CCAR RESPONSA
Contemporary American Reform Responsa
130. Pulpit Robes
QUESTION: Some
members of the congregation feel that it would be more appropriate for the rabbi and cantor to
appear on the pulpit in robes. At the present time it is the minhag of the congregation to
have them conduct services wearing a dark suit. Is there some Jewish tradition which favors
robes? (L. Brody, Pittsburgh, PA)ANSWER: In recent centuries, Hassidic Orthodox
authorities have opposed any change in the garb worn by their followers; for that reason, their
members continue to wear garments commonly used in Eastern Europe during the eighteenth
and nineteenth centuries (Sofer, Mahaneh Hayim, Vol. II, #2; Joseph Schwartz,
Vayitzbor Yosef, 12.7, etc.). These authorities have also opposed the innovation of rabbi
and cantor wearing robes, which was introduced into the liberal congregations of Hungary. They
felt that this followed the customs of the Gentile community around us, and that has always been
prohibited (Zeph 1.8; Yad Hil. Akum 11.1; Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah 178.1).
This, however, was a later interpretation of these citations, for both Caro and Isserles refer to
garments which were overly decorative or ostentatious (Shulhan Arukh Yoreh Deah
178.1). It is, therefore, clear that although in a large number of congregations rabbis
and cantors wear robes, there is nothing in tradition which would encourage it. In fact, the
democratic tradition of Judaism which gives no special liturgical role to rabbi or cantor would
indicate robes as inappropriate garb of distinction. The minhag of the congregation
should, therefore, be followed.September 1983
If needed, please consult Abbreviations used in CCAR Responsa.