Sudra (headdress)


Sudra is a traditional ancient Jewish headdress, or what is also called a habit.

Etymology

The name sudra is Aramaic and derived from the Latin word sudarium, which means 'cloth' or 'handkerchief'. However, according to the Babylonian Talmud, the word is a contraction of the phrase "Secrets are revealed to those who fear the Holy Name."

History

The sudra is believed to be thousands of years old and referred to in the Bible. Ancient Hebrews wore a headgear that was similar to either a keffiyeh, turban or a stocking cap. There are many ways of tying the fabric to make these different designs. The sudra has been mentioned directly and indirectly in ancient Jewish religious texts, including the Babylonian Talmud. Targum Ruth has interpreted different words in the Book of Ruth, such as mitpahat mean the Sudra. In Jewish tradition, the sudra was a twisted scarf worn around the neck There is also evidence of Jews wearing the sudra on their heads like a keffiyeh or turban in Tractate Berakhot in the Babylonian Talmud.

Decline

There are numerous reasons why sudras have fallen out of favour with modern Jews. According to Benny Katz of the Zionist Freedom Alliance :
In ancient times, it was common for Jews to wear keffiyot, but the conquest of the region by Islamic tribes brought with it a series of laws that gave non-Muslims an inferior position in society. Synagogues could not be built higher than mosques and Jews could not ride atop animals for fear that they would appear higher than Muslims. As the keffiyeh came to be seen as the crown of the Arabs and its wearer was attributed an honorable status, non-Muslims were forbidden from wearing such garments.