Do clothes really make the man/woman? Are clothes really that important? Well as a matter of fact according to our Torah portion this week they are. Parshat Tetzaveh deals with the garments, breast plate, and headwear of the Kohanim-the High Priests. Our Torah portion spends two chapters detailing the vestments of the Kohanim. Why does the Torah do this? The great Biblical scholar Nechama Leibowitz says, “Just as humans are the only creatures in the universe who do not rest content with their natural skin…the sons of Aaron who minister in their priestly office in the house of the Lord do not serve God in their ordinary, everyday garments.”
Clothes are a way of making moments in time as well as tasks we do special. We wear nicer clothes when we go to synagogue, we dress up when we go out for a special occasion; we wear special clothes when we get married or attend a wedding. Clothes play a big role for us in marking occasions in our lives. When a person puts on a uniform it gives them a certain authority that only people with that uniform can have, such as law enforcement. At the same time that individual’s personal authority is lessened because anyone who puts that uniform on has gone through the necessary training and is then special. Going back to the High Priest, without the special garments that the Torah proscribes them to wear they are merely an “ordinary individual and their ritual act becomes a personal gesture.” (Hirsch)
As I am writing this we are winding down on the celebration of Purim. I was reminded last night and this morning what King Achashverosh asks Haman what should be the reward of someone who saved the King’s life. Haman thinking the King is talking about rewarding himself says, “Let royal garb which the King has worn be brought…and let the attire and the horse be put in charge of the King’s noble courtiers.” (Megillat Esther chapter 6) We see that clothes are very special to Haman as well, the reward for saving the King’s life is wearing clothes that the King wore which are now special and valued since he wore them.
As we continue on in this pandemic and it is easy for those of us working from home to wear PJ’s every day and not give our clothes much thought. Perhaps you can try to make a special dinner with your family and invite them to dress up. It is a nice way to mark a special occasion and bring some dignity back into our lives that Covid has taken from us.
Shabbat Shalom, Cantor Diamond
Chag sameach,
Wishing everyone a joyous and fun filled Purim.
Thank you to the dedicated and wonderful team for arranging, organizing and participating in the Mel Polay Drive-In / Livestream Purim Festivities. Last night’s festivities can be viewed at:
View full program: https://venue.streamspot.com/video/c5d1b44021
View Hebrew school Spiel: https://venue.streamspot.com/video/ef838df3bc
Special Thanks / Credits to: Creator: Jared Belferder
Sponsor: Evelyn Polay for her continued support of the Purim festival. Elane Tarnofsky and Evelyn Polay for donating/distributing the gift bags.
Cast / Directors: Michelle Endelson for filming and editing the video spiel and all of the Hebrew school children that participated. Cantor Diamond and Rabbi Bernstein for their Megillah reading. Mrs. O. for organizing and coordinating the reading by the Hebrew school children.
Leading Character: Cantor Joshua Diamond Technology: Joseph Weisbord, Howard Fingeroth, Glenn Ring and GT Party Entertainment
Sisterhood: For donating Mishloach Manot baskets. Special thanks to Tina Baron and Nadine Lewis-Kaufman for putting together and distributing the baskets.
Thank you all for your commitment and dedication in making this year’s Purim Festivities special and meaningful.
Bruce Nelson President
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