The Jewish Power Blog: Fashion Statements |
Several passages in the Torah are associated with the requirement that Jews be distinguished by their appearance; perhaps the clearest and best-known is the commandment to wear blue fringes on the corners of one’s garment (tzitzit – Num. 15:38-40). Today this ordinance is observed by Orthodox Jews, so it serves not as a general sign of Jewish identity, but identifies members of Orthodox communities. After the destruction of the Temple, the ancient recipe for blue dye was believed lost, so it became customary to wear only white fringes. In our time, some Jews who feel the messiah approaching have restored the custom of blue fringes. Other distinctive signs include head-covering (not of biblical origin) and side-curls (pe’ot).
It is surprising, therefore, that in his survey of gentile literature about the Jews in post-biblical antiquity, historian Shaye Cohen could find no evidence of Jews being recognizable by their clothing or hairstyles. (Diasporas in Antiquity, 2020, p. 10) But apparently his conclusion is correct, for throughout the middle ages we have texts and artwork showing that Muslim and Christian rulers required Jews to wear a distinctive badge (or hat, or sash) so that they........