CLOTHING AND MODESTY

 

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Jewish Virtual Library

Jewish Learning
Modesty

Psalms 55:14
The daughter of the king is all dignified within; her clothing is of embroidered gold.

Numbers Rabba 1:3

AND THE LORD SPOKE UNTO MOSES IN THE WILDERNESS OF SINAI IN THE TENT OF MEETING. Before the Tent of Meeting was set up, He spoke with him from the bush, as it is said, "And God called unto him out of the midst of the bush" (Ex 3:4). Then, And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying (Ex 12:1). He also spoke to him in Midian, as it is said, "And the Lord said unto Moses in Midian" (Ex.4:19). At Sinai also He spoke to him, as it is said, And the Lord spoke unto Moses in Mount Sinai, saying (Lev. 25:1). As soon, however, as the Tent of Meeting was set up, God thought to Himself, Modesty is a beautiful thing, as it is said, "And walk modestly with your God" (Micah 6:8), and so He then spoke to him in the Tent of Meeting.

David (in his Psalm) likewise said, "The daughter of the king is all dignified within; her clothing is of embroidered gold" (Ps.45:14). The king's daughter, The king alludes to Moses, as is inferred from the following passages. It is said, And I will give over the Egyptians into the hand of a cruel lord (Isaiah 19:4); this applies to the plagues that came upon Egypt. And a strong king shall rule over them (ib.) applies to Moses who was King of the Torah which is designated strength as it is said, "The Lord will give strength unto his people" (Ps 29:11). Therefore, "The daughter of the king is all dignified within; her clothing is of embroidered gold" (Ps.45:14). "... her clothing is of embroidered gold. Alludes to Aaron; as it is said, And you shall make embroidered work of gold" (Ex 28:13).

From here it has been inferred that a woman who conducts herself with becoming modesty deserves, though she be a lay Israelitess, to be married to a priest and to rear up High Priests; since it is said, The Holy One blessed be He, said, "her clothing is of embroidered gold."In like manner it befits My dignity that I should speak in private, as is implied in the text, And when Moses went into the Tent of Meeting" (Num 7:8-9).

Your Midrash Navigator
1. This Midrash makes the jump from Moses to a "woman's conduct". What has happened to our concept of modesty?

Midrash Leviticus Rabba 20:11

It is related that Simeon the son of Kimhith went out to talk with an Arabian king, and a jet of saliva from the latter's mouth was spurted on to Simeon's garments and defiled him.

 

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Anna Fein