The Rebbe would address the topic of Tznius every year before the summer months. The following short thoughts of the Rebbe on tznius are a continuation of a weekly summer series and are compiled by Rabbi Michoel Seligson.
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“In our generation the lack of Tznius exists, similar to a plague.”
Rabbi Hodokov the Rebbe’s chief secretary relayed many directives from the Rebbe regarding Tznius. They were compiled in the book Hachinuch v’Hamechanech
“In every generation exists an avoda zora (idol) that relates exclusively to that specific generation. Great effort needs to be made to overcome and nullify it.
In our generation the lack of tznius exists, similar to a plague [G-D should protect]. It is necessary to overpower it, and particularly in matters which provoke the yetzer horo. At times, after acting this way so often, it seems to the person that it is acceptable and is something permitted (see Talmud Yuma 86b). But the prohibition still remains in effect and one needs to exert extra strength [against it].”
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“I will need to distance them from my dalet amos”
Rabbi Shmuel Chefer, the dean of Bais Rivka in Kfar Chabad, Israel relayed a directive he heard from the Rebbe in yechidus:
The Rebbe expressed himself sharply on this matter. The Rebbe requested to gather all the students, and especially their mothers, and speak to them words from the heart, not to change the tznius way of dressing. The institution should demand that garments be appropriate for a Jewish daughter, according to the Shulchan Aruch.
“Although there are rumors that a non-Jew in Paris is coming out with a style that is opposite [to the Shulchan Aruch], hopefully they will wear long clothes because this is what the Shulchan Aruch states and not because the non-Jew in Paris chose another design. Oy v’avoy to them, if they follow the non-Jew’s decision in Paris, and not do all in accordance with the laws of the Shulchan Aruch.”
The Rebbe concluded, “If after speaking to the girls and their parents, they will not adhere G-D forbid, I will need to distance them from my dalet amos” [my surroundings] (Kfar Chabad #1618).
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“A woman’s tznius is the assured path for health, parnossa and much nachas”
“It was explained in many places in the Talmud and the Zohar, that strengthening a woman’s tznius is the assured path for health, parnossa and much nachas; true nachas from children and grandchildren. This is dependent on each of you, to accomplish in herself and to be concerned for your friends, and that also relatives and acquaintances should be informed of the great potential that they have and the success attributed to that.” (Igros Kodesh vol. 8 page 203).
Kol Hakovod for this amazing selection of articles regarding tznius! All of Klal Yisroel desperately needs the chizuk in regard to tznius.
Thank you!
It can be seen that part of the problem with “THIS” generation is that those who conduct themselves objectionably are the ones who think that they should only be shown more love. Their Yetzer Hora is seeking to have the habit reinforced. The best thing to do when one’s enemy wants something is to do the opposite. Immodesty is an unsafe place and/or state. One does not “show love” when someone’s house is on fire. One gets the person out. If one cannot, one certainly distances themselves from the fire. In Shuls and Chabad Houses too standards must be set… Read more »
Please continue past the summer. We need the chizuk through Elul, through the crowds of Tishrei and simchas beis hashoeva. We need it in the autumn, winter, and spring!
Please make this a regular weekly column.
This sounds very harsh. to distance oneself if a daughter is not tznius. I don’t think this is for THIS generation. It will just push these girls and boys further away from yiddishkiet. there has to be another way!! Maybe showing them more love!!!
When will the sefer Kvuda Bas Melech, regarding the halachos of Tznius and endorsed by the leading halachic authorities of our times, including the major Rabbonim of Anash, be reprinted?
Don’t chalish- tell them. lovingly.
Words from the heart enter the heart.
They respect you.
You can do it!
of this column to all Neshei Chabad. We must read and re-read the Rebbe’s directives on tznius. Something must be done about our negligence in this most important area!
I can imagine how many teachers face this. The administration of the schools have to have policies and methods in place for teachers to be able to make inroads in this. How sad with our own our mouths cannot express what is in our minds and hearts.
Mothers who are not tznius: have you ever thought what an embarrassment you might be to your children?
Maybe when they grow up they could come to you with complaints. “Why weren’t you more careful with tznius?”
Mothers care very deeply about the welfare of their children and want the best for them. Many times when moms come to me with concerns, I’m chalishing to tell them to start with tzneus.
It should be incumbent upon all schools to strictly adhere to the Rebbe’s directive on tznius for all girls and boys.