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Many argue that whether or not one dresses in accordance with the laws of tznius is their private business. Some argue that focusing on modesty of dress is a distraction from the more primary concern of whether one has proper midos and is a good and kind person.

At the farbrengen of 12 Tamuz 5730, the Rebbe refuted these positions and demonstrated that dressing immodestly causes harm and damage to others and is an act of cruelty. [This applies regardless of how innocent one’s intention to dress immodestly might be (even if one only intends to be more comfortable) since the outcome and effect of dressing immodestly is that one is engaging in a lifestyle that harms and damages others].

Due to the importance of this message, the Rebbe meticulously edited this sicha [the Rebbe’s edits may be viewed by clicking here].

The following is an English translation of the Rebbe’s sicha [to view and download the original Yiddish as edited by the Rebbe in a format that can be used as a poster, please click here]:

Immodesty: Provoking the Dark Side of Others

Those who don’t behave modestly do not only defy the path of Torah. Their behavior contravenes basic decency, basic morality, and simple common sense.

When one behaves immodestly by exposing a part of the body that ought to be covered, one’s intent is to provoke the evil inclination – the negative side of the other person.

This does not help the other person to become a better person. It will not stimulate his mind and make him smarter. Nor will it improve his character traits by positively affecting the respect he accords to his parents, brothers, or sisters, or even to his own wife. Nor will it influence him to donate more charity.

What is the impact of dressing in violation of the requirements of modesty? If until now, the other person’s negative side was hidden, or not excited and aroused – one provokes that person and inflames that side.

(One then shares in the [responsibility] for the wickedness of the other person. One doesn’t benefit in any way, because it’s the other person’s wickedness; it is the other person who is fulfilling his desire, whether through gazing or in another form. Yet it is worthwhile to do everything, as long as one provokes another person—and not his positive side, but his negative side)[1]

One becomes a source of harm, may G–d save us, and not only to one’s own Divine Soul, but also to another person, and still another – in fact, to everyone one meets. What an utterly degenerate path – may Hashem protect us.

If one would follow the straight path, one would know that the purpose of life is to be a good person, to influence others to follow the proper path, and to strengthen the good within them.

Sicha of 12 Tamuz, 5730

[1] Unlike the rest of the text, the portion enclosed in brackets was not edited by the Rebbe.

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For further information regarding this topic, see: Sefer Kvuda Bas Melech – Glory Of The King’s Daughter
The Laws of Modesty in Women’s Dress by Rabbi Moshe Nisan Wiener, author of sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon

“Chaval on each day which delays the reading and study of this book!” (Lubavitcher Rebbe)

· A comprehensive, thorough guide to the dinim
· Each detail of every ruling fully documented with source references.
· An extensive review and analysis of the pertinent Tamudic and Rabbinic literature (in Hebrew section).
· Includes the endorsements of the leading Halachic authorities of our time.
· Features a summary of the Halachic conclusions (with source references) along with a philosophical overview: “The Concept of ‘Modesty’ – A Torah Perspective”. (In the English section)
· 440 pages (Hebrew and English).

Available at Jewish Bookstores (hardcover) and on Amazon (softcover).

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