The Jetpacker

It’s not unusual for tourists to change their habits in order to comply with the traditions and cultures of another country.  But you don’t expect to make such sacrifices just to visit a small town… especially in the U.S.

In New York, there’s a small town called Kiryas Joel, where most of the 20,000 residents are Hasidic Jews who live their lives according to a very strict code.

And now they’re asking visitors to follow that code too, even if they’re just passing through town.

So they’ve installed a welcome sign with guidelines on how to obey Hadisic Jew traditions:

–Wear long skirts or pants

–Cover the neckline

–Wear sleeves past the elbow

–Use appropriate language

–Men and women must remain separated in all public areas

Well that’s not a very welcoming welcome sign, is it?

Some people consider these rules respectful of the local culture while others feel it’s unreasonable and discriminatory.

Visitors who break the rules won’t be sent to bad manners jail, but they will be looked down upon by the community.

The point is, who wants to visit Kiryas Joel anyway?  It’s not like they have anything to offer tourists (other than condemnation).  In fact, Kiryas Joel has the highest poverty rate of any town in the United States.

As if that didn’t do it, the dress code just solidifies our desire NOT to visit.  No one should refrain from showing off their neck cleavage.  No one.