A new Generation

B"H

It could be that sometimes I am blind. Several people have already told me that they have realized the change a long time ago. Nevertheless, I just noticed it last Friday night (Erev Shabbat).

The young women of the so extreme chassidic group Toldot Aharon are not as conservative anymore as their parents or grandparents. The clothing style is part of the group's Takanot (internal laws) and women are expected to shave off their hair one or two days after the wedding. The hair shaving is a written law and there is no way around. Furthermore, women are supposed to dress in black or dark blue colours in order that no one can look through their clothes. Additionally, black stockings have to cover the legs of young girls and women. There is variety of different head covers. Covering only the head, covering head and neck and the strictest wear a head cover totally covering head, neck and the shoulders at the same time.

It doesn't matter how strict the regulations for the clothes are; the modern times seem to have reached the Toldot Aharon backyard as well. A long time ago, haredi women have discovered make - up, rings or ear rings let alone modern clothing styles. In opposite to other chassidic groups, the Toldot Aharon women don't intend to break any of their modesty rules or walk around in exaggerated fashion. Takanot for clothing YES but the dresses have to be modern.

There is hardly any doubt that a new generation is growing up. Not all elderly female members like the new stylish dresses of the younger women. However, even if many women seem to be very much into fashion, old ideals and traditions are not out of place or forgotten. Many people claim that especially the Toldot Aharon women keep the group together, and wearing more modern clothes doesn't necessarily mean less piety.

However, wearing modern clothes could be seen as a statement of the young female members saying to the male members:
"Listen, we are here and we are part of society as well. Just don't think we don't exist !"