Outside/Inside: A Fresh Look at Tzniut for Men and Women

by Gila Manolson

In a refreshing, straightforward style, the author of 'The Magic Touch' addresses the subject of tzniut, modesty, providing insight and inspiration for all.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Nonfiction

109 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Foxglove · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some good ideas, but doesn't address sexism.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this one of the best books I have read on the subject. It is not very big but holds a lot of information. she brings out a lot of insightful points. If you study Biblical modesty this will help you have a better understanding of the subject.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read quite a few books on modesty, but Gila Manolson’s Outside/Inside stood out as something deeper and more expansive. This book challenges the common idea that modesty—or tzniut—is mostly about clothing or outward appearance. Instead, it invites readers into a much richer view: one where modesty is a way of life, touching how we speak, behave, relate to others, and most importantly, how we understand our worth.

The first half lays a solid foundation on modesty’s meaning in Jewish thought, but it was the latter half that especially moved me. Manolson pushed me to reflect on how easy it is to define ourselves by what we do—our roles, work, or even the causes we support. She asks, “Who would you be if you couldn’t do what you do?” It’s a powerful question that lingers.

Rabbi Zev Leff’s words encapsulate the heart of the book: “Modesty is not the negation of the externals, but rather the ability to tastefully cover the externals in a manner that they themselves transmit the inner spiritual beauty.”
That quote shifted my whole understanding of modesty. It’s not about hiding, but about allowing our truest self—our inner essence—to shine through.

Another concept that struck me was the idea that tzniut calls us to “wean ourselves from the addiction to being noticed”—not just in how we dress, but in how we act and speak. There’s a kind of freedom in stepping away from the need to be seen or applauded.

One quote I especially appreciated was: “Think globally, act locally—but first, grow personally.”
It’s a call to start transformation from within. Before we try to change the world, we must be willing to examine ourselves and grow in character.

This book isn’t just for women or those focused on dress codes. While it’s written for a Jewish audience, Christians can gain a great deal from it as well. It offers a meaningful, balanced, and insightful exploration of tzniut for both men and women. I’d recommend it to anyone seeking to understand the spiritual depth of modesty and reclaim it as a beautiful and empowering value.

[SN · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful but also very easy to read.
The book itself is short (108 pages) but manages to fit a lot of information in without coming across like a book of law.

I particularly liked the final 3 chapters - The Transformation, Is There A Chance For Love? and Being Yourself -where the author discusses how tzniut is not intended to squash individuality, but rather channel it, as well as how tzniut has the potential to be extremely empowering when applied in the correct spirit.

The subtitle is "A Fresh Look at Tzniut for Men and Women" but I definitely would've appreciated more discussion on the topic of male tzniut, as well as the topic of tzniut and misogyny, as the way females dress and present themselves has been a hot button topic in feminist circles, as well as mainstream society, for quite sometime.
I'm still unclear on the guidelines of male tzniut, and though very briefly addressed, why it differs from tzniut for females.

Overall a refreshing introduction to the topic that I would recommend to converts, baal teshuvim, conversion candidates and bat/bar mitzvahs.

[bella · Rating 2 out of 5]

1.5⭐️-listen i love being jewish and all the customs and traditions that come with it. however as someone who has not grown up dressing tzniut, and as someone who does not want to honestly, i read this book solely to challenge my thinking. and honestly i was severely disappointed for the terrible writing, arguments, and examples. the way this book is written sounds like a third grader and thus, any arguments and any valid points made could not land with me. i do love how this book emphasizes knowing oneself and then using that energy and incorporating it into clothing and all that jazz. but otherwise ya. will not be going towards the tzniut lifestyle anytime soon.

[Feliks Leybovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really learned about the Jewish and woman's perspective to tzniut

Great work and book about how to view oneself in a different light than how the mainstream media and American society I have developed self image and body image.

[Melissa S-G · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting perspective, though not as "fresh" as I had hoped for.

[Batsiii · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5

[TaniaRina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great intro book (teens, non-Jews, or non-FFB).

[Angelica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy read about Tzniut. Gives the reader a lot to think about.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay. It gave some good things to think about, but I think I'm just too feminist for a lot of it. However, I do feel like incorporating some of it into my life, so I'd say it was a success!