Orthodox Jewish Stores Enact Extreme Dress Code Rules In Brooklyn

Look, I come from a Jewish family. I respect the rules and expectations of the religion, but when it comes to imposing those on people outside the Orthodox tradition (particularly in July) that seems pretty unfair.

Even though it’s summer and ten million degrees of humidity in New York, several shops in Williamsburg are trying to ban sleeveless tops and other revealing clothing from their venues. The stores, owned by ultra-Orthodox Jews, have signs bearing the words “No Shorts, No Barefoot, No Sleeveless, No Low Cut Neckline Allowed in the Store.”

Gothamist took note of the papers last week, prompting a New York Post reporter to do some hands-on investigative research and show up to one of the places in a sleeveless dress. Naturally, she didn’t get a welcoming response:

When a Post reporter visited Lee Avenue in a sleeveless dress, some store owners stared at her shoulders, while others refused to look her in the face.

Awkward…Hasidic folks have a right to their own way of life, but when it comes to business operations, they must be mindful of their customers — as well as this record-breaking summer weather.

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