Change of heart. CR is a tough addiction to break. So much for my kabbala to avoid machlokes during the 3 Weeks. I’ll try to be less aggressive though. Maybe I’ll stay away during the 9 days…
SJS, you say you don’t live in a judgmental community, and you don’t judge people by their clothing, so let’s put it to the test. Walk into shul on shabbos like you lived in Williamsburg- wearing an obviously fake wig, a hat on top of it, Williamsburg-style dark navy blue dress, and stockings with an obvious seam. None of your friends will say anything? And you will feel exactly the same as if you walked into shul dressed in your usual shabbos clothing? If the answers to both are honestly “no difference”, kol hakavod. Are you willing to do a gentlemen’s bet on this?
The following two questions are addressed to everyone else here as well.
Let’s say you were riding the subway, and it’s a long subway ride there were 2 seats left. One was next to a finely-groomed gentleman wearing a suit. The other was next to someone dressed like he’s from the ‘hood, with a do-rag and dreadlocks, flashing a lot of bling and a menacing scowl. Whom do you sit next to? If you can honestly say “toss-up”, kol hakavod.
2 salesmen approach you trying to sell you something or close a business deal. One of them is an immaculate dresser. The other is sloppy, disheveled, and has yellowed teeth and a faint body odor. Which one is more likely to close the deal with you? If you can honestly say “toss-up”, kol hakavod.