok
September 23, 2011 9:09 am

What a pervert.. Why was this creep looking at women other then his wife? I walk up and down Kingston avenue all day long and I don’t see anything wrong with anybody. This guy is “mamesh” a “chazer” I feel violated that some out there is oggeling my wife, mother, sister whatever. Next time you see him start screaming PERVERT!!!

which mother wouldn't sacrifice for her child
September 23, 2011 8:59 am

its ignorance not selfish inconsideration

dont hurt your kids
September 23, 2011 8:58 am

if women knew what they are really affecting by untznius dress, they would never dream of being immodest again!

its just wide spread ignorance, how it affects Nachas, Parnasa, Health etc etc

self esteem
September 23, 2011 8:53 am

agreed!

self esteem also comes from having good relationships, & accomplishing things in life,

sometimes ppl pretend to be proud of them selves but deep down they have serious self esteem issues!

so lets have mercy they are not selfish they are simply hurting inside (this doesent make it right)

He had a point!!!!
September 23, 2011 8:52 am
''In Your Face'' Immodesty Requires ''In Your Face' Tznious.
September 23, 2011 8:51 am

We all have seen Kosher Style restaurants.99 1/2% won’t do.
Since the merit of our religion is carried by the women,(not to mention our leaving Egypt and Moshiach’s imminent arrival) we must sacrifice our desire for materialization over G-dliness

its all about self esteem issues
September 23, 2011 8:50 am

i know many women who suffer from self image & self esteem issues!

no speeches will help, the underlying issue must be fixed, if their fathers & husbands gave them proper attention & made them feel important & loved etc they would not be soo desperate for the low brand of “trashy” attention

so stop with the speeches & show some love

lack of tznius hurts sooo many ppl
September 23, 2011 8:46 am

according to torah immodesty brings very negative courses!

so please stop (selfishly) hurting the public

thanks

they were both wrong!
September 23, 2011 8:44 am

she cant complain about him being inappropriate on the street nor can he to her
they both acted against halacha and tznius

they both forgot the importance of tznius & all the brachos it brings

Liberals never argue the ISSUE
September 23, 2011 8:36 am

instead they try to DIRTY MOUTH the messenger instead of focusing on the message

EVEN IF THIS STORY WAS TRUE, that is no excuse to do the wrong thing!

he wasnt tznius & u wernt tznius

he botherd you,
& you bothered soo many others!

(because untznius dress brings bad klalos R”L to the community)

so before you get all upset that he is hurting others take a good look in the mirror

its nice to see how many respectful posts there are in favor of Halacha
September 23, 2011 8:31 am

those who favor Halacha & Tznius all agree that this man (if its true) did not really care about halacha or tznius, thats why his words fell on deaf ears

The spirit
September 23, 2011 8:31 am

Let’s reword the opening paragraph…

“I am a married man, who, for the most part, tries to stick with kosher laws. Although sometimes it is difficult to follow the letter of the law, I am always in keeping with the spirit of the law, eating only kosher style”

Coming from a person who claims to be a Torah keeping Jew, that sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?

Dude
September 23, 2011 8:30 am

I love it how people say that if the rebbe was here what would he say. I guess all these teachers in yeshivah that are molesting kids is not the issue at hand. Don’t get me wrong about the women, they should dress as best they can. The fact is this should not be the big issue.

KOSHER STYLE
September 23, 2011 8:27 am

our restaurant is not 100% kosher, but dont worry its Kosher “style”

CH the city of judges......
September 23, 2011 8:17 am

There is no such a thing as a bad jew. One day a woman is not tznius and one day she’ll make Teshuva. She’ll have more chance to make T’chuva living in CH than in Manhattan.You want Geula? Let’s start with love your fellow jew as yourself.

Stupid Issue
September 23, 2011 8:03 am

If someone wants to live in CH they will. How can some state move out? It is a free country, and as such I and any of the many can and will live here. NYPD will get involved and lets see how many of these stupid comments get locked up.
While not condoning the attire – the method and some of these posts are totally off.

You're right "almost"
September 23, 2011 7:54 am

If you say you know how you look, and that you are “almost always” properly dressed, take it upon YOURSELF to do what’s right. True, a man should not apporach a woman, especially in the manner you discussed. But if it there wouldn’t be a reason, any call of attention to make someone do so, then one wouldn’t be approached as you were.

Sorry but both are wrong
September 23, 2011 7:45 am

Approaching a lady in this manner is not tznius either! The woman too is wrong as she admits that she was not 100% tznius H”Y.

dear lord
September 23, 2011 7:25 am

when did crown heights turn into afganistan

Crown heights znius below all standards
September 23, 2011 6:20 am

A short while ago my wife visited CH. She returned in total shock. Maybe 5% of the woman in CH, which she saw in the street, dressed according Halocho. At the Ohel Lubavitcher woman where praying by the Rebbezten, and they where dressed very not tzeniusdik. From what she saw she is now convinced that Lubavitch in CH doesn’t know any more wat tzenius is really about.

Each one of us
September 23, 2011 5:48 am

Most of us dont dress 100 percent Tznius. Dont be sooooo Shocked by the authors ”almost Tznius” Lets just start with ourselves. I know it is hard to find long enough skirts and closed tops. But we REALLY CANT let our knees show when we stand or sit. It is very important! it has to be out of the question to buy something not 100 percent. Once it is out of the question you will start finding Tznius clothes. And yes, I agree with whoever wrote that it is a horrible feeling for me to walk around in CH and… Read more »

Hmmm
September 23, 2011 5:26 am

It’s interesting to read that “although I find it hard to follow the letter of the law, I am modest in the spirit of the law”. I’m curious to hear what this woman finds SO difficult in covering knees, elbows and neckline! In what way does she consider herself modest, whilst not respecting these basic halachos 100%? Especially as she say’s that she is “modest in style”. Perhaps it would be good to have open discussion, not shiurim where people would be talked down to, but genuine and respectful discussion.

Brochos
September 23, 2011 3:35 am

If he chooses to harass you it’s his problem. His level of yiddishkeit is his problem. His interpretation of Torah is his. BUT your tznius level is in your hands. If you weren’t fully tznius it’s up to you to do what you need to. Youu base your yiddishkeit level on someone else? You will choose to be less tznius, lower your standards, and your respect level, because of someone who followed you? The shulchan aruch tells us not to be embarrassed of people who mock us. If u are keeping Halacha, great. You get Hashem’s brochos. If you need… Read more »

rong
September 23, 2011 3:12 am

this whole thing is rong when you walk down the street and see her nees its very atrctive so you can say dont look but if she is dressed like that she wants you to look because she knows its very atractive now thats why we have rulles of tznius that hashem gave us to keep and if you cant keep them then stay away from guys so they wont have a bad thot im not saying its not hard but do it. youl see it makes this world abetter place and we need it that way thanks in advans

I would call the cops
September 23, 2011 3:11 am

You can probably have these guy arrested for harassment

Nu, so what about non Tznius sheitels?
September 23, 2011 3:02 am

Is it tznius to have a 30 inch sheitel (wig) for an Orthodox Jewish woman? 2 years ago Report Abuse Archie B Archie B E. Long Sheitels When a sheitel is longer than shoulder-length, it sways freely with the movement of the head and with the general movement of the body. This swaying is similar to that of living hair, which is particularly bouncy and sways easily. Such a sheitel therefore gives the wearer a distinct girl- like look. In contrast, a short-haired sheitel lies flat on the head even when not tied down and does not sway. This is… Read more »

oh my!!! WHAT HAS THIS SITUATION COME TO?
September 23, 2011 2:51 am

whats with the almost????!!!!
u need to be 100% tznius – its halacha!!!!!
Just like you need to keep shabbos, kosher, you need to cover your knees, elbows, collar bone and hair….. what has this come to??? since when is it okay to be “almost”!!!!!! ITS A HALACHA PEOPLES!!! HELLO!! GET IT!!!!!!!!! And if you can’t respect the community, which abides by halacha – than LEAVE!!!!!!

im not that modest
September 23, 2011 2:40 am

but i dont try to justify it either, or to vilify those who try to defend it

This women is wrong ... so to is this Man
September 23, 2011 2:36 am

their both not tznius!

is it INAPPROPRIATE to stop someone from hurting the public??
September 23, 2011 2:26 am

i think this (fictional) man was wrong, bec his approach doesnt work “practically” if it did actually work! to stop women from dressing against halacha, then matbe it can be justified, considering whats at steak (the upsurge in tragedies to our community) bottom line: we must do all we can to help bring back Hashem’s protection to our community, thus we must use that which works! “Devorim Hayotzim Min Halev” if you really care about a women and her family, she will surely sense it & accept the (good-will) message bec after all who doesnt wanto put a stop to… Read more »

Women
September 23, 2011 2:19 am

Stand up for yourself and for others, women and kids, this guy is a pervert to tell you that you are beautiful?!? and to be analyzing how you are dressed, and keeping track of you, and to talk to you about it!??!!! Next time ask him his name, and file charges against him for harrassment. A pervert like this needs to be labeled so that people can keep their kids away for safety!

to 5
September 23, 2011 2:12 am

“free country lady, next time call the cops and press charges for harrasment, it is true that some woman dress not the way they should, but guess what this New York city and the only thing one can do is not look,so more than writing letter which by itself is funny because the rabbis are in a fight amongst them, all one can do is not look, and woman of crown heights if a man or a woman harasses you for the way you dress, call police and press charges, it is not IRAN here and let people live,” SORRY… Read more »

self esteem is the solution!
September 23, 2011 2:11 am

#50 is correct!

stop attacking those who wanto protect our community from TRAGEDIES!
September 23, 2011 2:10 am

its tough love! when you have the courage to say it as it is! people must know how to prevent the huge escalation of Tzaros (BadNews)

the Rebbeh teaches us how

1) Check Tfilin & Mezuzos annually
2) Study shiur chitas Rambam/Sefer HaM. daily
3) Dress with dignity & self respect! aka following halacha (g-ds will)

i struggled with my attire too!!
September 23, 2011 2:05 am

it aint very easy to dress tznius! my only way to overcome my temptation for provocative dress was, therapy!

the better you feel about yourself about your life the less you’ll be needy for the wrong kind of attentionj

whats going on?
September 23, 2011 2:04 am

everyone agrees that everyone needs to be tznius(men & women & children)
however ,theres no way you can have a man(or women) harrasing anyone.
no need to justifiy and wrongness, case closed

Tznius brings many Brachos to the whole family
September 23, 2011 2:02 am

Lets do it for Hashem! Lets do it for the Brachos it brings to our children

we all do soo much for our children!!

#45 Well said!
September 23, 2011 2:00 am

sadly true! Sinas chinum was always around! what changed was the Tznius to a level that is very desperate…

as a women
September 23, 2011 1:58 am

it hurts Men (my husband) is silently very uncomfortable on kingston Ave

its very inconsiderate of these ladies to disregard the feelings of Men & Wives too, let alone the known tragedies “Hepech Hatznius Brings to Sooo many HYR

Drill a Whole in your seat... is NOT PRIVATE BIZ... =(
September 23, 2011 1:55 am

unfortunately, since how women dress in public has a (Massive) impact on the (Blessings & Fortune of the) Entire community it is not private personal preragative no more! according to many Torah sources (including the Rebbeh who we all trust) immodesty chases away Devine protection from a comunity R”L many tragedies occur as a result of lacking Hashem’s protection Ch”V no need to elaberate on the clear corelation of the spike in Tragedies we’ve all seen recent years, as the Tznius declined! (The politics was always with us in the 80’s 90’s etc) what changed was the Huge increase of… Read more »

Agreed!
September 23, 2011 1:33 am

I agree with you!!
t’s very inappropriate for a man to walk over to a woman and start talking about tznius!

Why is the man looking at her to begin with?!

To #3
September 23, 2011 1:15 am

How ugly are you that you are offended if someone else is pretty?

To #3
September 23, 2011 1:14 am

You are offending me. Can I harass you?

This man is mentally
September 23, 2011 1:13 am

This man is mentally ill, please do not be offended by him or give him any thought. You should only do what you feel is right and what you are comfortable with.

Oh, stop whining already.
September 23, 2011 1:12 am

So the man is missing diplomatic skills. You are offended by his behaviour, yet you offend so many with yours.

No sympathy here.

-An out of towner who cringes every time she comes to CH and sees so many of these untznius whiners.

imature
September 23, 2011 1:00 am

so imature of you to write u want to go down kingston in a bathing suit that is what a teenager would write

to # 3
September 23, 2011 12:58 am

You sound extremely educated and successful with your methods of education. Go back to school and learn how to be POSITIVE –

<>
September 23, 2011 12:55 am

This comment accused a particular individual by name as being the man in the article and was unintentionally approved, is apparently incorrect, and has been removed.

Letters are easy to write
September 23, 2011 12:55 am

If the Rabbanim would behave like Rabbanim people would be able to respect them and things would be looking very different and yes maybe their “letters” would not be so necessary

tzip
September 23, 2011 12:51 am

next time call the police for harassment

"Almost" doesn't count
September 23, 2011 12:46 am

Dress tznius (according to halachah -and in this community Minhag Chabad) not “your style” and you won’t be harassed.

if you cant dress 100% properly stay home
September 23, 2011 12:30 am

do you stop and think how much damage you will do to my kids if you “parading on Kingston in a bathing suit”

Slanted journalism
September 23, 2011 12:28 am

This is a peculiar way to present a letter signed by a majority of Badatz. (Why it wasn’t unanimous is beyond me!) Who cares if a few people are overworked about this issue? Let thous who flout the Rebbe’s standards of tzinius reconsider their conduct; it can do no harm.

tznius is the problem
September 23, 2011 12:27 am

bec we dont keep tznius people are losing their jobs. kids are going off the way. kids and adults are being abused. there are car accidents. people are dying at a young age.
do these women and girls have no guilt?

call the police on him
September 23, 2011 12:27 am

for stalking and harrassing

to # 1
September 23, 2011 12:26 am

who are you. lets see how many people you can beat up and how many years you will get in jail!
Mendel aisekovitz

What???
September 23, 2011 12:26 am

Almost 100% tznius???

dont live in crown heights
September 23, 2011 12:25 am

when a non frum jew or goy come to a jewish wedding they put on a yarmulke out of respect. if you choose to live in CH dress according to the rules of the community. otherwise move to miami or bal harber

awww
September 23, 2011 12:25 am

r u offended? I feel so sorry for you…. well actually i don’t

only pictures will work
September 23, 2011 12:24 am

we need to get pictures of every person who walks around not 100% tznius and make a tznius watch website. this will all be done anonymously so nobody will know who is behind it.

he is not being tznius
September 23, 2011 12:24 am

what this man is doing is completelyuntznius-looking at women to see who is properly dressed-iit would be more tznius for him to be sitting with a sefer and learning

To #1
September 23, 2011 12:22 am

Let us know who you are so we can know who to be scared of…

We, the men are at fault
September 23, 2011 12:22 am

Let’s not forget why the laws of tznius are here. It is because of us men. Just because we cannot control ourselves, why punish the women?

resident
September 23, 2011 12:22 am

enough is enough, yes yesterday on kingston ave. was a young married woman dressed very untziniustik with sick bright colors and mini-skirt so until when are you going to tolerate in our Shruna, how those husband can keep quiet, if we keep quiet, this machalah will continue G-d Forbid, so let’s stop and review your halachos!!! after all you all remain Bas Chabad girls!!!..

crazy
September 23, 2011 12:20 am

this is insane!! whats next? are they going to start hanging banners in the middle of the streets and squirt women with bleach filled water guns like in mea sharim???? i find it very hard to believe there arent more important causes to give masser than to tznius police. its good to raise awareness but harassing people on the street will get nowhere and yes one of these tznius police officers will get there tuchus kicked if they keep harassing people!!!

Men also have a chiyuv of tzniyus - this should also be hilighted
September 23, 2011 12:17 am

Men also have laws of tzniyus. Men need to be made aware of their chiyuv in tzniyus and this needs to be publicised in balance with the publicity given for women’s tzniyus. It is not meant to be a vendeta against women, as this misguided zealot obviously doesn’t understand. He needs to learn the laws of his own tzniyus responsibilities. It is not acceptable to harass anyone, especially not a man to a woman. Unfortunately the method in which the tzniyus issue is dealt with creates a breeding ground for negative implications against all women.

no thank you?
September 23, 2011 12:12 am

“Thinking he was looking for tzedaka, I said “no thank you” and continued walking.” I think the “no thank you” attitude would have offended me more than a woman allegedly dressing inappropriately according to halacha. If another Yid approaches you for tzadoka a “no I’m so sorry and I wish you all the best” would have been more appropriate than brushing him off like some hawker selling rolex watches. Obviously in this case, it turned out that he wasn’t after tzadoka after all, but you could nevertheless have addressed him appropriately when you had that assumption…unless thats how you address… Read more »

that was not the cahbad way...
September 23, 2011 12:11 am
not 100% tzinius!!!
September 23, 2011 12:09 am
keep it up
September 23, 2011 12:04 am

I think that at this point crown heights is so lost that the only way to help is through people like this, why is it that you can walk around the way you do and the frum people have to be afraid to talk. at this point this is the only way.

i remember someone complaining about this type of behavior and she said “if this continues I’m going to move out of crown heights”

KEEP IT UP

This is wrong
September 23, 2011 12:01 am

But when you walk around in C H and many are dressed like people do not care about tzniyus,i’ts a terrible feeling.

May we all have all the brochos

old timer
September 23, 2011 12:00 am

#1 you sound like a small guy who wants others to think that he is macho. Stop this kind of talk. What this guy did in the street is totally unacceptable. Someone stop him. He sounds like a BT or better a nut case who does not think for himself but heard that something should be done so he just does. however, this does not excuse the woman for dressing almost 100%. Either it is or it is not. Like saying someone is a little bit pregnant.. Dress like a lubavitcher or get out of the neighborhood.

Chillul Hashem. Isn't it worse to harass women and better to stay inside?
September 22, 2011 11:59 pm

Next time you see him, hand him a paper bag to wear over his head and explain that you’re only helping him to fulfill not looking at women in an inappropriate manner. If you see him again after that, motion to his head and say “again?”

u sound upset
September 22, 2011 11:58 pm

I think the best way to teach this man is by MOVING OUT OF OUR SHCHUNA we need more people talking out and if you don’t like it LEAVE… it’s because of people like you that everything has to be in a “POSITIVE” way that we look like the way we look.

I will keep asking you "again?"
September 22, 2011 11:55 pm

I am always watching you, I see you the way you are dressed and how you are not dressed tsnisudik, I keep requesting that you dress in the right and proper way. I know what is in your heart, but I want to see action. Who am I? I am Hashem – always watching and waiting for you to follow my mitzvos. I still love you even though you do not follow my commandments.

out of hand
September 22, 2011 11:52 pm

!!!

to the author:
September 22, 2011 11:52 pm

I feel bad that you had to go through what you did as you were almost perfect. He should of chose someone else who was very obviously non tzniusdik.
I see woman with long sheitels and a skirt right under there bottoms instead of right on or over their knees!!

HOW CAN SO MANY WOMAN WALK AROUND WITH THEIR FULL KNEES AND MOST OF THE TOP OF THE LEG UNCOVERED. SINCE WE ARE 3 WE KNOW TO COVER OUR KNEES.
I THINK WE NEED TZNIIUS POLICE WOMAN!!!!!!!!

Here we go again...
September 22, 2011 11:50 pm

Yet another story of an innocent immodest woman being harassed by an insensitive lowlife who cares about Tznius. I’m reminded of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. They kill people by the hundreds without batting an eyelash, but if we ever kill any of theirs, whether with good reason or by accident, suddenly we’re the evil murderers. Anyone in their right minds can see that the issue in Crown Heights is the people dressing immodestly, not the one in a hundred who has the gall to rebuke them. I can’t judge whether this guy was doing the right thing under the circumstances or… Read more »

the rebbe
September 22, 2011 11:46 pm

if you want to live in the rebbes neighborhood, think the rebbe will see you on the streets and you’ll dress 100 percent. If you put even one piece of cheese on a piece of meet it is still not kosher. Review the laws and you’ll know when you can dress as you please and when you can’t.

free country
September 22, 2011 11:45 pm

lady, next time call the cops and press charges for harrasment, it is true that some woman dress not the way they should, but guess what this New York city and the only thing one can do is not look,so more than writing letter which by itself is funny because the rabbis are in a fight amongst them, all one can do is not look, and woman of crown heights if a man or a woman harasses you for the way you dress, call police and press charges, it is not IRAN here and let people live,

the real yossi
September 22, 2011 11:44 pm

it can never go to far, just like those running round without beards and short skirts have no limits the tznius police should act without any limits

tzadkik
September 22, 2011 11:40 pm

don’t offend others and you won’t be harrased

He's a nutjob
September 22, 2011 11:33 pm

Someone knows who this creep is. He needs to be stopped.

That said, you may THINK you’re almost OK, but “almost” isn’t enough. Start dressing like a Bas Chabad & all negative comments will stop. It’s your choice.

yossi
September 22, 2011 11:32 pm

if anyone harasses my family i will hunt them down and knock him out on the street. if someone wants to make a point or educate the community of their values, they can do so in a non threatening manner. anyone that threatens, harasses, or acts inappropriate to someone”s wife or daughter deserves a lesson in values from me.

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