Modesty Guidelines

WHY IS MODESTY IMPORTANT?

We'd like to explain a little about the dress code that everyone is asked to follow during their stay here in Israel with HaYovel. Hopefully these rules and guidelines will ease your mind and make your time here as easy and as comfortable as possible.

If following a dress code while you are here seems a bit unusual to you, consider it as part of the cultural experience of being here in Israel and interacting with the Orthodox Jewish community. Have fun with it!

When interacting with a new and different culture, dress is a primary communicator and it is an important area to be considerate of and prepared for.

HaYovel’s modesty standards apply across the board for men, women and children. The primary objectives of these rules and guidelines are to honor God by our appearance, be mindful and respectful of others and represent ourselves with dignity. HaYovel seeks to foster an environment that is safe, God-honoring and set apart from the world.

We appreciate you carefully considering, preparing for and abiding by the following guidelines:

WOMEN’S DRESS CODE

1. Wear loose fitting clothing that is not see-through. Clothing should not outline the shape of your body.

2. Shirts need to have modest necklines and sleeves. No cleavage should be visible when you bend over. Cap sleeves are not long enough.

3. Long skirts are preferred. Skirts do not need to touch the floor by any means, but must reach below the knee. Tight-fitting skirts are not acceptable.

4. Very loose-fitting pants (long culottes style) with a long shirt (reaching fingertips when arms are by your side) are acceptable

A FEW SIMPLE CHECKS TO MAKE SURE YOUR CLOTHES FIT THE GUIDELINES

In front of a full length mirror, bend forward and make sure your neckline is both high enough and tight enough to not show your chest.

Make sure that when you bend over, your shirt is long enough to cover your waistline and now show your back. Stretch your arms up and make sure your shirt is long enough to not show your waist. Check your sleeves from the side to make sure they are not loose enough around your upper arms to show your chest.

For skirts, hold them up to a window or light. If you can easily see light through one layer of the skirt, wear a slip or loose pants underneath. Leggings are not an adequate replacement under a skirt that needs a slip.

A side note about skirts - light, flowing, cotton gauze skirts are not the best to bring because they can easily get snagged and ripped when you are in the vineyards. Thicker fabrics like denim work a lot better.

MEN’S DRESS CODE

1. Wear loose fitting clothing that is not tight or see-through

2. Shirts need to have sleeves. Do not remove your shirt in public. Change clothes in a bathroom or dressing area.

3. No partially buttoned shirts if you are not wearing a t-shirt underneath

4. Pants should not be tight and shorts must extend down to at least knee-length. Your thighs should not be exposed when sitting down.

MODESTY WHILE SWIMMING

There is a possibility that you will have an opportunity to swim a time or two during your stay here. Please note the following guidelines for swimming attire:

FOR WOMEN:

• Wear a dark-colored t-shirt or similar

• Wear knee-length swim shorts or a longer skirt with shorts or leggings underneath

• Please think about how your clothes will cling to you when coming out of the water and the fact that they will be see-through if you wear white or other light colors.

FOR MEN:

• Do not remove your shirt to swim

• Wear a dark-colored t-shirt or similar

• Wear knee-length swim shorts or pants

MODESTY IN COMMUNITY LIVING

Living space and housing setup will depend on if you are coming as a single person, as a couple or as a family. But it is likely that you will need to walk through public living quarters to get to the restrooms and showers. We ask that everyone is appropriately dressed when leaving their room. So please think ahead and make your pajamas adjust to the modesty standards as well.

When selecting undergarments to bring with you, please consider the necessity of hanging your laundry on public clotheslines. When you are hanging your clothes, hang your undergarments on center lines, sandwiching them between outer garments. Or simply dry them inside your living quarters.

QUESTIONS?

The above modesty standards are non-negotiable and apply for everyone coming to Israel with HaYovel, regardless of age. We understand that you may not dress this way normally and that you may have different standards of modesty at home. But we appreciate your cooperation and respect of these guidelines during your stay with us.

If you have any questions, please feel free to talk with a HaYovel staff member any time during your stay in Israel. And if you have any immediate questions or would like clarification on anything, you are welcome to email Lynne Hilton (lynne@hayovel.com)