ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Tzniut

Tzniut is a Hebrew word that means modesty. It is a concept that is very important in some Jewish communities. It means that people should dress and behave in a way that is not showy or flashy. They should dress and act in a way that shows respect for themselves and for others around them.

Imagine you are playing a game of hide and seek with your friends. When it is your turn to hide, you probably do not want to be seen by your friends, right? You might hide behind a tree or under a blanket. This is a lot like tzniut. When we dress modestly and act modestly, we are hiding some things from other people. We are not showing off too much of our bodies or our possessions.

Tzniut also means that we should be modest in the way we talk and act. We should not boast or brag about our achievements or talk in a way that is inappropriate. We should be kind and respectful to everyone, no matter who they are.

In some Jewish communities, women may wear certain types of clothing, such as long skirts and sleeves, and cover their heads with a scarf or hat. This is a way to show their respect for themselves and for God. Men may also dress modestly, by wearing suits or other nice clothing and keeping their hair neat and tidy.

So, to sum it up, tzniut is all about being modest and respectful in the way we dress and act towards others. It is an important part of some Jewish traditions and a way to show our respect for ourselves, others, and God.