LeKavod UleTifaret
"I almost didn't recognize you. People don't realize rabbis are human too." "In your present attire, no-one would ever guess that you are what you are." "I wasn't sure if that was you or someone who looked like you." These statements were all said to me this morning.
I usually travel back from camp on a train, but it was a tough time for staff to get me to the train, so I rode on the bus with the seniors. You'd think that I was wearing who knows what. I was wearing black pants, a blue shirt with a collar (the kind with two buttons under the collar, rather than being fully buttoned down) and a plain unlabelled cap. But they like me in my Shabbos suit.
Years ago when I learned in Morasha Kollel, Rabbi Sherman Siff told us a story about one time when he rushed home from camp and went straight to his Shul. In camp he wore a windbreaker and a straw instead of black hat. He was reluctant to go into shul that way, but his son convinced him that it wasn't a big deal, and it wasn't worth being late for. So he went straight to shul. When he walked in a congregant looked at him and exclaimed, "Rabbi, I didn't recognize you - you like like a farmer!"
That story popped into my head. I hear both sides of the question of how much clothing matters. Maybe I'll write more about this another time. Maybe.
posted by rabbi neil fleischmann @ 3:32 PM
6 Comments:
This reminds me of the pentultimate scene in Frisco Kid when the people of the town catch up with Gene Wilder having dinner with Harrison Ford. If you haven't seen it, rent it - I think you'd enjoy the flick and based on this post - this scene in particular.
If I ever do take that leap and become the rav that some people think I should be I am going to be known for wearing shorts and a tanktop.
It might not be tzinus enough for some people, but on the other hand the idea that people are going to comment on my every move makes me crazy too.
It matters a lot, I used to work at a hotel (non Jewish) and I was dressed very respectably, black vest, black plants, lightly colored shirt. Yet they asked me to wear a tie the next day. Now I hate ties but apparently it meant a lot to them so I had no choice.
This was for a job in the marketing department, where no hotel guest would ever meet me, yet there was a booklet for men and another one for women with dressing codes and rules.
I think most people expect to see Rabbis playing softball in a suit.
Maria, thanks. Great movie. Never thought of that scene as having a messge. But you're right, it does.
Jack, on step at a time.
Pragmatician, good practical point. One side of the equation.
Psycho Toddler, based on that we rabbis SHOULD play in our suits, you think?
If I took one step at a time I'd be lost. I run like my son, three, four or five steps. It makes it ever so much more interesting that way. ;)
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