Submitted by Eileen Lemberger, Jan 29, 2008 18:33

Jesse, I found the contents of your article to linger on past reading it. I found so many things to ponder about. Is it that the women who find it essential to keep their family ritual of being covered important to please them or do they want to do it for themselves? Do they use the 'underneath fashionista' to show to their women friends or just like the idea they can move freely in their society without men leering at them? Do they consider leaving their ways and take off the overclothing or is this OK and if it is why? What part does this play in their engagement and marriage rituals? I assume their husbands will be able to find out who they are - fashion-wise after the ceremony. I can understand rituals as part of everyday as I grew up in Brooklyn (Borough Park) as saw the Orthdox Jewish girls wear long sleeves and high necks even on hot summer days. I saw the older woman transform from their grandmothers ugly wigs (shaytels) to beautiful made-for-them human hair modern wigs. At a elementary school reunion in Brooklyn in 2001 I saw 'girls' now middle age women mostly Orthodox wear gorgeous wigs while my hair frizzed in the humidity. I will say that they all looked wonderful and hugged me with such love and appreciation for my part in creating the reunion. I believe I am the least religious woman that attended. Let's say- I left the fold. I became a free flowers in my hair hippie. Which is better? I don't know. I don't judge them. I think they'd be happy being matched to a rich man. PS. I have been your mother's friend since high school, but I wrote all of this before I knew your wrote the article. You Rock. Eileen

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