Bekishe

Origins of the coat

The garment traces its roots to the Polish bekiesza. That earlier version was a fur-lined coat often decorated with galloon. Jewish law prohibits mixing wool with linen. This rule influences the materials used in modern versions. Most coats are now made of silk or polyester. The design has evolved while keeping its historical shape.

Styles and colors

Two main types exist for different occasions. The glatt bekishe is solid black and plain. It is worn for Friday night and Saturday morning prayers. The tish bekishe features patterns and is worn for Shabbat meals. Some leaders wear velvet piping or lining. Colors like blue or silver appear on specific garments. Married men in Jerusalem often wear gold striped kaftans instead.

Wearing the garment

Men switch from a rekel to a bekishe for the Sabbath. The rekel looks like a regular suit but is longer. Rabbis may wear ornate versions lined with velvet. Some groups wear black coats on weekdays. Others reserve the full bekishe for special events. The choice of fabric and color indicates the wearer's status and community affiliation.

How Bekishe is kept

Men remove their weekday suits and put on the bekishe before sunset on Friday. They wear it through the Sabbath services and meals. At weddings, the groom and male guests often choose this coat. The garment is kept clean and pressed for these occasions. Different communities have specific rules about which colors to wear.

When and where

It is worn from Friday evening until Saturday night. It is also worn on other Jewish holidays. The date is set by the lunar calendar and religious schedule.

It is common in Hasidic communities worldwide. Jerusalem is a major center for distinct styles. Groups in Bnei Brak and Ashdod also follow these dress codes. Communities in the United States maintain similar traditions.

What Bekishe means

The coat represents devotion and separation from secular life. Wearing it shows respect for the Sabbath. Specific colors and fabrics denote spiritual rank. The gold kaftan symbolizes honor for married men in certain Jerusalem groups. The black coat signifies humility and uniformity among many Hasidim.

Who takes part

• The groom: Wears a formal bekishe or kapoteh for the ceremony
• Hasidic rabbis: Wear ornate versions with velvet or special colors
• Married men: Switch from black coats to gold kaftans in some communities
• Wedding guests: Often wear matching or complementary formal coats

If you are a guest

Guests should wear formal attire that respects the community's standards. Men typically wear a bekishe or a dark suit. Women wear modest dresses covering the knees and elbows. Avoid bright colors or revealing cuts. Follow the couple's guidance on dress code.

Then and now

Modern materials like polyester have replaced silk in many cases. Some younger men prefer simpler designs. The tradition remains strong in strict Hasidic communities. Changes are slow and guided by religious leaders. Urban migration has spread the style to new cities.

On the wedding table

Symbols: Gold and jewellery

Questions people ask about Bekishe

See also

Hope chestA wooden chest where a bride collects linens and gifts before her wedding.White weddingA formal Western ceremony marked by a white bridal gown and traditional Christian rituals.Ring fingerThe fourth digit of the hand where wedding and engagement rings are traditionally worn.WimpelA linen sash made from a baby boy's circumcision cloth that binds the Torah scroll.

Good reading and sources

• Bekishe on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data

It may contain mistakes. Wedding customs differ from one family, village and community to the next, and the people who keep them know them best. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-07.