Modesty: An Adornment for Life

by Pesach Eliyahu Falk

A clear and comprehensive delineation of the laws of modesty as outlined in Jewish law. This new bestseller provides insights and practical advice on all aspects of dress and behavior.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish

706 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1998

Reviews

[Kressel Housman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all English-language books on the subject of tznius (modesty), this one is probably the best on the market. It's certainly the most comprehensive. It's meant to be used as a Halachic reference guide, and it covers every topic you can think of, from make-up to clothing to hair covering to behavior between men and women. There are also sections on developing an attitude of tznius, and I re-read these from time to time for an uplift.

I've heard people criticize this book as too strict. The author is decidedly right-wing, but he himself points out which rulings are strictures kept only in particular communities. I've also heard people say the book "isn't for beginners." I understand their point because all these rules could seem overwhelming at first, but like with anything else in teshuva, the laws can be taken on gradually. I think every frum Jewish woman, whether BT or FFB, should have this book on her shelf. It's an easy-to-use guide to what is arguably our most important mitzvah.

[Fred]

OMG

Every page is a horrifying gem!

[Rivkeh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful guidance to becoming a more modest Bas Melech :)

[Tali · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing and inspiring. The gateshead community is well know even outside of haredi circles, as is Rav Falk.
In many ways this is the 'go-to' book on tznius no matter what your hashkafa. Here everything is laid out in respectful, and even insightful ways. Rav Falk is obviously very stringent but the book gives a you a great deal of the halacha behind the stringencies (obviously a lot of stuff is minhag and varies according to time and place). I wouldn't recommend it to the new bt but for someone who has been bt for a while it is a terrific resource. I would also add that it's really important to keep in mind that standards are different across different communities and alot of what he says is minhag. No denim, no red, no floor length skirts etc is expected in Gateshead or Bnei Brak but you can be more flexible in Sydney or LA.
I did find the parts on how to dress young girls very uncomfortable. Perhaps it was the writing or perhaps I misinterpreted him but it seemed to put the onus of blame on a young girl if her appearance caused a grown man to be attracted to her (!). Maybe I have it wrong but it was very hard reading those parts.
Other parts of tznius for young girls was inspiring, his veiws on why little girls shouldn't wear clothes emblazoned with brand names and the word "princess" was amazing and I could honestly see it coming from a top notch parenting expert.
Any frum woman who reads it will definitely take something away from it.

[Tzniutfashion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kedushas Yisrael is so important today. The mitzvah of tznius is the most important mitzvah for the Jewish woman.


As a designer of modest clothing for Jewish women and girls, I have studied this book and its companion, "The Tznius Handbook" extensively, and am regularly reviewing it, in order to make sure that the garments I design meet halacha.


I believe this book and its companion are essential in any observant Jewish home.


My designs and garments can be purchased according to your custom measurements at ModestAnytime.com. With your custom measurements, you will have a neckline, sleeve slength, skirt length and blouse or dress fit that are ample and kosher. I strive to create garments that meet the mehudar (refined) standards described in these books.

[Alexis]

Modesty: An Adornment for Life by Pesach Eliyahu Falk (1998)