Jerusalem – The appointment of Yakov Litzman (United Torah Judaism) as deputy health minister has led to a significant change in the ministry’s offices: Secular female employees working in proximity to the ultra-Orthodox minister have started wearing more modest outfits, and some even keep a shawl at the their desk’s drawer in case they are asked to meet with Litzman directly.
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Litzman did not order this new “dress code,” and staff members explain that the ministry’s women simply felt it was more respectful towards the new boss.
One senior female employee, who has toned down her attire since Litzman took office, said there was no coercion involved in her decision to do so.
“As part of work procedures I meet with him regularly, and because I know he is a haredi person, I decided, along with other employees, to respect his sensibilities of my own free will, and put something on when I’m wearing a sleeveless or revealing blouse,” she explained.
“It’s not as if we now look like religious women or cover ourselves completely, but we do put on something extra. We don’t want to make the minister feel uncomfortable when he’s meeting us,” she added.
One of Liztman’s associate told Ynet that the employees’ conduct was admirable, especially in light of the fact they had not been ordered to change their dress.
This is how it should work. These are smart and caring secular professionals who are doing this voluntrarily and recognize the need for some sensitivity with Litzman the same way they would show kavod and respect if they were meeting with an Iman or Islamic scholar and would dress the same modest way. Whether it is an orthodox politician like Litzman or a muslim leader, the same common sense rules should be applied voluntarily if you work in the public sector. However, no one should dare REQUIRE any dress code. That would violate the law in EY and someone doing so would automatically lose their job.
That’s the way to do it! KIDDUSH HASHEM!
a bunch of israeli liars
I don’t believe him and her
Forcing a person never works. We have to earn their respect. Nice!
I work in a Jewish school but there are some non Jewish employees. One of them came up to me the other day and said she has realized that she has been dressing more modestly outside of work inadvertantly. She told me her boyfriend said to her, “You are starting to look Jewish because you are dressing like them”. She proceeded to respond, “Thank you. that is a big complement”.
Let’s tell it like it is.
Litzman used common sense and darchei noam.
He didn’t threaten them, spit on them, burn trash bins, rip out traffic lights or throw rocks at them.
Let the rest of the chareidim draw the conclusions.
But don’t get too excited, they don’t always connect the dots.
I don’t want to get into specifics, but before Moshiach will come we will ALL have to improve our Tznius, so it’s nice that we have an example of where to start from.
This is the right way of doing things not forcing people or rioting. The secular people do not hate chardim like they think.
#2 and your so concerned about someone losing his job, really? or es shtcht dich the gantzen inyon that you have to give this unsolicited advice?
a beautiful story, and a kiddush hashem! this is the way to increase tznius in the world!
According to Rabbi Lopatin, if Litzman had only given his employees a hug to show how warm and friendly orthodox Jews are they would have rushed to embrace the whole code of jewish law.