Dressing modestly, but fashionable

In an effort to bring awareness to dressing according to Jewish law and show that you can still be fashionable while dressing modestly, the National Conference of Synagogue Youth (NCSY) is holding its fourth annual fashion show on March 1 featuring models from public high schools and yeshivas around Long Island, Brooklyn, Manhattan and Queens.

Hannah Schlager, a coordinator for the fashion show, said NCSY is a non-profit organization that works with teenagers and teaches them about Judaism. Schlager grew up as a member of NCSY and when it came time to choose coordinators for the fashion show, the project “fell on her lap.”

“They needed someone to take charge on this specific program,” she said. “I love fashion and dressing modestly so it worked out.”

The fashion show is a part of the organization’s new Project Frumway, which stresses positive body image and dressing modestly and involves girls in the organization visiting schools and yeshivas to talk about the project.

“The point (of the fashion show) is to show that dressing according to Jewish law can be exciting and doesn’t have to be boring,” she said.

Ariella Freedman, a Lawrence resident who is a sophomore at the Yeshiva of Central Queens, is selling tickets for the show at her school and helping organize the event. “I think that once you’re involved in Project Frumway, it shows everyone you believe in Jewish ideals and that you can be a leader in the Jewish community,” she said. “It shows self respect.”

Freedman said she hasn’t faced many challenges dressing modestly since she attends a yeshiva and the people around her are supportive. She also said you don’t have to monitor where you shop to dress modestly since many stores sell clothing that are acceptable by Jewish law.

Amanda Esraelian, a senior at Roslyn High School, will be modeling in this year’s fashion show and is being honored at the fashion show for her dedication and commitment to dressing modestly while attending a public school. “You stand out in the crowd a little bit,” she said. “My friends do make little comments all the time like, ‘do you really have to put that on?’ But at the end of the day I know everything I do is worth it.”