Darlings, PeaceBang is an ardent fan of the New York Times and has just purchased a subscription for her iPad, which is sheer delight. SHEER DEEE-LITE.
Here’s an article by Joseph Berger on the attitude and dress of New York’s Hasidic population, whom you will see walking around on 90-degree days in long overcoats and fur hats. You may wonder, “how do they do it?” And they will say, “We schvitz!But we do it out of pride and love for tradition.”
Schvitz is a wonderful Yiddish word for “sweating.”
It’s 98 here at 11:14 am CDT. I’ve been reflecting on this article during our heatwave, and am so grateful for linen shorts and sleeveless tops and flip flops. And central air most of all.
The past 2 days have been fashion-challenged in the heat we’re sharing with the rest of the country. I’ve been aware of the need for comfort, but also authority. I did two employee reviews, one reprimand and one meeting with the board of trustees, in which I argued for greater authority with the pledge drive. Not the time to sport the shorts or the cute sundress. The first day, I wore a black sleeveless (yes, bop me now) crew-necked knit shell with a narrow belt and an orange/yellow/brown, subtly textured skirt, sophisticated black flats (e.g., pointy, un-ballerina-like). The second day, a deep violet knit shell with chunky beads and a straight, grey, textured skirt, same flats. Both skirts were slightly below the knee, and I decided to forgo the hose, even though my legs are white enough to guide a person to safety in a power outage. I was cool, and I felt DRESSED.
I think the sleeveless top for a meeting is totally fine. You sound like you were TURNED OUT and RIGHT ON for the important work of your ministry. Rock. On.
Earlier this week I was on my way to court in Toms River, NJ which took me through Lakewood–another Hasidic community. It was muggy and I did notice the many Hasidim walking the street in full dress. (My daughter was with me–school break–she was fascinated.) Even children–boys imitating their fathers, girls in long skirts w/knee socks and long sleeves. At least the little girls get to wear bright colors. It was hot and we were going to the boardwalk for lunch. I don’t usually do sleeveless, but I have a black suit that’s a sleeveless sheath dress and tailored jacket. Jacket stays on in the courthouse of course. Light jewelry and light make-up and hair pulled back but -“ugh”- pantyhose. BUT after the morning was done, off we went to Seaside Heights–doff the jacket, pantyhose, heels, put on my flat sandals and we were good for pizza and fried oreos.
One reason I have come to love living in NJ is the diversity of cultures.
I loved the idea that one wears formal clothes to demonstrate respect to all those one encounters during the day, as opposed to “normal” culture where blatantly rude t-shirts and groady looking clothes are considered appropriate to wear just about anywhere. And in discussion with a friend who considers herself part of a “neo-hasidic” movement (they embrace the spirituality/theology but not all the cultural restrictions) she mentioned that part of the reasoning is also that some things are more important than being comfortable. What a concept!
To susanp: Stacey London of What Not to Wear would certainly agree with that philosophy, although I think it is possible to be cool, comfortable, and classy simultaneously.