Is the nation following its leaders or are the leaders following the nation?
Below I have posted videos of Rav Elyashiv speaking on the topic of wigs. Whether they are forbidden or permitted from the Halachic perspective.
Two rabbis complained to Rav Elyashiv that women wear wigs which are extremely immodest. They violate the laws of tzniut [modesty] which require for a married woman to cover her hair. Although all the hair is covered technically, wigs give off the appearance of hair. The rabbis felt that although the letter of the law was being observed, the spirit of the law was not.
The Rabbis who spoke with Rav Elyashiv in the video were trying to pressure the Rav into making a Halachic statement that wigs are forbidden to be worn by married women.
They tell the Rav. "Whatever you say, Klal Yisrael accepts." They say, "When the Rav said that wigs made with indian hair were idol worship, no one wore a wig." Rav Elyashiv responded: "What do you want me to say? That wigs are avodah zara?"
R' Elyashiv did not make that statement.
Isn't it easy to blame all the troubles of the world on the fact that women wear wigs? Probably clears the conscience of these Rabbis.
Please notice the way they present the argument to R' Elyashiv.
a. If Tzniut isn't observed, there can be suffering
b. There is lots of suffering
c. Must be, women are not observing Tzniut
Fascinating is the fact that the rabbis wanted the rabbi to issue the statement. Then they would go around forcing everyone to wear hats only in the name of Gedolei Yisrael.
I was also shocked by the fact that the rabbis kept on interrupting Rav Elyashiv.
Where is the tremendous respect for scholars that we were taught to have from a young age?
Why are they telling the Rabbi what to tell Jewish women to wear?
My question is: Who is really running the show here? The nation or the leaders?
Below is a translation of the video into English:
Presented is a video of a conversation conducted during a visit with Rav Elyashiv on the 12th of Kislev, 5769 (2009)
Visitor: This is a question that involves everyone.
Today, the entire Jewish nation, on a general and individual scale, is afflicted with endless suffering.Different kinds of troubles, illness kills millions, financial problems.
Once it was said in the name of the Chafetz Chaim that the source of the problem is Tzniut--modesty. It says (in the Torah) and you shall return. If G-d is not with us, since we are afflicted with issues. Is this something that is correct to say at such a time?
Rav Elyashiv: The Chafetz Chaim said it! And it's not going to be true?
Other Visitor (notice blotched out face): I received a phone call from Rechovot today. There are many problems, ill people. All over there are problems. If the community strengthens itself with this (modesty), that will make the entire community stronger. It's impossible to see…
Rav Elyashiv: The problem of the wigs, how can it be fixed? It is already rooted with the big and good people among our nation. With these wigs there is unmatched Pritzut (vulgarity). I don't understand how you are going to uproot this. This problem started from the big ones, not just from anyone. Rosh Yeshivas, great people, righteous people, everyone has fallen with this. What can you do about it? ( The Rav is throwing the ball back into the visitors court). There is such a problem, why isn't anyone taking care of it? It is extremely unrefined. Even the women with the wigs are righteous, and yet they wear such wigs!
for a more extensive video please see this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqKuugQv0PY
