C lothing matters. It plays a crucially symbolic role in Tanach. Yaakov dons the clothing of Eisav and fools Yitzchak (Bereishis 27:15). The Kohein must wear special clothing — the Bigdei Kehunah — when he conducts the Temple service. The four corners of a garment require tzitzis. Dovid cuts the cloak of Shaul Hamelech (I Shmuel 24:4) and Shaul Hamelech tears the garment of the prophet Shmuel (ibid. 15:27). The laws of shatnez deal with mixtures of linen and wool in clothing. Rabi Yochanan in Bava Kama 91b declares “My clothes are my dignifiers.”
It is not only in Tanach that clothes are pivotal. There is an entire body of halachah dealing with tzniyus (modesty) in dress. But were we aware that tzniyus is meta-halachic and can lead to success in the workplace?
Such is the theme of a new article in the Forward — which once again demonstrates that the directives of halachah far from being outmoded are far ahead of the times. Kashrus for example has been shown to be a major factor in physical well-being. The mitzvah of bris milah circumcision is known to have major health benefits. And cardiologists recently suggested that a brief midday break from one’s work just to sit quietly and meditate is very heart-healthy. (Jews call that Minchah…)
Now comes along further research to indicate that one of the least understood Torah practices that of tzniyus in dress happens to be an essential ingredient of success in the office.
