Clothing is on my mind. Not because I’m a superficial person, but because fabric art has been featured in the last five weekly Torah readings. Uniquely dyed wools – sky-blue, royal purple, and earthworm red – house God’s presence in the mishkan (sanctuary). Fine designers bring to life the High Priest’s sophisticated “layered look,” complete with jewelled accessories. All priests must wear linen underwear, lest they die.
Clothing worn during holy service must be chosen consciously: that is the principle. Why? Torah itself does not explain, but interpreters do. Spiritual facilitators should physically feel God’s being. Priests need physical protection from God’s powerful presence. Leaders should be adorned with articles made in the community. Priests don a persona not their own as they step into a role. Attractive visuals enhance religious ritual.
When I, a female congregational rabbi, dress for holy service, I keep these ideas in mind.
Spiritual facilitators should physically feel God’s being. Hat, yes. Donning a hat is part of my daily spiritual practice. I synchronize my action with the traditional morning blessing, “oter Yisrael b’tifarah”: Thank you God; you crown your people with splendor. My hat reminds me that I intend to remain a “God-person,” i.e., spiritually aware, all day. And that “splendor,” i.e. health and inspiration, are special gifts. If I receive them today, I will put them to good use.
Priests need physical protection from God’s powerful presence. Modesty, yes. No cleavage… Continue reading at Rabbis Without Borders.
Image: Tefillin Barbie, hatam-soferet.dreamwidth.org
I enjoyed your post. I do dress carefully for shul and work. My style of dress has changed as my “Reconformodox” path has meandered. At one time I wore only skirts and as a young bride I even covered my hair for a while, but now I regularly wear pants and wear a kippah for prayer, Torah study and rabbinic roles.
I don’t put on tefillin regularly either (I have done it from time to time). At first it was because I grew up Reform, and then I became Modern Orthodox for 10 years so I didn’t do it because it was a guy thing. My husband put it on daily before his stroke and I have a strong association that it is his mitzvah. I respect those women who do it but I have not felt a strong need to start. I do feel that wearing a tallit is very meaningful and to me gender-neutral. On Shabbat I wear my mother’s tallit with the “wings of Shekhina” motif, and on weekdays I wear a smaller one that I keep at home.