Shtreimel
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A shtreimel (Yiddish: שטריימל, pl. שטריימלעך 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 some families, particularly those native to Jerusalem, the shtreimel is worn only after marriage. Some claim that the shtreimel originated when The Russians enacted a decree that Jewish men would not be allowed to wear a skullcap. Russian men would wear a shtreimel due to the cold climate, ice, snow and rain, etc., so the Jewish men wrapped fur around their skullcaps in order to disguise it.[citation needed] Careful inspection of the inside the shtreimel reveals that it is a large skullcap. Shtreimels are typically worn by the Hassidim of Galicia, Romania and Hungary; Hassidim from Congress Poland wear a spodik.
The shtreimel is made out of the genuine fur, from the tips of the tails, typically from Canadian or Russian sable, but, also from Stone Marten, Bow Marten,[citation needed] and American Gray Fox. The shtreimel is the most expensive article of Hassidic clothing, ranging in price from US$1800 to US$5400. It is usually the bride's father who 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 "Regen Shtreimel" (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.
