Hats of Jerusalem

Upon viewing the documentary one can immediately appreciate the variety of people inhabiting Jerusalem. Different nationalities, ethnicities and religions all living in this old city, seeming worlds apart but living together breathing the same air and yet there is one distinguishing difference that means superiority for some and inferiority for others- a hat. A symbol of obedience to some while to others it may simply be linked to one's forefathers or tradition, to the men and women of Jerusalem what covers their head can mean a great deal of many things. In the, Hats of Jerusalem , Nati Adler (2007, May 4) shows us that beyond their practical function, hats serve as an identity card, a way to declare membership in a community, and a religious or political proclamation often reflecting centuries of tradition. Many aspects are addressed in the documentary whether it is external appearances and internal identities or the material world and the spiritual one. A mysterious and fascinating look at an incredible variety of people, whom, almost all wear some varying shape, size and texture of headgear that distinguish ones community association and position within their society. Although the hat may be seen as the tie that binds the community to whom it belongs, it can also be seen as the factor that divides a nation. In critically analysing this documentary I will look at both the positive and negative aspects of the head dress worn by all as well as their historical and cultural traditions and what significance they hold for all those involved.

In the documentary a hat, a fairly simple object made of some sort of material holds different meanings depending on the person who possesses it. The topic of debate in this regard is if there is truly a commandment from God that states that a head covering must be worn. Some followers of the Torah believe that there is concrete proof that head coverings are intended to be worn at all times in Leviticus 13:45 and numbers 5:18 where there are indications that those with infection or sickness must keep their head uncovered while women will keep their heads covered at all times (Betzalel, 2009). There is a story, a historical significance behind each hat but what it signifies varies from person to person and community to community. A bow to the left of the hat for the Belz Hassids, on the right of the hat for the Vishnitz, or the placement of a fold or a "kneich" as well as the caps worn by the Brisk are all distinctive to these particular groups (Hats of Jerusalem, 2007). For some it is a family tradition that holds memories of generations before, while for others it can be a symbol of the battle of Satan and Antonius, a reminder that Satan is all around and can return at any time to fight for your soul (Hats of Jerusalem, 2007). The Shtreimel, the most mysterious of the hats but the biggest sign of humiliation ever imposed on the Jews of Europe. Its historical origins are unclear. They have been referred back to the Ukraine, Russia, Poland and Holland. It is said that over 200 years ago in Holland, they were forced to wear a fox's tail so people could say, "He's a Jew" (Hats of Jerusalem, 2007).

The historical significance of the fox's tail and the use of the Shtreimel are both compelling pieces of information. Knowing the historical significance and decree set out to alienate the Jews from the rest of society and align them with the disabled, beggars and particularly the leapers