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 orginally Jewish.[citation needed] 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 widley seen shtreimel is typically worn by the Hassidim of Galicia, Romania Hungary and was once worn by Lithuanian Jews pre world war-II; Hassidim from Congress Poland wear 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 Hassidic 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 "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.
While there is a religious law for Jewish males to wear something on their heads, there is no special religious significance to the shtreimel. Different places have had differing customs. At some locations only the rabbi wore a shtreimel while at other places the entire community wore them. Today, many Jews proudly wear the shtreimel since the piece of clothing originated from a decree(that has long since been lifted) requiring Jews to wear the tails of an animal on their head to exemplify Jews' close relation to "animals."
Male Orthodox Jews are very conservative regarding headgear, and one can find Orthodox Jews wearing trilbys or homburgs, top hats in Britain, and tricornes in France. This special headgear is worn on special occasions (such as Shabbat) or in the synagogue; and, as with the shtreimel, even in countries where the general population has long stopped wearing them. The shtreimel is a good example of this conservatism.