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Why do Orthodox men avoid shaking hands with women?

In communities where men won't shake the hands of women, the same is true vice versa - women won't shake the hands of men.

In general, Orthodox Jews are required to keep genders separate for reasons of modesty. For this reason, when praying in Synogogue, men and women pray in separate rooms. Boys and girls learn in separate schools.

The level of separation and modesty in general differs by community. Modern Orthodox are more permissive, while the more Hasidic communities like Satmar are less permissive. There are even small groups of ultra-Orthodox Jews that developed over the past number of years that require the women to wear burkas. This is almost univerally not accepted by other ultra-Orthodox Jews.

As part of the separation of the genders, most Orthodox Jews are careful to avoid all touch with the opposite gender. This includes shaking hands. Many times, in order to avoid offending non-Orthodx women, many Orthodox men will claim to have a cold, as an excuse to avoid shaking hands.

Why do Orthodox men avoid gazing at non-Orthodox women?

Many Orthodox men avoid gazing at all women who are not their wives or close family relatives, whether Orthodox or non-Orthodox.

Why do Orthodox Jews walk in the middle of the street on Saturdays?

Orthodox Jews are prohibited from driving card on Saturdays, the Jewish Sabbath. In predominantly Jewish neighborhhods, there is very little vehicular traffic on Saturdays, so people tend to congregate and walk in the middle of the streets. Orthodox Jews who grew up in these neighborhoods are used to walking in the middle of the street by habit, so they continue to do it even in non-Orthodox neighborhhods, not realizing that it can disturn drivers.

Orthodox Jews who grew up in non-Orthodox neighborhoods will generally not walk in the middle of the street on Saturdays.

In Israel, Orthodox neighborhoods have their streets blocked to all vehicular traffic on Saturdays, and adults and children congregate, stroll and play in the middle of the streets throughout Saturday, creating a park-like atmosphere.

Why do OJ women wear wigs or tichels?

Orthodox women are required to cover their hair when in public. Over the years, many styles have developed. The most common style in America is the "sheitel" which is a wig of human hair. These sheitels can be very expensive, ranging in price from $1,500 to $3,000. Because of the high cost, some women wear a synthetic sheitel, which is made of synthetic hairs and is much cheaper.

Most women find wearing a sheitel for long periods of time to be uncomfortable, so they'll wear a snood at home and in informal gatherings.