Holelus viSichlus
It's definitely not Purim unless someone walks into shul with a Bowler hat, a Na Nachman yarmulka, or some other cutesy flourish. I appreciate those things; I really do. Much like Simchas Torah, there is a place on Purim for a little self-referential/self-directed humor.
On the other hand, it sometimes does strike me a little the wrong way when people show up, especially men who are there for mincha/maariv and not just to hear the megillah, in full clown suits or other completely over-the-top getups. Besides the fact that they're there during tefilah, being omed lifnei haMelekh in clown suits (when, generally, they couldn't even think of davening in a polo shirt), the Rema states that it is proper to wear Shabbas clothes as a sign of respect for the day. It's also a little ironic to see these people nodding their affirmations as the Rabbi enjoins the congregation to avoid degrading themselves through their revelry.
People, save the clown suits for the se'udah, or, better, for Mishloach Manot/Matanot liEvyonim distribution.
In related news, the travel mug I filled with hot coffee before Mincha contained still-acceptable coffee after maariv had ended. Combine that with two preemptive migrane excedrins, and everything feels just fine. I think that every shul should offer a sponsorship for someone to pay for gourmet coffee after fast days.
On the other hand, it sometimes does strike me a little the wrong way when people show up, especially men who are there for mincha/maariv and not just to hear the megillah, in full clown suits or other completely over-the-top getups. Besides the fact that they're there during tefilah, being omed lifnei haMelekh in clown suits (when, generally, they couldn't even think of davening in a polo shirt), the Rema states that it is proper to wear Shabbas clothes as a sign of respect for the day. It's also a little ironic to see these people nodding their affirmations as the Rabbi enjoins the congregation to avoid degrading themselves through their revelry.
People, save the clown suits for the se'udah, or, better, for Mishloach Manot/Matanot liEvyonim distribution.
In related news, the travel mug I filled with hot coffee before Mincha contained still-acceptable coffee after maariv had ended. Combine that with two preemptive migrane excedrins, and everything feels just fine. I think that every shul should offer a sponsorship for someone to pay for gourmet coffee after fast days.
3 Comments:
One of my caffeine addicted friends says the secret to getting through a fast is to tank up on caffeine the night before. He says you can sort of get it to carry you through the next day. Haven't tried it myself, but its is worth a shot.
Hey, at least the people in the clown suits are in shul davening maariv at all. One suspects that not all of them do that during the week.
So that explains why there were so many people wearing suits...
I was wearing the less frightening parts of my costume, and feeling a bit guilty about it.
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