There is no way that dress in the picture can be described as modest by religious standards. It may be modest by liberal secular standards, but it is not modest for a student in a religious school. The dress is sleeveless, strapless and low cut. The student should have known this would be the reaction. Why didn't she wait until she left high school? What was her rush?

come on folks. What kind of beauty are we talking about, if not the body? I think this girl may have chosen a poor direction in her life. How naive can a dati girl be? Why does secular Israel still have to run after bankrupt, immoral America??

I think that what this girl and her supporters are just not getting is that she was being judged by her looks and figure, regardless of what she was wearing. This goes against all the principles of women's role in Jewish society. Why is that so hard to understand? This girl (albeit innocently) gave a seal of approval to men to look at her (also forbidden) and judge her based on her looks alone. I'm not surprised the school expelled her, they represent Jewish values and she threw it back in their faces.

that goes without saying.

Scary , that is the only word I can think about. More scary are the Talkbacks supporting the school decision...

We just celebrated Purim, a holiday which remembers how the heroine was able to save the Jewish people of Persia after she participated in, and won, a beauty contest. Without having won, Esther would not have been in a position to do what she did. IMO, it seems hypocritical to judge this girl.

She can get excellent education outside the religious system in Israel, then go overseas for her academic education. As to her good looks, it is a door opener, not much more. With a foot in the door, it will remain up to her to make it in life. It is wonderful her family and the Gadera community are behind her. She has a long way to go and I wish her the best of luck.

Religious schools usually require students to adhere to certain standards set by the school both in and out of school. I'm sure she knew this in advance; it's something the schools never tire of drilling into their students. If she holds a different opinion, that's quite up to her, but her place is not in that particular school. There are plenty of other schools that would accept her and she can complete her education there. She deliberately flaunted a school rule and now must face up to it. It's not just a matter of setting a bad example, or eroding school values. Those values are there to train students for their future within a specific defined society. By disregarding them she has turned her back on that society. Of course, nothing stops her expressing regret and demonstrating her resolve to adhere to those norms, but she does not appear to be doing that at all, in fact she appears quite defiant. What other course of action should the school take?

and that doesn't mean entering into beauty competitions. It's only self-serving insecure woman that need reasurance about their looks that enter into these stupid competitions. She deserves to be kicked out of school as she, being a representative of the school's student council, knew the rules. That wedding dress she's wearing in the picture shows bare shoulders, also not allowed. Can't have your cake and eat it deary.

Israelis especially the secular no longer even know what modesty is What is considered modest here would be considered cheap and whorish in most of the world.They have no standards from which even to judge certainly not from the media sometimes they learn when they travel abroad and the locals are shocked by their dress and behavior

She is no where near naked. Life is short, what is immodest about the fleeting beauty of young women? Religion has forgotten it's original purpose.

Israel is a democracy. Both religious and non-religious people are respected and can live their lifestyle. Just look at Tel Aviv: One of the "gayest" city in the Middle East! Can you see that in Iran?

Will some one in the government tell the black hats what they may do with themselves. Let Israel be a true democratic state.

so whats this about except for her desire to make a name for herself and go off into the secualr world. Nice start babe.

I'm kinda traditional, keep Kosher, Go to Beit Knesset on Shabbat etc. but this modesty business is a crock! Immodesty is the way to go! and BTW I have three daughters and I would encourage them to enjoy their lives and do and wear whatever they want

is enough modestly dressed. No Talibanis for Israeli chicks...OK?

Beauty contests are superficial and people should not participate in them. However, the school should not interfere with personal lives of it's students like this.

Tch...Religion shouldn't be a way of life more like a guide because like laws they keep changing.

oh well, that is the result of pseudo democracy we have here. if we really desired genuine democracy. we would uphold of the main cornerstones of democracy and that is separation of religion and state.

Power and control over people---that's what the loons involved want-- and certainly there is little difference between the extremists in every religion--I hope the yound lady doesn;t become antheist after this

The school is wrong to demand that their standards be adhered to far beyond the school grounds. Maayan seems like a smart, mature young woman and she doesn't deserved to be treated in this fashion. Sooner or later they must realize that such small mindedness only drives people away. I mean, who wants to hang with people who worry about how long your sleeves are? Will they next be inquiring what books she's reading? Fortunately, she has her family and community behind her. And those who say a woman's beauty shouldn't be promoted obviously haven't read their Tana"h. The beauty of Sarah, Rebecca and Rachel are all noted in the Torah, as is that of Esther in the Megilla. And have they read Song of Songs?

It's your own affair after the school buzzer rings at the end of the day. Was the principal being paid for working at the beauty pageant by the school district? He has no say in what organizations do outside of the school districts control. She didn't violate any law that you can be arrested for. Therefore they have no right to judge her for society norms in a beauty pageant that doesn't have anything to do with the school. Will he suspend girls that go to the beach and wear a swimsuit also? Do women have to shower in his appropriate clothing too.

All rules made by males. I would never put my child into a religious school.

in a crown and half undressed.

She is obviously far too beautiful to be in a religious school which warehouses the ugliest of all girls. They wear those aweful wigs, long sleeved shirts to wipe their long noses, and long dresses to trip over. Those girls require matchmakers because otherwise there would be no hope of them finding a husband. At least the Moslems have them cover their faces too in order to protect onlookers from unnecessary damage to their occulars. I am sure that there are no shortage of schools that would love to have an attractive girl like her.

Perhaps you got your queens mixed up? Read the Book of Esther again (hint: just the first chapter will suffice)

Not now and not tomorrow will this girl even look at education at the same way. This girl has tasted the other side. Her mind only wants party and beauty. Israeli nightlife has got their self a new member. A fresh new one :-) either u are religious or u are not; If not, then good luck in your life. But dont come here and say that this is part of the religion! thats my advice for her!