Nishmat's Women’s Health and HalachaIn memory of Chaya Mirel bat R' Avraham

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Widow covering hair

3 January, 2006

Question:

My husband died recently. I am 51 years old; we were married for 31 years. I do not know whether or not I should continue covering my hair, now that I am a widow. Although this is not a niddah question, I thought you might be able to address this situation. Many thanks.


Answer:

We are so sorry to hear of the death of your husband. May Hashem grant you nothing but happiness in times to come. 

According to Halacha, a widowed (or divorced) woman continues covering her hair. In some cases, a woman who wishes to remarry and feels that her head covering might get in the way of her finding a husband, may be given a special heter (permission) to uncover some or all of her hair. In such a situation, an individual and specific question must be asked.


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