What is the reasoning behind the act of Jewish married woman covering their heads in public?
The source is an inference found in Numbers (5; 18): a married woman, suspected of having been involved in an adulterous relationship, would have her hair uncovered. According to the Talmud (Kesubos 72a), it was clearly understood that under normal circumstances a Jewish woman’s hair would be covered.
Perhaps one could say that the covering provides a similar service as does a man’s yarmulka: when I go through my day with my head at least partly covered, I am supposed to be thereby reminded that my activities should reflect the terms of my relationship with God. There is something that should remain “on my mind” that encourages me to evaluate my actions by a higher authority.
Similarly, by covering her hair, a women is maintaining a symbol designed to strengthen her commitment to one key aspect of her life, her marriage. Indeed, a married person (man or woman) must act differently, with greater caution and propriety, than others as here’s so much depending on a marriage ‘s sanctity and success. A couple’s very happiness and satisfaction (along with that of their children) rests almost exclusively on their loyalty and cheerful obedience to each other. A wife, and those who encounter her through the day, can regularly consider the importance of this relationship.
In response to a question about the impact hair-covering might have on a woman’s self-image and attractiveness, I once responded:
“As to your feeling that covering your hair is ugly, let me make a personal comment (and you can take it for whatever it’s worth): beauty is very subjective and its definitions are as varied as there are human beings with eyes. I think that there’s a lot to be said (from a purely esthetic perspective) for the attractiveness of the hidden. Having everything open
for the world to see, in my opinion, detracts from a person’s attractiveness and even makes them a bit less interesting. “And as to your feeling that this halacha is sexist (insofar as “sexism” is the unequal treatment of the sexes), I will thoroughly agree with you: Judaism most clearly and proudly treats the sexes differently.Just as all thinking people realize that different strengths and styles require different opportunities (see my essay on the subject ). But I will add that this “sexism” doesn’t in the least bit demean or objectify women (as does so much of the secular consumer culture).”
With my best regards,
Rabbi Boruch Clinton
Ottawa, Canada