thumb|Two Hasidic Rebbes are shown wearing tish bekishes with high ""s (felt hats). The late [[Khuster Rebbe Shmelke Leifer (of Boro Park, Brooklyn in New York and Pittsburgher Rebbe Mordechai Yissachar Ber Leifer (of Ashdod, Israel; with strohkes)]]

A bekishe or ( beketche or bekishe) is a type of kaftan, usually made of black silk or polyester, worn by Hasidic Jews and by some non-Hasidic Haredi Jews. The bekishe is worn mainly on Shabbos and other Jewish holidays or at weddings and similar events. During the week, it is customary to wear a rekel, made of wool or polyester, looking like a regular double-breasted suit but it is longer. Hasidic rabbis who wear a bekishe during the week wear a more ornate version for Shabbos, often lined with velvet or a color other than or in addition to black.

The New York Times described the Bekeshe as a "fancier Sabbath version" of the Rekel.

History

The bekishe derives from the Polish bekiesza a sort of fur-lined coat. The bekiesza was often richly decorated, sometimes with galloon. A force driving or governing caution with use of wool is the Biblical injunction against mixing it with linen (Lev. 19:19; Deut. 22:11). is generally worn after marriage; before marriage, either a black bekishe or weekday-style clothing is worn on days when a bekishe is usually worn. Some of those who wear the gold bekishe switch to black on Shabbat afternoon before Mincha. That is seen in Dushinsky and with many of the Prushim.

Kapoteh

Married Chabad hasidim wear a long black kapoteh (frock coat) instead of a bekishe. Although black is the preferred predominant color, other hues can be present, including on the buttonholes.

References

  • Why the Long Black Coat?