Have you ever decided to just lounge around the house? Nowhere to go, so why get dressed? And sure enough you felt that way?
Or, you really were not in the mood to go out but you got all dressed up and voila, you got into the mood.
There are studies that tell us that patients are more likely to consider doctors trustworthy and knowledgeable if they are wearing the traditional white coat over formal clothing.
This week’s Torah portion is all about the Kohen’s (descendants of Aaron who serve in the holy temple) uniform.
We all play a role in doing what the holy temple did, bringing G-dliness into this physical world, uniting the spiritual and the physical.
What are we wearing? Do we dress the part? Do we convey to others that “this is what I do”?
According to Jewish mysticism, clothing is our thought speech and action. Inside we might be struggling to be content or happy, (sometimes you need therapy) yet we can think, talk, and act happy anyway. Like clothing, we are in control of our thoughts, speech, and actions.
The Kohen must dress the part of his specific role. Do we act the part of our role, or do we allow our insides to always show on the outside?
The best way is to always act as our best self. To dress the part.
Ask yourself, what am I wearing and what am I telling myself and others when I wear this.
Have an amazing Shabbos.
No services at Chabad this week.
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman