[Avodah] Pisuq raglayim

[Micha Berger]

Just to start at the beginning. We discussed pisuq raglayim back in volume 2,
v2n157 - n160. Take a look at
<http://www.aishdas.org/avodah/vol02/v02n155.shtml#01>, where RYGB raises the
question of pisuq raglayim and men, and the conversation that ensued at
<http://www.aishdas.org/avodah/getindex.cgi?section=P#PISUK%20RAGLAIM>, and
the subsequent two entries in the topic index.

(I'm surprised you don't have a conversation from 8 years ago at your
fingertips. <grin++>)

On Fri, February 9, 2007 8:15 am, R Meir Shinnar wrote:
:> Pisuq ragalayim isn't a modern invention. It's das Moshe, Sinaitic, assur
:> even if everyone does it and no one finds it "interesting". It comes from the
:> kevesh and not having stairs. The big she'eilah is what's the matir for men.

: 1) The kohanim wore michansayim... From the keves, one should learn,
: if anything, that skirts should be assur...

Collecting a few of RYGB's points: Rav Moshe Tzuriel (mashgiach, Sha'alvim)
argued that the kapote is superior to the jacket because it eliminates pisuq
raglayim questions. The kohein's kusones serves a similar purpose -- except
when running up stairs.

: 2) Is there any classic halachic source from before the nineteenth
: century that codifies pisuk raglayim as assur for either men or women?

As for RMT's meqoros, RYGB adds:
> Rabbi Tzuriel told it to me personally, but in the Beis Yechezkel vol. 1
> p. 304 he quotes the Maharil in the Likutim and Sefer Eleh Ha'Mitzvos
> l'R"M Chagiz.

The Maharil would place it at 14th, not 19th cent. Whether the Chazal can be
taken to assume such an issur lema'aseh is debatable. I would say yes, but I
am sure you would question it.

RYZirkind found Rashi in Pesachim 3a "lashon neqi'ah", which speaks of the
issur of women taking harchovas haposi'os. A different problem that is
somewhat related. But at least shifts the kohein's precedent to a question of
women.

So, what needs justification isn't why women can't wear pants, except perhaps
with a sari, but why men are allowed to without a similar long shirt or
jacket.

Tir'u baTov!
-mi

-- 
Micha Berger             Spirituality is like a bird: if you tighten
micha at aishdas.org        your grip on it, it chokes; slacken your grip,
http://www.aishdas.org   and it flies away.
Fax: (270) 514-1507                            - Rav Yisrael Salanter