View source for Social & Cultural Norms

== Clothing ==

=== Men ===
The one deciding piece of clothing which makes a statement about what religious social group one belongs to, is the ''kippa'' (more commonly used than ''yarmulke'' here). For Chareidim, a plain black velvet ''kippa'' is the standard. Some wear black cloth ''kippas''. An insignificant minority, usually more modern, may wear leather ones. A knitted kippa is a clear statement that one does not identify himself as Chareidi.

Most Chareidi men wear white button-down shirts, regardless of if they are kollel men or working. A small minority may wear colored or other shirts.

=== Women ===
While it is still the norm for Chareidi women, especially from Ashkenazi Yeshivish backgrounds, to wear a ''sheitel'' (a wig; in Hebrew called a ''pe'ah''), it has become increasingly acceptable even in those circles to drop the wig in favor of a ''tichel'' (cloth head covering, in Hebrew: ''mitpachat''). The level of acceptability may vary from community to community.

=== Children ===

==Transportation==
An overwhelmingly large percentage of Chareidim do not have cars or driving licenses, and are heavy users of public transportation. It seems that among Anglo Chareidim, there is a higher percentage of car owners.

===Cars===
It is not considered mainstream for yeshivah students to get a license before they get married. In most instances, it can be grounds for being expelled from yeshivah! This may not be the case in the more Anglo communities, but make sure to check!

In many Chareidi communities (even some Litvish), it is rare for women to drive, and in others (especially the more Anglo), it is perfectly acceptable.

==Kashrus==
There are several well-known kashrus agencies here.

===Shmittah===
There are several issues of halachic dispute, with practical ramifications for consumers.

In general, [[Heter Mechirah]] is considered unacceptable in most Chareidi communities. The big kashrus agencies are divided in opinion about Yevul Nochri (produce from gentile fields) and about the halachic Shmittah borders of Eretz Yisroel.

==Shabbos==

===Electricity===
Though the general practice of most Chareidim here is to use the Electric Company's electricity on Shabbos, there is a significant amount of Chareidim who don't. This can be true for whole kehillos - "Chazon-Ishnik", "Brisker," etc., and also individual families who themselves are ''machmir'' even from within ''kehillos'' who are not. The alternatives include connecting to community-wide generators, battery-powered lighting, or a rechargeable single-home battery system.