As we approach Purim, I began thinking about our holiday and our celebration, which includes costumes.
I’ve always thought that Reform Jews needed better uniforms.
In our desire to embrace modernity, we’ve adopted the clothing commonly worn by others, rendering us indistinguishable as we blend into the broader culture.
Our more traditional brethren have uniforms—items that set them apart and make them easily recognizable: payot, kippot, shtreimel, sheitels, long black coats, and other garments depending on the particular denomination. Many of us will dress in costumes to celebrate Purim, but we wear masks as part of a wardrobe that reflects aspects of who we are all the time.
The truth is, we all wear uniforms. It is easy to identify a firefighter, a police officer, or a member of the military; their uniforms indicate that they are part of an elite group with a specific purpose. Those of us who are slaves to fashion publicly claim we are au courant, while those of us who deliberately choose to rebel against such norms wear uniforms that proclaim we are iconoclasts. These public displays of identity convey that we are part of a group motivated by pride, belonging, or sometimes even fear. Are these masks, reflections, or projections?
Does our outward appearance reflect who we are inside, who we aspire to be, or how we want the world to perceive us? When these aspects do not align, it’s essential to pause and reflect on why. Why do we present ourselves in ways that do not match our true selves? Sometimes this discrepancy is aspirational, while at other times it may stem from feelings of inadequacy or a fear of revealing our authentic selves to the world.
I hope my mask is revealing. It shares my identity and signals that I am approachable, an authority, and a source of comfort in whatever way my intended audience needs to see me, while remaining authentic to my true self on Purim and every day. May we all find the space to be the best version of ourselves. May we be unafraid to be who we are and grateful for that, even if we aspire to more.