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A bekishe is a long coat, usually made of black silk or polyester worn by Hassidic Jews. Most Hasidim only wear them on Shabbos, Jewish holidays, or at weddings and other such events. During the week, most Hasidim wear a rekel, which is made of wool or polyester, looking like a regular double-breasted suit, only longer. Many Hassidic rabbis wear a bekishe during the week. In such a case, they will wear a fancier bekishe for Shabbos, often lined with velvet.
There are two Bekishe types. The Zaiden or silk Bekishe (pictured here) is solid colored, and is usually worn for Friday night and Saturday morning prayers. For Shabbos meals, the patterned (less expensive) polyester Bekishe, with an attatched belt, also known as a Chalat or a Tish Bekishe, is worn. The Tish Bekishe is also worn during the Shabbos afternoon prayer service and the night after Shabbos. Some non-Hassidic Orthodox Jews wear a Tish Bekishe at home during the Shabbos meals. Many Hassidic Rebbes wear Tish Bekishes with various colors, usually either, blue, silver, or white, often with black.
Most married Chabad hasidim wear a long black frock coat called "Kapoteh", which has a slit in the back and one corner of the hem rounded off, in order that the garment should not require Tzitzit. A Kapoteh has four buttons in the front and two in the back. Many non-Hassidic Rabbis wear a Kapoteh as well. A Bekishe has six buttons in the front. A zeidineh bekishe has two buttons in the back as well.
External links
- Why the Long Black Coat? from chabad.org