Is Wearing a Sheital a Mitzvah?
In Orthodox Judaism, a mitzvah represents a religious obligation or commandment. For married Jewish women, covering their hair in public is considered a mitzvah to preserve their beauty for their husbands. While sheitals are widely used among Jewish women, wearing one is not specifically mandated as the only way to fulfill this requirement.
Meeting the Mitzvah
The mitzvah is fulfilled as long as a married woman covers her hair in some manner when in public. This allows for flexibility in choosing from various hair coverings, including snoods, headscarves, or other options besides sheitals.
Popularity and Appeal
Despite not being a mitzvah itself, sheitals remain popular due to their natural appearance and ability to blend seamlessly with one’s own hair. This natural look helps Jewish women feel comfortable and less conspicuous in diverse settings.
Advantages of Sheitals
One of the advantages of sheitals is their realistic appearance, offering versatility in styles to suit different preferences and occasions. This allows women to change their appearance while maintaining a natural look.