As my kids try on their Purim costumes, they kvell at the idea that getting dressed up is actually a Jewish thing. In our society, many people get decked out in costumes, say in October for example. But, that is a shallow act devoid of meaning. It celebrates death – not life.
What’s the meaning of costumes on Purim?
First, we need to understand the meaning of clothing altogether. Yes, you need clothing for warmth and modesty. But, is there meaning to different types of clothing – besides from their fashion statement?
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In Judaism, we have always relied on tactile reminders. In contrast to modern gizmos of efficiency, Jewish aides don’t simply serve as tools. Rather, they are the keys to our souls.
Wearing tefillin and lighting Shabbat candles are physical rituals; palpable cues that we can see, feel and touch. But, their role is not simply to remind us about our history and tradition.
The taste of bitter herbs on Passover can transport us back to a time of harsh slavery. The four cups of wine may stimulate our mood of liberation.
However, there is more to these multisensory media than reminding us of our past, duties, or values.
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In this week’s parsha, Tetzaveh, the Torah spends a great deal of time and space teaching about the specific clothing that the kohanim (priests) wore in the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple). This was, of course, their ritual uniform. It only makes sense that in a space as sacred and a task as important as serving in the Bait HaMikdash, a dress code should be in place.
The mystics, however, are bothered by the seemingly endless verses describing each piece of clothing. Wouldn’t it suffice to state that they must be in uniform while officiating? Why all the detail? And why these specific outfits?
Rather, the mystics argue, the Torah is not simply emphasizing decorum and efficiency. Each vestment serves as a conduit to a unique flow of Divine energy. Every garment has physical characteristics – one is soft and another is rigid; one is red and another blue. These characteristics correspond to their spiritual characteristics.
You see, we have it backwards when we search for the spiritual significance of something physical. We look at a tallit, for example, and wonder what the meaning behind this four-cornered, fringed garment might be. But, in reality, it works the other way around. A sacred, specific energy exists in the spiritual dimension. In its pure form, it is lacking any physical configuration. But, as it is converted to physical reality, it requires shape, color, texture, etc.
We look at a candle and ponder the symbolism.
In Heaven, they look at the soul and wonder what physical vehicle can express something so precious and sublime. Ah, a candle will have to suffice.
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Taken from this perspective, the kohanim were not wearing garments merely to conform to a standard. Quite the contrary, their garments were part of their Divine worship. It was critical because each garment was, in essence, drawing a spiritual energy into the physical realm.
For example, the sash was worn at the waist. The Chassidic Masters explain its significance as separating the base, lower elements of the body from the emotions and intellect – one’s higher self. But it isn’t solely a prop to remind and assist. Rather, the mystical separation between the lower and higher realms is manifest in the embodiment of the sash. That heavenly dimension is captured through the physical form and dimension of the sash. That’s why it happens to be such a useful reminder.
And the same holds true for all mitzvot in the Torah. Matzah isn’t merely an aide-mémoire of the Exodus due to its texture and taste. Rather, the spirit of the Exodus and true freedom joins us at our Pesach Seder in the form of matzah.
Wearing Tefillin is not simply a visceral reminder of G-d’s presence. It’s a conduit for the sacred energies that our souls need and crave.
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And so, we return to Purim. Clothing typically serves to reveal our identity, mood, or preference. I choose to wear one outfit to work, another to run the marathon, and another to weather the blizzard.
Those choices of attire are designed to comport – and reveal – my mood or activity. For Jews, we dress Jewishly as well – revealing our spiritual endeavors and identity.
Yet, on Purim we choose to wear something that hides our identity. The simple reason for this is that through costumes we remind ourselves that G-d was hiding behind the scenes – yet clearly and intimately involved – throughout the Purim story.
The Chassidic Masters take it a step further. By dressing up, we are demonstrating that the true essence of our being is not the decorum of business. Nor is it the laissez-faire attitude of the beach. Or the hard grit of the basketball court.
Nothing I wear can capture my truest quintessence. The core of my being is pure and infinite. It is beyond any dress code. The only way to capture that energy is by dressing up as something I am not. This is not who I am. I cannot be defined by any clothing.
The joy of Purim is designed to be boundless – ad d’lo yada. Boundless energy cannot be captured in any garment.
My Purim costume may not be as sacred as the garments of the Kohanim. But, it does point to an energy that even their holy clothing is incapable of capturing.
L’Chaim!