Question: I know that married, Jewish women must cover their hair when in front of other men. Yet, why do some women cover their hair in front of their husbands or when they are alone at home?

Answer: You are correct in your assumption that women do not need to cover their hair when they are not out in public. Although, due to the fact that God’s presence is everywhere, we must be modest even in our own homes, the covering of a women’s hair is not considered “immodest” in the privacy of the home. Nevertheless, many women continue to cover their hair in private. Most likely, this is because of the following story from the Talmud (Yoma 47a): A woman named “Kimchis” was asked how she merited to have seven sons that all served as the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). She responded that it was because even the beams of her house had never seen her hair revealed.

While it may seem like a good thing to emulate, as with all questions of Jewish law, it would be best to talk to a Rabbi before accepting any extra stringencies.

Be well,

R’ Daniel Fleksher