With such a “benediction,” preceded by a brief formula, with which the bride was handed over to her husband (Tobit vii. 13), the wedding festivities commenced. And so the pair were led towards the bridal chamber (Cheder) and the bridal bed (Chuppah). The bride went with her hair unloosed. Ordinarily, it was most strictly enjoined upon women to have their head and hair carefully covered. This may throw some light upon the difficult passage, 1 Corinthians 11:1-10. We must bear in mind that the apostle there argues with Jews, and that on their own ground, convincing them by a reference to their own views, customs, and legends of the propriety of the practice which he enjoins. From that point of view the propriety of a woman having her head “covered” could not be called in question. The opposite would, to a Jew, have indicated immodesty.
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Author: Alfred Edersheim
Keywords: Because of the angels, Hair covering, Head covering, Head covered, Hair, Female modesty, Hats, Head scarves, Head scarf, Shaved head, Shorn, Hair shaved, Bridal hair, Unloosed hair
Bible reference(s): 1 Corinthians 11:3-10
Source: Sketches of Jewish Social Life, 1876.
Page indexed by: inWORD Bible Software.