<html>
<body>
<font size=3>Verse 24 of the third Perek of Yeshayahu says
<dl>
<dd>And instead of perfume, there will be rot, and instead of the girdle,
wound; and instead of embossed jewelry, there will be baldness. And
instead of celebratory
<dd>sash, a girdle of sackcloth. For all this will be in place of beauty.
<dd>Rav Shimon Schwab, ZT"L, in the sefer Rav Schwab on Yeshayahu
writes in his commentary on this Pasuk
</dl> In general, from Yeshayahu's rebuke of Jewish women's
flaunting of their clothing, jewelry, and beauty enhancements, it is
quite clear that such mode of behavior is highly unbecoming a Jewish
woman. A Jewish woman should present herself not merely as a
"woman," but rather, as a human being with a tzelem Elokim, who
belongs to the Jewish nation, and is possessed of a neshamah that is holy
- who happens to be a woman. To emphasize the other aspects of the person
means that one forgets the main idea of what it means to be a tzelem
Elokim.<br>
<br>
Unfortunately, in our times, showy dressing, and cosmetic and beauty
enhancement have become normal and acceptable behavior. Even very
"frum" girls and women dress and beautify themselves in a way
that is designed to attract attention to themselves as women. This is a
non-Jewish practice; it is a new phenomenon that was unheard of in
religious circles in Europe - certainly not in my time there.
Unfortunately, though, it is very difficult to change this now because it
has taken root in our culture, and certainly if it is done in moderation
and in good taste, it is difficult to criticize. <br><br>
Once a Jewish woman is aware of her greatness, of her holiness, of
what she really is, she does not emphasize and flaunt her
femininity. Although we have many references to women's beauty in
the Torah in connection with the Matriarchs, Sara, Rivka, and Rachel,
such beauty always corresponded to and complemented their inner beauty.
<br>
<x-sigsep><p></x-sigsep>
Yitzchok Levine</font></body>
</html>