We live in a casual time. Not that long ago men put on jackets and ties and women wore dresses to go out to dinner, attend a concert, or go to a party, even to go to synagogue. Now such attire seems utterly unthinkable when billionaires wear hoodies or t-shirts and people fly in sweatpants and Crocs. There is even a sub-heading of clothing called ath-leisure, whatever that means. We have certainly gained some physical comfort with our prioritization of casual clothing, but have we lost something as well? This week’s Torah portion describes the clothing of the Kohen Gadol (the High Priests) at great length: a linen tunic, an embroidered blue robe, a jewel encrusted, golden breastplate and a peaked hat (Exodus 28:31-42) Commenting on this verse Maimonides (12th C. Egypt) wrote: “It is a mitzvah for the priestly garments to be new, attractive, and to hang low like the garments of the men of stature, for honor and for beauty.” (Mishne Torah: Laws of the Vessels of the Temple and the Priests 8:4). The Kohen’s garments reflected his stature and his sacred service. This idea is continued in the concept of hidur mitzvah, trying to fulfill a mitzvah with as much beauty as possible. So casual and comfortable dress has its place, but perhaps wearing special clothes to synagogue might make the experience itself more special.
Tetzaveh, Exodus Exodus 27:20-30:10, Parashat Hashavua for Shabbat February 24, 2024
February 22, 2024 by Dean Kertesz • Drashot
We live in a casual time. Not that long ago men put on jackets and ties and women wore dresses to go out to dinner, attend a concert, or go to a party, even to go to synagogue. Now such attire seems utterly unthinkable when billionaires wear hoodies or t-shirts and people fly in sweatpants and Crocs. There is even a sub-heading of clothing called ath-leisure, whatever that means. We have certainly gained some physical comfort with our prioritization of casual clothing, but have we lost something as well? This week’s Torah portion describes the clothing of the Kohen Gadol (the High Priests) at great length: a linen tunic, an embroidered blue robe, a jewel encrusted, golden breastplate and a peaked hat (Exodus 28:31-42) Commenting on this verse Maimonides (12th C. Egypt) wrote: “It is a mitzvah for the priestly garments to be new, attractive, and to hang low like the garments of the men of stature, for honor and for beauty.” (Mishne Torah: Laws of the Vessels of the Temple and the Priests 8:4). The Kohen’s garments reflected his stature and his sacred service. This idea is continued in the concept of hidur mitzvah, trying to fulfill a mitzvah with as much beauty as possible. So casual and comfortable dress has its place, but perhaps wearing special clothes to synagogue might make the experience itself more special.