Rabbi's Message - Young Israel of Kendall
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Young Israel of Kendall
Rabbi Becker's Message - February 17
MISHPATIM SCHOOL UNIFORMS The number of schools that have adopted the policy of having uniforms has steadily increased over the years. Although some may argue that this limits individual expression others counter that this limits individual expression. The fact that someone lives in a free country and wants the right to choose does not at all mean that they make the right choices. There is no doubt that implementing a uniform dress code spares people from the indecisions and frustrations of having to decide what to wear. It also relieves people from the discomfort in disparities that could exist between the classes. Uniform dress in some ways makes everyone the same, or does it? The Talmud tackles the issue of establishing a uniform dress code in the court room. It presents a question, “What is the source for the practice that when two individuals appear for judgment, one in rags and the other in the finest of garments, we indicate to the wealthy one, ‘either you put on rags like him, or dress him as you do’? ‘Distance yourself from matters of falsehood.’[1]”[2] Where is the falsehood? Since a judge must be fair, we take precautions in order that he not be influenced unfairly. Having a person standing before him with prestige puts him at an advantage. The judge could be swayed to favor the more respected of the two. Therefore, their wardrobes must be arranged in order that a ruling can come forth in all honesty. If the concern is to avoid favoring the wealthier or the more venerable, how does it help to have then stand before him wearing similar outfits? The judge knows who they are and their worth. How does the clothing mask the distinctions? Indeed the Torah Temima rules that the words of the Talmud apply only in a time and place that the identities are unknown. However, he acknowledges that the accepted understanding and practice is that the ruling applies even when the judge knows who the parties are. How is justice served by managing the wardrobe?[3] There is a difference between knowing and seeing. With understanding it is obvious who is who. However, when it is not staring you in the face, you stand a chance of being more objective. There is a difference in dealing with someone who comes bedecked dangling in jewels and carrying the most exquisite clothing. It makes an impression of success and power. In our selection of furnishings and attire what considerations do we have when making our choices? Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Hershel D. Becker
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