Rabbi Yosef comes out against wig-wearing

Shas spiritual leader calls for stiffened stance against Ger Hasidic women's head coverings. 'Religious authorities have ruled they are forbidden. Baba Sali said those who wear wigs will be burned in world to come'

Ari Galahar|Published: 09.06.10 , 07:35

During his weekly Saturday night lesson, Rabbi Ovadia Yosef again stirs up a storm. This time, the Shas spiritual leader addressed the large number of religious women who wear wigs as a form of head covering, particularly among the women of Ger Hasidism.

"A woman wears a wig. Why? There are Ger Hasids who are lenient as if Ger Hasidism is the entire world. This is not true. The religious arbiters wrote explicitly that this is forbidden, that this is grave," said Rabbi Yosef.

To back up his statements, the rabbi quoted a series of both Ashkenazi and Sephardic halachic adjudicators that forbid "fake wigs," such as the Vilna Gaon and Hatam Sofer.

"These great halachic adjudicators – are they not worthy before the so-and-so you consult? Be warned. You must go with a hat or kerchief (on your head). This will be examined during the 10 days of repentance (between Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur). During the 10 days of repentance, behave nicely," he said.

In order to demonstrate the severity of the matter, the rabbi told of a man who went with his wife to see Rabbi Yisrael Abuhatzeira, also known as the Baba Sali, in order to ask for a blessing: "He asked him why is she wearing a fake wig? He answered that is the custom. (The Baba Sali said to the woman), Listen, when you arrive in the world to come, they will burn you. They will start burning from the wig, and then they will burn you."

Rabbi Yosef called his listeners to be more stringent during the 10 days of repentance with matters they are lenient on during the year, such as glatt meat and head coverings for married women.