NARR 400-402

CCAR RESPONSA

New American Reform Responsa

246. The Wearing of Earrings by Men

QUESTION: What is the halakhic attitude and our Reform view of wearing earrings by men? This is a practice which has become more common on the college campus. Should it be prohibited as part of the general restriction against dressing like the opposite sex, or perhaps because of the permanent injury caused by piercing the ear? (Rabbi Charles Arian Charlottesville VA)ANSWER: You have properly raised some of the issues which need to concern us. The Biblical statement (Deut 22.5) which prohibited a man from wearing women’s clothing and vice versa has usually been interpreted strictly and most traditional authorities prohibited the practice entirely. They were dealing with general items of clothing as well as ornamentation (Eliezer Waldenberg Tzitz Eliezer II #62; Isaac Jacob Weisz Minhat Yitzhaq II #108; Yom Tov Deutsch Taharat Yom Tov 9:55, 77-87). Their discussion included types of women’s clothing which imitated men’s clothing and may have been designed specifically for women, but if it was called by the same name, i.e. slacks or pants; then it was nevertheless considered men’s garb. These authorities felt that wearing clothing of the opposite sex not only violated the Biblical commandments cited but was immodest. As the Talmud reported that Rabbi Judah and his wife shared a garment (Ned 49b), which she wore while in the market and he while praying, there were grounds for permissiveness. Furthermore, some authorities stated that clothing normally appropriate for the other sex may be worn as long as another item of clothing clearly identified the sex of the wearer. In other words, a heavy man’s coat might be worn for protection against cold as was frequently done in Eastern Europe (Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah, #182 and commentaries; Avnei Tzedeq Yoreh Deah #72). There were other authorities who disagreed with this interpretation (Tur Yoreh Deah #182; Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah #182 with commentaries by Isserles, Taz and Shakh). There were, however, occasions such as Purim celebrations in which men and women often wore the clothes of the other sex as a humorous disguise and no objection has been raised (Shulhan Arukh Orah Hayim 696.8 and Isserles; Judah Mintz Responsa #17). We have realized as fashions change, what was once considered women’s dress may now be worn by men and vice versa; one example are women’s slacks (Solomon B. Freehof Contemporary Reform Responsa #27). Although the traditional authorities prohibited such dress, it has often been adopted, nevertheless. We need not prohibit the practice of men wearing earrings on the grounds that earrings are primarily worn by women. Pierced ears have an interesting history in Judaism (W. Jacob Contemporary Reform Responsa #76). In Biblical times they indicated lifelong slavery and it was the male slave who was so marked (Ex 21.6; Bekh 37a; Kid 21b). In later Talmudic times ornaments of various kinds were worn on the ear to mark trades and professions (Tos Shab 1.8; Shab 1 lb). In these instances males wore the ear ornaments, however, the Mishnah also knew of women piercing their ears for ornamentation (M Shab 6.6). Tradition made no distinction between ear ornaments worn by men or women. In subsequent centuries and in more modern times, at least in the West, earrings have been limited to women. If they now become an item of fashion for men, Reform Judaism would have no objections. We would, however, add a caution because of the current AIDS epidemic. Piercing the ear is a minor operation which involves instruments used by semi-professionals who may not completely sterilize them. The practice is potentially dangerous. If ears are pierced, it should be done in a sterile setting and every effort should be made to guarantee it.September 1988

INDEX

This is an index to the volumes American Reform Responsa (I), Contemporary American Responsa (II) and Questions and Reform Jewish Answers – New American Reform Responsa (III). The index indicates the volume and number, not the page of the responsum.

If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.