| A Shtreimel is a fur hat worn by many married Haredi Jewish men, particularly (though not exclusively) members of Hasidic sects, on the Sabbath and during Jewish holidays and festive occasions. In some families, particularly those native to Jerusalem, boys begin to wear a Shtreimel after their Bar Mitzvah (age 13). Due to decrees made by the Czarist regime of Russia during the 19th Century, Belarusian, Ukrainian and Lithuanian Jews generally do not wear a shtreimel. The Gerrer Hasidim from Poland wear a spodik instead of a shtreimel.Made out of genuine fur, typically from sable, it is the most expensive article of Hasidic clothing, ranging in price from $1800 to $5400. It is usually the bride's father who purchases the Shtreimel for the groom upon his wedding. Nowadays it is custom to purchase two Shtreimels. A cheaper version (sells for $800-1,500), called the Regen Shtreimel (Rain Shtreimel) is used for occasions where the expensive one may get damaged. | An Hasidic Rebbe wearing a Shtreimel (larger image) |