A group of Chabad women in Israel petitioned the Beis Din Rabbonei Chabad last month to establish halachic guidelines on sheitel pricing, arguing that the cost of a religiously mandated head covering has become financially inaccessible for average families.
Attorney Nechama Tzivin of Kfar Chabad submitted the petition requesting a ruling on whether halacha permits establishing pricing standards for sheitels. According to Yated Ne'eman, Tzivin argues that because Chabad doctrine strongly encourages married women to wear sheitels in accordance with teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, demand is rooted in religious obligation rather than consumer preference.
Escalating Costs
Premium sheitels that sold for only a few thousand shekels in previous years now typically cost approximately 30,000 shekels, with some reaching 48,000 shekels (about $16,000). The petition does not seek to cap manufacturer profits but rather to ensure prices remain reasonable and reflect actual production costs.
Tzivin is requesting that the Beis Din appoint expert examiners to analyze manufacturing expenses, labor costs, and profit margins before determining whether pricing standards or other consumer protections are appropriate. The petition calls for greater pricing transparency and increased availability of affordable high-quality sheitels, particularly for larger families and lower-income households.
International Support
The initiative has received backing from international advocacy organizations, including the French group FairWigs, which reports that escalating sheitel prices have created similar financial strain on observant families in Europe.
Industry Response
Sheitel manufacturers and industry professionals contend that prices reflect legitimate production constraints and costs. They point to the scarcity of high-quality human hair, rising labor expenses, and the extensive customization, craftsmanship, and ongoing maintenance required for each wig. Industry representatives also note that sheitels serve medical functions for women experiencing hair loss due to cancer treatment, alopecia, and other conditions.
Tzivin has previously led advocacy campaigns on kashrut standards and product labeling and reportedly intends to submit similar petitions to other batei dinim.
As of Tuesday, the Beis Din Rabbonei Chabad had not issued a public response to the petition.
