Married to a Wig

I am now the proud owner of a wig (or sheitel as it is called in religious communities). Wearing hair on your hair puts you into the heirchy of religious Jewish woman. Not exactly sure how that came to be, but if you have on a sheitel you are in a different category. This often puts people who don't cover their hear on edge. I know. This might say a lot more  than we'd like it to. I have seen many newly observant woman put on a sheitel long before they knew what they were getting into, only to have it back fire sending them (and their coif) into a deep depression. I have not committed to this full-time.  I still prefer my hair, hats, Buffs (very cool, check them out). But I like the idea of not always having to wear a hat.

A week ago I debued my new "do" on Purim. I introduced myself (with full dress coverage and big sunglasses...just to be a bit "hidden" in theme with Purim, as "Brucha Ruchel Chana Frumma." I figured if I got laughed at, Purim was the most appropriate day.  I for sure got some laughs! I also got  90% rave reviews. The rebbetzin in our community practially picked me up off the ground. I am surrounded by the most wonderful people (both from my community and trip to Israel) . If there are judgements, I don't ever see or feel them. People don't seem to care what is on your head or if you even have anything on your head. You can come to our shul as you'd like and you will be greeted warmly. There is a place for everyone. You can stand still or grow at your own pace. People are warm and unassuming. 

This past weekend, we had the priviledge of having Lori Palatnik from the Jewish Women's Renasance Project (a must attend free trip to Israel for women who want to "grow" and be inspired) spend shabbos at our shul, Ariel, in Dunwoody. We were inspired by this awesome lady (and no you cannot imagine if you have not heard her). Lori is changing the world by changing Jewish women and I have personally wintessed and experienced these changes. After shabbos we had a small gathering with Lori where she explained to us how to approach Passover (you know the holiday for OCD Jews). She explained that Purim gives us the opportunity to dress up and reveal a part of ourselves we have kept hidden. The time after Purim is a time for cleaning out our "chametz" which is keeping us from reaching this hidden potential. Passover represents true freedom of becoming our true selves. 

So back to the wig....tonight I wore my sheitel (and not as a costume) to a community event. Aside from the vice grip on my scalp, it wasn't too bad. I once thought it would cover me up and what I found was just perhaps an open door to personal freedom. Timing is everything and G-d is not stingy on performing wonderous deeds of all sizes at the exact perfect moment. Some of us call those events, miracles, even something as simple as wearing a wig.....oh I mean sheitel.