Rekel[1][2](Yiddish:רעקל) orlang rekel (pluralrekelech) is a type offrock coat worn mainly byHasidicJewish 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 wordrekel stems from the German-dialect wordRöckel, a cognate of theHigh GermanRöcklein, one version of the grammatical diminutive ofRock (the other version beingRöckchen; in this sense meaning a man's long coat, rather than a woman's skirt). Note that theYiddish dialects are abundant with the use of such grammatical diminutives, in contrast to High German in which diminutives are used only rarely and in specific situations. Prior to the use of the rekel as standard Hasidic garb, Hasidic coats were generally buttonless, white robes with black or multi-color 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 rekelech actually make it easier to keep the Biblical injunction againstmixing it with linen (Lev. 19:19; Deut. 22:11).[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 (זשילעט), 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 of theBreslover Hasidim), and concealed button version, which manyGerer,Bobover andSanz-Klausenburger Hasidim wear. There is also a single breasted version with a shawl collar and attachedgartel. Several styles of unlined rekelech exist, which are typically worn in hot weather, and often conform 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 mostHaredi Jewish 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.
on the left for the ladies and on the right for the gents
{{cite magazine}}:Cite magazine requires|magazine= (help)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
Media related toCategory:Hasidic clothing at Wikimedia Commons