Emmanuel Bloch, Ph.D: Ki Teitsei Is Modesty Still Relevant in the Twenty-First Century?
Dr. Bloch considers the historical precedent for tzniut in the Jewish community. He cites Torah passages that equate immodesty with nudity—male or female—that violates the sanctity of a sacred space, while traditional interpretations equate it with female sexuality as seen through the lens of the heterosexual male. Although progressive Jews tend to reject the concept of tzniut, he observes that it still has relevance today. He cites Deuteronomy 23:15, which requires us to maintain holiness in our camp because God moves amongst us.
