The Jewish woman makes a great kiddush Hashem whenever
she dresses and conducts herself with tsnius, even if
it is in the most private places. However, the response to
the recent psak of maranan verabonon that human hair
from India is tikroves avodoh zora an offering to an
idol, was truly impressive.
The suspicion that Indian hair comes from idol worship is not
a new one. It was well known that sects in India with
followers in the millions shear their hair within compounds
that belong to idols. The issue was discussed several times,
and Maran HaRav Eliashiv shlita wrote a teshuva
discussing it fourteen years ago in which he relied on the
testimony of an expert. In closing his discussion, Maran
wrote, "All our discussion depends on the testimony of the
abovementioned expert. It is understood that I have no way to
determine to what extent his words reflect reality. According
to what you say [i.e. the questioner] there are denials and
contradictions about the tonsure itself. Thus, the matter
requires clarification."
Now, boruch Hashem, the matter was clarified as HaRav
Aharon Dovid Dunner, a dayan from London, was sent by
Marav HaRav Eliashiv shlita to thoroughly investigate
the matter, and he subsequently determined that the hair is
forbidden as it was an offering to avodoh zora (tikroves
avodoh zora). See accompanying letter from HaRav
Efrati.
Shock waves swept the chareidi world when Maran HaRav
Eliashiv, shlita, forbade the use of sheitlen
made of human hair from India based on the detailed report
HaRav Dunner, who went to Tirupati, India, to gather
information last week. Now gedolei Torah are engaged
in the complex and difficult task of analyzing the market to
determine which wigs contain hair from India and which do
not.
In all cases of doubt the public is cautioned to consult only
qualified morei horo'oh who are updated on the issue,
rather than relying on distributors or importers who have a
vested interest and generally lack valid information on the
production process. Since India is the world's largest human
hair supplier to manufacturers around the world, even if the
label indicates that the hair product comes from the US,
China or Europe there remains a possibility that the hair
itself originally came from India.
Rabbonim note various rumors regarding which type of wigs are
kosher should be ignored. For instance, claims that hair used
to make light wigs cannot originate in India are false since
some hair used in wigs undergoes bleaching. Also, there is no
basis for the assertion that expensive wigs do not use Indian
hair, as is evident from the accompanying article about the
sources of human hair.
Numerous questions from morei horo'oh and rabbonim
have come streaming in from all of the kehillos in
Eretz Yisroel and abroad.
Morei horo'oh and rabbonim seeking guidance on various
questions regarding this matter may obtain information and
guidelines written by HaRav Efrati in Bnei Brak at the
Shearis Yisroel offices at the Grand Hall Building at Rechov
HaRav Kahaneman 111, and in Jerusalem at the Beis Medrash
LeHalochoh BeHisyashvus building at Rechov Nachum 9. The
written information, based on HaRav Eliashiv's opinions,
covers questions regarding wigs sold in Eretz Yisroel and
abroad, based on the various types of wig (synthetic, mixed,
etc.) and includes halachic instructions on when it is
necessary to destroy the wigs.
A sheet claiming to contain information from HaRav Eliashiv --
with a list of which wig brands are supposedly forbidden and
which are permitted -- was distributed in educational
institutions and public places last week, but it quickly came
to light the information was fabricated by parties with a
vested interest. Similarly, various phone lines offering
information via voice mail and other centers providing
"updates" on which wigs are forbidden and which are permitted
lack all basis or backing from any authorized body. Consumers
are warned not to be lured by any ads and not to rely on any
of the information printed on the wig's label or declarations
by various interested parties. However there were some
suppliers who had letters from responsible rabbonim.
Though many questions still await final answers from the
leading poskim, the most salient impression in the
entire affair has been the great kiddush shem Shomayim
by women everywhere who abided by HaRav Eliashiv's ruling
without hesitation. People who passed through chareidi areas
starting the morning the psak halochoh was publicized,
were astonished by the sight of the women who, based on the
precept ve'osiso kechol asher yorucho, exchanged their
wigs for other head coverings. At Bais Yaakov schools and
seminaries and at various workplaces outside observers were
continually amazed to witness the overwhelming compliance
with devar Hashem zu halochoh. Many women in various
offices showed up with tichels for the first time
ever.
Certain figures in the Israeli wig market took advantage of
the situation to jack up prices. While a medium-grade
synthetic wig costs NIS 45-70 to manufacture, last week some
wigs were being sold for NIS 1,000 or even as much as 1,400.
Rabbonim issued notices "to remind and warn all those
involved in the sale of wigs about the prohibition against
defrauding the public by taking advantage of the new
situation to drive up prices."
HaRav Nissim Karelitz' beis din distributed notices
signed by HaRav Y. Silman and HaRav Sariel Rosenberg saying
wig dealers contacted by the beis din agreed not to
sell synthetic wigs at exorbitant prices. A later notice said
top quality synthetic wigs should not be sold for more than
NIS 800 (including styling), while less expensive models
should be priced accordingly. Following the notices some
saleswomen guilty of overcharging said they would agree to
return the excess amounts to the buyers.
