We live in galus, and that means there is always a magnifying glass on how Yidden conduct themselves. Our public behavior does not exist in a vacuum. It reflects on our community, on the Torah, and ultimately on Hashem Himself.
As Purim approaches, it is worth thinking carefully about costumes that could, chas v’shalom, create a chilul Hashem. Some costumes that may once have been viewed as harmless now carry meanings that are widely understood as deeply offensive. Blackface is one clear example. Today, it is broadly recognized as a symbol of racism, and even a safek of causing chilul Hashem is a serious halachic concern.
Another type of costume that may appear this year, based on recent events, is ICE or immigration-enforcement uniforms. While these may seem like innocent fun to some and do not pose any direct threat to our community, for many people—including individuals whom many of us interact with regularly—they represent real fear and trauma, having witnessed families torn apart in painful ways. This is not about politics. It is about recognizing that such costumes carry emotional weight and create an unnecessary risk of chilul Hashem.
Purim is a holy Yom Tov, meant for simcha, achdus, and spiritual growth. There are countless ways to celebrate joyfully without risking harm to others or embarrassment to Klal Yisrael.
Let us use our seichel. Let us be thoughtful. And let us make sure that our simcha brings honor to Hashem’s Name, not the opposite.
Anonymous
The views expressed in this letter are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of YWN. Have an opinion you would like to share? Send it to us for review.
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Oh man I was just about to be a border patrol officer. I guess I could just change the words to Shomrim
Okay black face and ICE ✔️
Any other PC rules?
Sheesh. Its Purim.
The Torah isn’t PC
Should we whitewash the punishment for moshkov zochor?
For this year I agree. People need to really really use their brains. Think once, think twice, and think again if it’s something that is worth getting dressed up as. Especially this year where there are so many wackos going around trying to take videos of us to show how bad we are, even if we are doing mitzvos – which as shkutzim they have no clue of, It’s not worth the anguish everyone else will get.
Good advice.
Thank you for the article. Such an important piece.
I want to add that even dressing up as an Indian or Chinese can potentially make a Chillul Hashem. Even if we don’t see the offense in these costumes, the world is very sensitive these days and being careful to only make a Kiddish Hashem requires extra thought.
A year or two ago, I saw a video on a frum person’s social media – someone with a huge following – and it was a short video of some of their Purim day. There were comments under it about some people who happened to be in the background of the video and were dressed up as Chinese. They found it offensive. So the above isn’t just off the top of my head. We never know who will see us and might think negatively of us because of it.
Important message!
ICE uniforms are just as fine as NYPD. While drug dealers might not like the NYPD and illegal aliens might not like ICE, all law abiding citizens love them both.
“Some costumes that may once have been viewed as harmless now carry meanings that are widely understood as deeply offensive.”
In dollowing this logic, should one refrain from using an IDF uniform? How about – dressing as a stereotype chareidi? Or simply dressing as Donald Trump?
The question is, how far does one need to accommodate the sensitivity of others and refrain from offending those of another mindset, political or religious view?