Rav Wosner: Can A Litvak Wear A Shtreimel For Davening On Purim?

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rav-wosnerAs we all know, Purim is a time when people – even adults – dress up. Thus, a Litvak might wear a shtreimel if he so chooses in the Purim spirit. The halacha clearly states (Orach Chaim 91), though, that one must daven in the manner in which one appears before important people. Thus, Rav Shmuel Halevi Wosner, renowned senior posek, rosh yeshiva of Yeshiva Chachmei Lubin and author of the multi-volume Shevet Halevi, was asked (Shevet Halevi 10:18:1) if it is permitted to daven Minchah or Maariv on Purim while wearing a Purim get-up.

Revach.net records Rav Wosner’s response. Rav Wosner says that the exterior garments of a person are not what the halacha is concerned about. Standing in front of important people refers to one’s demeanor and attitude. It refers to the way one stands before the King of all kings. Thus, in this case, if one is davening with respect and seriousness and in accordance with the halacha, and one’s head is covered k’halacha, then, says Rav Wosner, it doesn’t make a difference what kind of hat or clothing one is wearing.

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18 COMMENTS

  1. Judgmental fellows ought to apply this ruling when forming opinions about frum Jews who don’t wear a fedora at all (such as myself).

  2. Yom ke-Purim.

    Remember that the tefillos offered on Purim are extremely significant and most susceptible to acceptance by the Rebono shel Olam. One should have even more kavanah on this day than usual.

  3. JvS: Just make sure it is covered kehalacha, as Rav Vosner states. “V’lo bkova katan shetachas hakova” OC 91

  4. #1, Halacha clearly dictates that one should cover their head with a hat during davening. A yarmulke is not sufficient. Please be advised that all shitos agree to this principle and those that do not, are dgoing against halacha. Its that simple

  5. “The halacha clearly states (Orach Chaim 91), though, that one must daven in the manner in which one appears before important people. ”

    Would you wear a hat or shtreimal if you were going for a job interview?

  6. “Please be advised that all shitos agree to this principle and those that do not, are dgoing against halacha. Its that simple.”

    This is the the precise arrogant attitude we must distance ourselves from. If ALL shitos agree, how can there be any that don’t?
    A yarmulke IS a hat. I can safely guarantee you that Moshe Rabbeinu wore neither a yarmulke, fedora or shtreimel. Does you shita agree with that?

  7. It doesnt need to be a black hat, but you do need more than just a yarmulke – some people daven with two yarmulkes when they dont have their hat

  8. Keep fighting…that is what we need..that will surely bring Moshiach. A gutten Purim. A little simcha and love in your heart and being responsible for your OWN actions…..that…maybe that… could take us somewhere.

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