Headcovering News in the US

Florida Jail to Force Another Haircut of Sikh Inmate

SIKHNN.com, Sep 08, 2008

Citing security concerns, a Duval County Jail spokeswoman said that a Sikh inmate who endured the forceful cutting of his kesh, religiously mandated unshorn hair, will have another haircut when his hair gets long enough.

“The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is committed to respecting and honoring the religious preferences of all persons… However, we cannot do so if the religious practices compromise the security and safety of the correctional facilities,” said Lauri-Ellen Smith, spokeswoman for the sheriff’s office, in an official statement by email. “As such, it is required that all sentenced inmates have short hair and not wear head coverings, in order to prevent hiding contraband and/or weapons.”

This jail policy is in direct conflict with Sikh religious practice, which requires men and women to keep uncut hair, and for men to cover it with a dastaar, a Sikh turban.

Full story at linked title above.

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Jewish women make, wear prayer shawls

By BILL SHERMAN, World Religion Writer, Tulsa World
9/20/2008

In the 80-year history of the women's auxiliary group at B'nai Emunah, a Conservative Jewish congregation, there has never been a program on making and wearing prayer shawls.

Until this week.

That's because through the centuries, prayer shawls, called tallits, have traditionally been worn only by men. That is still the case among Orthodox Jews in Israel.

But in the United States, among both Conservative and Reform Jews, more and more women are wearing prayer shawls.

Story continues at lined title above.

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Faith Communities: Greek Orthodoxy: Old ethnic church finds new life in converts

by Dana Clark Felty, Savannah Morning News, September 13, 2008

This article gives a sketch and history of the Christian Orthodox churches in America, highlighting how things have changed as people "convert" from Protestantism, and bring the modern culture with them to change the "Ancient Faith". For example:

Chatham County Commission Chairman and lifelong Orthodox Pete Liakakis recalls when women were required to wear a hat or head covering to church.

"Then about 25 years ago, women stopped. Very seldom do you see a female wearing a hat anymore," he said. "I think the females in our community saw how other people were (dressed) at church."

Full article at the title linked above.

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Health department gives tips to avoid lyme disease

By GORDON JAMES/Infectious Disease Coordinator Fulton County Health Department
Canton, Illinois, Daily Ledger, September 9, 2008

If you experience a bullseye rash or any unexplained illness accompanied by fever following a tick bite, you should consult your physician and explain that you were bitten by a tick. The best way to protect yourself against tick-borne illness is to avoid tick bites. This includes avoiding known tick-infested areas. However, if you live in or visit wooded areas or areas with tall grass and weeds, follow these precautions to help prevent tick bites and decrease the risk of disease:

--Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, boots or sturdy shoes and a head covering. Tuck trouser cuffs in socks. Tape the area where pants and socks meet so ticks cannot crawl under clothing. [emphasis mine - LM]

More tips and information available at the linked title above.