JTS Torah Commentary

Is Modesty Still Relevant in the Twenty-First Century?

Sep 13, 2024 By Emmanuel Bloch | Commentary | Ki Tetzei

Modesty is hardly a popular concept among liberal-minded Jews, nor within the Western world in general. The reasons for this are multiple. Historically, modesty has been disproportionately applied to women, often as a means of controlling female behavior and sexuality. It is often associated with patriarchy, control, and the suppression of individual freedoms. Modesty is frequently perceived to be a negation of individuality, body positivity, and self-expression.