We watched a movie about an ultra-Orthodox woman ambivalating over whether to stop wearing a wig, as women of her station are expected to wear, and came to opposite conclusions about what it all means.
This is a segment from The “73 Days In” Edition.
When I got divorced after 30 years of marriage, I slowly came to the decision that I am not going to wear a wig any more. I was ostracized by certain family members and I tried to cover up when going to their homes. Eventually I decided not to do it and just come as I am. I saw such hypocrisy and was fed up with it. Even now people don’t beleive that I’m religious. I don’t have silky auburn hair, rather long white hair and I am the only one in syagogue who shows up this way.
Pearl, what you wrote is moving and inspiring. Thank you for writing.
Now that time has passed, have people grown more accepting? Has anyone else in your synagogue followed your example?
People got used to it. No one in my shul is about to follow my example! Thanks for responding. I
That’s how norms change for the better, by one brave person deciding they’re willing to face whatever social pressures to do something different. Kol ha-Kavod!