Shtreimel

Image:Yablinover Rebbe.jpg|thumb|A Hasid wearing a shtreimel]] A shtreimel or shtraml (Yiddish: שטרײַמל, pl. שטרײַמלעך shtreimlekh) is a fur hat worn by many married Haredi Jewish men, particularly (although not exclusively) members of Hasidic sects, on the Sabbath and during Jewish holidays and other festive occasions. In Jerusalem the shtreiml is still worn by 'Yerushalmi' Jews (non-Hasidim who belong to the original Ashkenazi community). The shtreimel comprises a large circular piece of velvet surrounded by fur. The shtreimel is generally worn only after marriage.

The shtreimel was not originally Jewish. Eastern European men, especially of higher classes, wore fur hats (eg the modern day ushanka) due to the cold climate, and which was imitated by the local Jewish men.

The most widely seen shtreimel is typically worn by the Hassidim of Galicia, Romania Hungary and was once worn by Lithuanian Jews pre world war-II; Hasidim from Congress Poland wear a high shtraml (sometimes called a spodik).

The shtreimel is usually made of genuine fur, from the tips of the tails, typically from Canadian or Russian sable but also from stone marten and American gray fox. The shtreimel is the most expensive article of Hasidic clothing, ranging in price from US$1800 to US$5400. It is possible to buy a shtreimel from synthetic fur and this is more common in Israel. Usually the bride's father purchases the shtreimel for the groom upon his wedding. Nowadays, it is customary to purchase two shtreimels—a cheaper version (sells for $800-1,500), called the regn shtraml (rain shtreimel) is used for occasions where the expensive one may get damaged. The manufacturers of these hats can be found in New York City, Montreal and in Israel.

While there is not a religious law for Jewish males to wear something on their heads, it is generally accepted practice for them to do so, though there is no special religious significance to the shtreimel versus other head coverings. Male Orthodox Jews are very conservative regarding headgear, and one can find Orthodox Jews wearing trilbys or homburgs around the world, or tricornes in France. Special headgear is worn on special occasions (such as Shabbat), in the synagogue or by office holders such as rabbis. As with the shtreimel, hats are often worn even in countries where the general population has long stopped wearing them. Maybe the shtreimel originated from an antisemitic decree (long since rescinded) requiring Jews to wear the tails of an animal on their heads to exemplify Jews' close relation to "animals"!