Rekel[1][2] (Yiddish:רעקל,romanized: rekl) orlang rekel (pluralרעקלעךrekelekh) is a type offrock coat worn mainly byHasidic Jewish men during the Jewish workweek (Sunday-Friday). Though the rekel was intended for weekday use, some Hasidim wear it onShabbat. However, a more formal coat, called abekishe inHungarian, is considered by many as a more proper Shabbat garment. The bekishe is usually made ofpolyester orsilk, whereas the rekel is usually made of polyester orwool. By way of comparison,The New York Times described thebekeshe as a "fancier Sabbath version" of the rekel.[1]
The Yiddish wordrekel is a regulardiminutive ultimately derived from theMiddle Germanroc.
Prior to the use of the rekel as standard Hasidic garb, Hasidic coats were generally buttonless, white robes with black or multi-colour stripes held together by agartel. The change in Hasidic dress occurred towards the end of the 19th century, when theJewish Emancipation became successful. The old style is still maintained by many communities in Jerusalem, even non-Hasidic ones.[3]
Unlike classic clothing, which has the button on the left side for women and on the right side for men,[4][5][6] a Rekel (or other Jewish men's garment) is buttoned right on left.[7][8][9][10]
Rekelech are generally made of a black or navywool blend or ofworsted wool. Today, some are made of 100%polyester. Many Hasidim in the past did not wear wool clothing, and the new polyester rekel makes it easier to keep the Biblical injunction againstshatnez, the mixing of wool and linen.[11] These garments tend to be light and thinner than the averagesuit coat, since they are generally worn throughout the year. Rekelech are usually sold as part of a suit with matching pants and awaistcoat (Yiddish:זשילעט,romanized: zhilte), though they are also sometimes available as suit separates.
The most common type of rekel is thedouble-breasted variety, but many other styles exist. These include asingle-breasted version (typical ofBreslover Hasidim), and a concealed button version, which manyGerer,Bobover andKlausenburger Hasidim wear. There is also a single-breasted version with a shawl collar and attachedgartel. Several styles of unlined rekelech exist, typically worn in hot weather and often conforming to the styles noted above. All rekelech share a right over left button style,[8] the opposite of what one would find on most men'sclothing.[4] Unlike most long coats rekelech tend not to have walking vents, but some of the concealed button and single-breasted rekelech do.
As with most Haredi clothing today,[12] rekelech may be darkly colored;black andnavy blue are favorite color choices. Prior toWorld War II the most popular color for the rekel was a light grey, but this has fallen into disuse. Pinstripes have always been a common feature on rekelach. In recent times, rekelech with other patterns such asembossed checkers have caught on, particularly with the more colorful Breslov, Bobov, and Sanz-Klausenbug Hasidim. The rekelekh of these groups also tend to use lighter colors than those of other Hasidim, ranging anywhere from black to lighter shades ofmidnight blue.
men button right on left .. Tznius
Just like women, most Hasidic men button their jackets, shirts, and rekels (long frock coat) with the right side over the left
in bright hues
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