[Avodah] Sleeves that Cover the Elbows

[Prof. Levine]

At 09:21 AM 8/16/2012, Chana Luntz wrote:


> >On the other hand, given the Kedusha of EY wouldn't one expect 
> women living there to conduct themselves at least according to 7 above.
>
>There is an assumption here, that chumra equals kedusha.
>
>But there are good reasons to understand that not to be the case.

Perhaps one should classify wearing sleeves that cover the elbow as a 
Hidur rather than a chumra.

The following is from http://tinyurl.com/btzc4vw


Kedusha = Restriction

by 
<http://www.guardyoureyes.com/inspiration/members-chizuk/item/kedusha>Kedusha

Yesterday, I saw a tremendously important insight from Rav Shlomo 
Zalman Auerbach, ZT"L, which I would like to share:

Source: Chiku Mamtakim, volume II p. 121 (translated from the 
original Hebrew) (emphasis added).

A group of Kollel Avreichim approached Rav Shlomo Zalman with a 
sincere request: "We yearn to rise to great heights in Avodas Hashem, 
to become close to the Ribbono Shel Olam and to perform His Mitzvos 
on the highest level.  However, we don't know where to begin - in 
which Mitzvos should we be extra careful and stringent?"

Rav Shlomo Zalman responded: "Why look for stringencies?  There is no 
need for that.  The main thing is to accept upon yourself to fulfill 
the Halacha on a Lechatchila level."

The Avreichim agreed to take that upon themselves, but were not 
satisfied. They continued to request Rav Shlomo Zalman's guidance as 
to how they can be extra careful in matters of Halacha and create a 
close relationship with the Ribbono Shel Olam.

Since it meant so much to them, Rav Shlomo Zalman acceded to their 
request and gave them the following advice: "All the Chumros and 
Hidurim are not worth a single minor Hidur in matters of Kedusha and 
Tzeniyus.  In matters of Kedusha and Tzeniyus, every small Hidur is 
immeasurable, it raises up, sanctifies, and brings a person close to 
his Creator, as Chazal say: 'Wherever you find safeguards against 
ervah, you find Kedusha.'  For someone whose Neshama is thirsty for 
Ruchniyus, the place to begin and the area that is most important is 
Kedusha and Tzeniyus."

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