28 Elul 5770 |
September 7 2010 |
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Costumes on Purim
The explanation for the reason we dress-up in costumes on Purim is generally attributed to being a reminder of G-d's role in the Purim miracle having been completely disguised. Indeed, the name of G-d or any mention of Him is completely omitted from the book of Esther. From a superficial reading of the Megilla one would be led to believe that the recovery from the evil plot of Haman was merely a string of coincidences and good timing. The Talmud (Chulin 139b) teaches that the idea of disguising oneself on Purim is actually alluded to in the Torah. In fact, the name “Esther” means “hidden” referring to the practice of hiding one’s true self on Purim. As the Talmud says: “Where does the Torah allude to Queen Esther? Where it says: I will surely “hide” (“Astir”) my face on that day” (Deuteronomy 31:18)” referring to the future event of the Purim story. As G-d hid Himself from his involvement on Purim, so do we. It is interesting to note that there were some efforts to abolish Purim costumes, (O.C. 696; Rama), but thankfully, the custom has prevailed.
What is intriguing is that the role of the Purim costume has, historically, served additional functions as well, particularly in those times and places where Jews were under constant persecution. How so? Purim is a holiday where charitable funds, both personal and public, play a central role and are to be distributed generously on Purim, as it says: “Whoever puts out his hand for charity on Purim- you give him!” (Shulchan Aruch O.C. 694:3). We are not even supposed to inquire as to who is requesting the money nor for what purpose it will be put towards! As can be imagined, it is not always comfortable to go door-to-door requesting charity, and hence, the costumes were most useful in hiding the beggars’ true identity, saving people from possible embarrassment. What’s more, in the Middle Ages, when Jews and non-Jews often lived quite distinctly and separately for obvious reasons, the non-Jews would take advantage of the Purim generosity and seek money from the liberal Jewish Purim donors by disguising themselves in costumes as well! While giving charity to non-Jews is certainly commendable as well, this deception got somewhat out of hand, often including the occasional pogrom participant. In order to have better control over their charitable funds, it was decided that the money would only be distributed to those who requested it in Yiddish! (Cited in Nitei Gavriel, Hilchos Purim, Birurim)
While the preceding is documented history, it does remind me of a popular joke that goes somewhat like this:
President Bush calls in the head of the CIA and asks, “How come the Jews know everything before we do?"
The CIA chief says, "The Jews have this expression: 'Vus is nayis?'
The President says, "What's that mean?" Well, Mr. President", replies the CIA chief, "It's a Yiddish expression which roughly translates to "What's happening?".
They just ask each other and they know everything."
The President decides to personally go undercover to determine if this is true. He gets dressed up as an Orthodox Jew (black hat, beard, long black coat) and is secretly flown in an unmarked plane to New York, picked up in an unmarked car and dropped off in Brooklyn's most Jewish neighborhood. Soon a little old man comes shuffling along.
The President stops him and whispers, "Vus is nayis?"
The old guy whispers back: "Bush is in Brooklyn.”
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