Trayvon and the Hoodie

I LIVE IN AUSTRALIA AND HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THE CASE. IN THIS COUNTRY WE DRESS VERY CASUALLY AND T-SHIRTS OR HOODIES IN WINTER ARE THE COMMON GEAR OF TEENAGERS ON WEEKDAYS, YES, EVEN SHOMER SHABBOS KIDS WHO ATTEND ORTHODOX SCHOOLS. SO I CANT SEE WHERE THE QUESTION IS.WAS HE MEANT TO WEAR A SUIT AND TIE ON A WEEKDAY, MAYBE EVEN IF HE WAS SKATEBOARDING OR RIDING A BIKE? WHEN I FIRST CAME TO THIS COUNTRY FROM A MORE FORMAL EUROPEAN BACKGROUND THIS MODE OF DRESS FOR ORTHODOX BOYS WAS A SURPRISE FOR ME,BUT I SEE THE ADVANTAGE OF IT,CHEAP TO BUY- EASY TO WASH- NO IONING-DOESNT HAVE TO FIT LIKE TAYLORMADE. LETS FACE IT 'MEN MAKE CLOTHES' NOT THE OTHER WAY ROUND. OLD PRECONCEIVED IDEAS SHOULD BE LAID TO REST. I SOMETIMES WONDER HOW A NONJEWISH PERSON MIGHT FEEL WHEN WALKING TOWARDS TWO OR THREE TALL GERE CHASIDIM ON A SHABBOS,SPODIKS,bEKESHER,BEARDS, AND ALL,RATHER INTIMMIDATED? MAY PEOPLE START TO SEE THE PERSON RATHER THAN THE CLOTHES.

Clothing is important and makes a statement. This is a fact of life. However, we should not draw conclusions from someone by how he dresses. Yet, on the spur of the moment I would rather walk on the side of the street where men are in suits and have briewfcases!

I completely agree with you and with what Rabbi Salomon is saying. Clothes dos make a statement about who we are.

If it is a young kid people should take it into consideration, adults well that changes the situation scenario wearing a hoodie? It all depends but we should not judge everyone especially young kids clothing taking note of originality location.

first off i would like to say that i have had this discussion with many ppl from many different backgrounds. For years I argued about the concept of clothing. In the past few years i developed this belief: cloths do not make the man, and they do make first impressions on people whom allow their evil inclination to control the way they think (which sadly is many of us). The Torah tells us not to ever judge another human, and if you do, judge him favorably. Making your first impression of a person based off of the clothing he wears is transgressing this law. Most people thing about the impression they might make when getting dressed therefore they get distracted by clothing and they get caught up in the silliness of always wondering if what they are going to wear makes an image that will make a good impression, instead of focusing on growth and themselves. When I get dressed I i dont think about what first impression Im making, I dont care about what box people are going to put me in. The bottom line, people do judge you based on what you wear, its wrong but they do. This leaves you to either care too much, not care at all or find a happy medium. I personally dont care what people think about me, but i do care about myself and when peoples judgments (however unjust) will affect my life, then i smile and wear what they want. When i get home i change to something more comfortable.

clothing certainly matter and photos matter as well, the ones circulated in the media reflect an innocent and cute young boy, it is my understanding that this young man was 17 yrs old, those photos do not reflect his actual age.

Clothes are a heuristic, which is a mental shortcut that the brain takes to figure something out. THIS IS NORMAL. People always use heuristics to figure things out quickly, you need it. black= conservative, red = flashy, white= pure etc….

When I graduated college in 1968, I became a teacher in the South Bronx (NY). It was a public elementary school and we we're requied to dress professionally... for men it meant a tie, jacket and slacks, I remember I once came in wearing a jacket, slacks and turtleneck. Even though I looked good, I was told by the ass't principal not to do it again. I believe you'll find even today that when schools (religious, private or public) require students to wear uniforms, you have less violence and more learning. In the thirties, forties and fifties, the mob boys all dressed to kill (no pun intended). Look up Benjamin Siegel. He dressed like a movie start. Unfortunately, nowadays it's a whole different story. The hoodies, the baggies, colors, the tats are worn to project an image. To say how one wants to be perceived. The clothing may not make the man but it sure projects how they want to be perceived. Parents can't, won't or don't control their teens today. But it may be at the very least, that they have a sitdown with their kids and explain these facts of life.

Why do you start the Blog by stating unequivicalably that this was "A MURDER"? Even Travon's Mother, before the Lawyers got to her, didn't make that claim; and certainly all the facts have not been presented to a competent Court and no decision rendered. Would the whole INCIDENT potentially have been avoided if appearances were different? Quite possibly. Look into the history of what has been happening in that community.

Thanks for the great video. I will share it with my kids. I was listening to an old Oprah show on the radio the other day. There was a guy who had been on previously who epitomized the type of caring, loving, spiritual man women are looking for. A woman got up to speak and mentioned the shape of her body and said questioned why men don't look at her soul, her spiritual side. The man responded that the way she dressed (I couldn't see her on the radio) would cause every male to only look at her body and not care much about her soul. Yes, the way we dress will make an impression on people. We should consider what we want others to think about us when we choose our clothing.

Yes, clothing does not 'make' the man but it does tell others how the wearer wishes to be seen. When the individual puts on certain attire, he wishes to associate with specific elements of society and be seen by others as part of that group. When one puts on a black hat, he wishes to be associated with a specific group of society, it doesn't matter the colour of his skin. When one puts on a shtreimel and bekeshe, he wishes to be associated with a specific group of society, it doesn't matter the colour of his skin. When one individual who also dresses in the same attire goes and does something wrong, illegal or immoral, that reflects on everyone else who dresses in that same way. When one chooses to dress in a certain way, he is broadcasting to the world that he holds by the same value system as others in that group within society and wishes to be seen by the world around him as one who identifies with that group.

In the Godfather- the thugs were always well dressed, clean cut- and polite to a fault. Sure it was just movie, but the poignant issue is how well 'manicured'- yet ruthless.

it seems like nowadays, lack of clothing makes a bigger statement than clothing does.

I'm a nice Jewish girl who wears hoodies when it's too warm for a jacket and too cool for shirtsleeves... typical Florida weather! Should I be shot, too? Clothes don't justify following or attacking someone. Unfortunately, this is not hte only case where an attacker says, "His/Her clothing were asking for trouble."

No, we tell black males to project an image that is not over whelmingly threatening to society. An image that is cultivated be their excessive numbers in crime and in not getting an education. In their excessive numbers with in your face ways, like pants below their underwear, sitting almost in the back seat as they drive so they can't see cars coming at them! Preferring a culture of crime/violence and irresponsible baby production, violence in their rap songs etc. to education and concerned and caring fatherhood. It's not a hoodie, it's the track record of certain groups when they wear them. Period!

Truly we humans find many life events and experiences for discussion, and we arrive at conclusions about them everyday. That is okay. However, perhaps this discussion does not properly weigh in on all the factors concerning the Trayvon Martin event, and it would be difficult to surmise if the one factor "clothing" was different, Trayvon would be alive today. The hoodie is stigmatized because of its popularity in the Black American community, though many Americans (white) wear them--white joggers, weekend loungers, grocery store shoppers, gardeners. So, Trayvon was targeted because of his ethnicity who happened to be wearing "marked" clothng that resulted in his death. This is a hated and loathed member of America walking around at night! So do we tell black males to change their clothing and they will be safe. Not likely. The problem is the deep seated hatred and suspicion of black males in America. What killed Trayvon sans the Skittles and Tea was that a black male was walking at night. Nobody walking with candy and talking to a "girlfriend" gives off a threatening posture. But misgivings, assumptions, fear, and prejudice are founded in the company of murder. So manufacture a new trend of clothing, put it in the black community in America, allow it to "catch on" and you will have the same desperate and ignorant people calling themselves guardians of white American society. Yes the Jewish people have worn the same very simple dress, but it isn't menacing because we have associated an unbiased and worthy value to their lives. In America, there is a segment of our society where the common people are kept low, treated harshly and don't believe they matter, so they resort to their own justice. Not long ago, in American society, it was a crime to read a book or write if you were of African descent. Though better today, thank God, the disease of racial inequality (not laws, but hearts) , show up in actions like Zimmerman's.

It isn't just the "hoodie". Its the baggy pants, the swagger, the nasty looks, the refusal to look others in the eye -- everything. People make a statement about who they are and how they want to be known -- by their clothes.

I would like to remind people that not only was he wearing a hoodie - he was carrying a arizona ice tea and a bag of skittles -he bought from the 7-11. Mr. ZIMMERMON is heard using racist epithets on the 911 tapes. His suspension from school is irrelevant.. His wearing a hoodie is not a basis for suspicion. Clothing doesn,t mean you are a certain way-your actions does. Let,s face it, he was racially profiled

Do you think he was Smart to get killed for not adjusting to the condition. Do you jump into a river that is now full of piranha, because it was not the day before? Do you swim in your favorite beach now full of sharks? Do you walk into a ditch because it was not there the day before? Do you walk into a Tornado? He died because he was a fool.

Google nbc and trayvon martin tapes and you'll see that the tapes were doctored by nbc to make Zimmerman sound racist. Listen to the complete version of 911 call and there were no racial slurs.

/* O Ye who judge...on appearance! Judge not that ye be judged... Clothing does not justify killing, does it? Do you really believe that you should be judged by your attire? The old way...? Is there such a thing any more? I used to like "Bell Bottoms." What would you and they say if you saw me walking down the street in a "Double Knit Bell Bottomed Suit and Tie with platform shoes - clean and shiny? Would you judge me to be an idiot or stuck in the 60's and 70's? Peace and Love...

I think what we wear matters very much indeed and has little to do with whether we are smart and savvy individuals, succesful and trustworthy or unsuccesful,dim-witted and oblivious, caring little or less about what people think of us. Dressing a certain way identifies us with that group of people who dress like those we want to emulate, thus not only projecting their mannerism but also their morals and character.

By the way, those upstanding suit-clad secret service agents who recently made the headlines seemed to be pretty snappy dressers! I guess clothes DO make the men.

I respect the Rabbi very much, but simply because the Rabbi's interests have been served well by his dress does not make this conformity a religious necessity. It is too often in the Jewish fold that we judge each other by externals. There are many people cannot afford to dress the way they'd like to, for example, so it's not always a "statement". In answer to your question Rabbi, would I go to the side of the street with the well dressed businessman or the bandana guys? I would lean towards the side of the street where the people seemed most likely to give me a smile or return my greeting. Lately, It appears to me that some "bandana wearers" have been treating me more kindly than the cold non-greeting I get from our people. Recently I said Hi to a Latino non-jew and he wished me "Good Shabbas!"

i think one should not be judged by ones clothing, one's color of had, skin, car, etc......but we all know that this is not the case. generally most of us have some preconceived thoughts about how we judge people....and unfortunately we do indeed judge by external sources......

Words matter! They are the clothing we use to disclose ourselves in. Murdered? Isn't that a bit presumptuous? Travon is dead for sure but lets be careful to clothe this tragic incident in the right words lest we all be guilty of prejudice in our thoughts

I grew up in Brownsville-Brooklyn during the 40s and 50s and saw first hand the racism. I left in '62, moving to the midwest with my husband. I worked as a university counselor with African American students, who dressed in the manner that was indicative of their society, a manner I might add that White kids emulate. I found that regardless of how they dressed, when they came into my office, they were mother's children who wanted a better life. I am 72 and I wear a hoodie when the weather is cool. Does that mean that people should be intimidated by me??? I find Rabbi Salomon's remarks embarrassing and out dated. I've walked the streets of NY, Chicago, and California where I now live and passed kids dressed in clothes I wouldn't wear when I was young, and they have a swagger about which I think the Rabbi is talking, and I say hi and I get a smile and a return hi. A 72 year old woman who does not know karate and yet I feel perfectly safe and comfortable when coming face-to-face with kids wearing hoodies, regardless of race. Relax Rabbi, you might be pleasantly surprised.

The implication that Trayvon wearing a hoodie led to his death is totally offensive and completely inappropriate to his grieving family and friends. What if, G-d forbid, a young family member of yours was in this same situation, was shot and killed. And what if he happened to be wearing a hoodie at that time. And then, what if someone who studies Torah, and is looked up to by many people who know his name and face, implied your little nephew / cousin / whoever was killed because he chose to wear a hoodie that day. While I understand that the point you were trying to get across in this video by saying, “Clothing makes a statement,” is that we should all be conscious of how our clothing represents us, to choose a young man’s death as a way to express this was beyond inconsiderate. Furthermore, just because you choose not to talk about the role race plays in this case does not mean it is absent. If Trayvon instead was “Tyler” or a Jewish “Tomer,” for that matter, and white, you would not have had the chutzpah to make such a statement in a related video. You wear a kippah and are on the internet, so please be more empathetic to others, and be conscious of how you, with your clothing, are representing the Jewish people.

Do you have any supporting evidence to back your racist theory? I haven't seen anything beside false claims and accusations from the usual opportunists and clowns of the black community,ie sharpton, jackson, waters & co. The tawana brawley circus is back in town! FYI, there's more than enough hate crimes committed against us Jews without your what if scenrio.

I completely agree that there are too many hate crimes committed against us Jews. I am also Jewish. The reason I gave my what-if scenario was because if a person who does not see racism as a factor in this event actually tried to put himself in that scenario, then maybe he would have more empathy and be able to see the point of view of Trayvon's family members more clearly, a point of view that has been overlooked. What my implication here is is that his family would feel extremely hurt to hear that people believe that, simply because of a hoodie, their family member was murdered. I think, as a member of the Jewish people, it is important that Jews who are speaking out publicly about Trayvon's death need to be extremely sensitive to how they go about discussing it so that we, as a Jewish people, are not looked at as racist and are instead looked at as sensitive, empathetic, caring people. Since you asked "where's your evidence?" I am assuming that you are white. I have recently taken a few classes on racism in America today and a recurring theme in those classes has been how whites would not necessarily look at a situation in regard to race while racial minority groups would. Racism is so socially embedded in American culture that to whites, it can appear as nonexistent. Yet, studies have shown that when portraying an act of violence on the news, if the criminal is a white man, the victim's photo is more often showed, and if the criminal is a black or Latino man, the criminal's photo is more often showed. Furthermore, again in relation to the media, if a victim of kidnapping, rape, murder, etc. is a white woman, it makes top headlines. Yet, if the victim of the same exact crime is a black woman, the story may not even be mentioned. There are many, many other sound studies about how deeply ingrained racism is in America today. Part of being a Jew is being able to relate with the victims of acts of hatred, bigotry, and discrimination and not mock them.

Yes, clothing matters. It makes a statement about who we are (or want to be) and it projects an image. Why do we dress our policemen and soldiers in uniforms? It is to identify them as people of authority. It is so that we will treat them with respect. At sporting events, the way we dress reflects the team we identify with. On the street, our dress reflects the kind of people we identify with. If a person dresses like a thug and looks like a thug, one should not be surprised or complain if they are thought to be a thug. They have simply succeeded in gaining their desired effect.

Even though much of what you say is true on how we shouldn't judge others by their apparel, I found it sort of inappropriate that you used the Zimmerman-Martin controversy to express your point. We don't know for sure whether Zimmerman was suspicious of Martin because the latter wore a hoodie. That shouldn't even have been mentioned. Also, you asserted in the beginning that Martin was murdered, yet also admitted that he could've been killed in self-defense. It can't be both ways.

Sorry, but I cannot agree! ... I do not think "...clothing makes the man! WHAT is inside the the brain of the man, THAT makes the man!....or the woman, or even the child! My zayde used to say,"A blue suit mached nicht a mensch"

I fully agree. Did you ever see a bank robber in a suit and tie? Unfortunately today, the manner of clothing and appearances is disgusting. Even at the theatre, epeople do not dress appropriately. I like it better the old way. Your analogy is excellent. Its not the color of the skin, but the first sighting that matters.

I think clothing is usually a statement about a person. Also, kids go through periods of wearing clothing parents don't like as they mature and usually change as they grow older. I have judged by clothing and appearance and have been wrong. We need to look past outward appearance and at the person. I have felt sorry for some kids because they are hurting themselves by not realizing that appearance is important. I wish that the young man had simply wrestled with Trayvon or shot him in the leg or something. I don't think it was racist though. This certainly bears thinking about for sure.

Mr. Martin apparently wanted to look like some kind of tough guy judging from his Facebook sccount showing many tattoos and his gold teeth and the many times he used the n word in his litle blog. May be judgemental but someone kicked out of school for drugs was probably not looking for skittles at 3 AM.

We should be more tolerant of people's clothing. I am an old lady and when the weather is cool. I wear a hoodie.

Rabbi, I don't recall Zimmerman ever mentioning anything significant about the hoodie. In fact wasn't Treyvan's behavior that made him suspicious to begin with? I'm not arguing that clothes can affect perception, for better or worse the exterior has an affect and depending on the circumstances might reveal something about the person but I don't see the significance in this case. Regarding Geraldo's simplistic and and imo dangerously ignorant comment, I don't see the hoodie by itself raising any alarms. Hoodies are also known as sweat suits, remember the famous scene of Rocky running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, he's wearing a HOODIE! Was anyone threatened by him? How many of us have one or more hoodies in our closets? I'm pretty sure that it wasn't the commonplace article of clothing that grabbed Zimmerman's attention, but even if it did, my guess is that it had more to do with the way it was worn and the behavior of the person wearing it. I never associated hoodies or sweat suits as I know them, with any class or race of people, nor did I ever hear of calling it blacks' clothing. This hoodie nonsense started with Geraldo and suddenly now there's racist stigma attached to it. Same with bandanas vs suits, choosing what side of the street to walk on depends on the timing, location, behavior, who I am, who I'm with, what I'm wearing, who THEY are, etc., etc., etc.. The bandanas could be worn by a gang of middle aged dentists going through middle age crisis while the suits could be black panther henchmen with uzis in their cases. Our Ganaf in Chief is always well groomed and feigning sincerity what does that tell you? You need to put everything in context before judging. Regarding the style of clothing worn by the slaves in Egypt, how did the sages know what they were wearing and why they wore what they wore? Was it forced on them as a symbol of their misery or slavery for identification purposes or were they traditional clothing that they chose?

Is this Aish? The death of a teenager was just trivialized. Where is the tolerance?

when or where did the Rabbi "trivialize" this issue? He was discussing one aspect of this case. How was his video dismissive of "tolerance"? I think Aish should be congratulated for permitting conversation about one aspect of an important issue.

I completely agree!

Were we all blind, clothing wouldn't matter. Nor would the cut of our hair, or anything else that would help identify us. Emblems dangling from our necks tell the viewer what? A cross, or star of David? Why are these warn? The only answer I can give is a questioning Hmmm!? We don't have that much time to ponder as a stranger approaches ... Friend or foe? ...Let me see -- What is he or she wearing? You'll never know, not even if you ask - because you won't know whether or not the person can be trusted to speak the truth. The fashion world generates statements. At least that is what they call it. Kids and grown-ups alike want to emulate the statements made by others. It is easier to adopt a statement made by others and incorporate it into our make-up. Do you care what others think of you? Please, do the world a favor and make it easier for the rest of us not to have to ponder over what statement you are trying to make. Don't wear a swastika, unless you mean to provoke. If there is someone reading this that can design a slogan that contradicts what the hoodie symbolizes...come out with a new line of clothing please - produce a movie that features this new design - hire an investor and sell the product that people will see in the movie. If clothing had conflicting images, we wouldn't be faced with Trayvan like incidents. Clothing makes news! People then have jobs and would pay more taxes and the Gov't would be happy. OOooh! I just thought of something. What would you think if you saw a politician sprouting a hoodie coming towards you? Clothing and appearance does make a statement and regrettably it influences what others think of you, whether you like it or not. SO! Hmmm!?

Of course it implies what kind of fixation you have towards your attire. News pics of gangs with 'hoodies' does stereotype your outlook. Color of your skin does not matter or ethnic affiliation. It's your dressing style, stupid. Your body language, and facial expression. You give off "bad-vibes", it's your fault, stupid. You're so insecure that you have to "Gang" dress??? STUPID/INSECURE affiliation. Try being intelligent, have a job, do something for someone else for a change. Be a blessing to your surroundings, not a curse. gby Nisan-5702

The biggest financial crime in history was perpetrated by a white Jew in a suit not a black non-jew in a hoodie. Many of the biggest crimes are committed by politicians/executives in suits. There is something to the importance of clothing, but a lot of it is bogus/social creation.

You can never tell what is in someone's heart or mind by what he wears. The clothing does not gain my respect. That is earned by behavior. Those 4 well-suited men in your video could be mafia as well. Reconsider your reasoning.

As a mother of 2 boys (26 & 23 yrs. old) both of them wore dark hoodies at sometime. My youngest still likes to pull his down over his face and hair and I'm not sure WHO he is from a short distance away! I don't really "like" the way he looks but I don't like his hair really long or his shirts too short or clothes that don't match but that means nothing! Their girlfriends love them! There was an evening when my youngest was near my mailbox coming toward me on the driveway and I have to admit, my mind signaled my body into an "alert" mode. I could not see WHO it was OR WHAT COLOR, SEX, AGE they were either! Fear is fear.

It is a terrible shame that a young man has lost his life. We do not know exactly what happened despite some people being judge, jury, and executioner. It is also sad that Obama put himself on the front lines to turn this into a campaign opportunity and helping to promote Racism. It is even more disqusting that MSNBC edited a tape to expand their readership and the media as a whole, showing a much younger picture of Trayvon than the actual picture. The true picture shows a lot of doubt in Trayvon's intentions. This will change peoples opinions still, without having or knowing facts. Some minorities just have to have a reason to act unruly and unjust and a big assistance with people like Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson promoting criminal violence. It's not just a hoodie, but afalse image of that person and their intentions. Profiling is unjust, but if you don't like it, don't conform to this identity.

While I agree we should not judge a person by their clothing I think when it comes to looking for danger signals from strangers it would be fool hearty not to look at clothing. I teach self defense and I tell my students (adult and children) to make eye contact, look at the hands, mannerisms, etc. A hoodie is one of many signals that could raise alarm bells. I believe that was the Rabbi's point. The point it is situational awareness and safety, not level of Observance that is at issue.

Wearing a hoodie today connotes nothing more than living in 21st century America. My 8-year-old niece has one. So did my late mother. So do my husband, daughter, son, and myself. And by the way, it was raining that night and Mr. Martin was coming home from a sporting event -- casual clothing would have been appropriate for the evening, and many people would pull up the hoods in the rain. (I do it to keep my shaitel from getting wet!) What he was wearing was a smoke screen for who he was -- a young black man who someone else decided was a troublemaker. And by the way, even if he did strike Mr. Zimmerman, it seems to me that Mr. Martin was the one "standing his ground" -- he was followed by the defendant and chose to defend himself against an unknown person who accosted him. I'm very disturbed that Rabbi Salomon would even ask this question. Oh, yes -- as a woman, I feel no safer when on a sidewalk with 4 men in business suits than I do with 4 men in jeans and bandanas. Men of every class and race harrass and assault women -- working class men are no more nor less likely to do so than the lords of Wall Street.

An innocent young man is killed by a man who "jumped the gun," and this is what we discuss? That he wore a hoodie?? This is like the rapist's old standby, "she dressed like she was asking for it." Had Trayvon worn that three-piece suit, dear Rabbi, Zimmerman may very well have attacked him nonetheless, "suspecting" he was "a high-end dealer." May HaShem help us all.

The P.C. thing to say is that we should not judge people by the way they are dressed but in truth we do that all the time. Rabbi Soloman is correct. Clothes does not make a person who he is, but it reflects what he thinks of himself and what he wants to say about himself to others. The Martin case may not be the right case to discuss this matter as there was more going on at the time of this tragedy than his manner of dress.

There is no question about the fact that many people are being hurt, robbed, and killed in our society. As we walk in the street we are told to be alert to our surroundings. It is not the race or background, but the way that a person presents his or her self that makes a difference when we decide whether or not to be careful. We are being self protective, and that does not indicate prejudice to a any group.

Rabbi, I think this ill-timed and themed to say the least. You twisted yourself into a rhetorical pretzel trying not to make this about race. The the Treyvon case is about nothing else. And yes, I'm wearing a hoodie right now. It's cold in my office.

Sorry to disagree again. How is this important discussion "ill-timed and themed"? Should it be discussed in, oh, say 5 years from now, completely out of context? Look, disagree if you want with the Rabbi's thoughts or conclusions, but there is no better time to discuss this topic in the context of what is going on in today's world.

people definitely dress in their "style", using clothing to project the impression they wish to make on others. Orthodox people are taught to dress in a particularly modest fashion and in proscribed dress to represent the modesty they are supposed to enact every day in their lives and interaction with others. Rabbi Salomon brings out the point that a human will view another human in the way that is projected to him. he is not a G-d who can see into others hearts and minds and in a difficult situatin it is signals like these that can make the difference in others reactions. the only difficulty that i found in Rabbi Salomon's speech is his use of the word " murdered" . that is opposite to what he is trying to tell us. I have found myself in exactly the same situation described and i will certainly side with the " pinstripe suit" no matter of color of the person's face.

Dressing in a modest yet becoming way is part of elevating yourself and taking yourself seriously. Like speech, manners etc., dressing nicely shows respect for yourself and others. It doesn't have to cost much either. You can get a nice look even if you shop in discount stores. The ever increasing casualness of American society is reflective of alot of other aspects of the downward spiral of American culture i.e., no couth, no dignity, no class. We can do better.

you couldn't be more wrong! it's amazing how little or non importance you give it to the fact that a person was murdered, regardless the fact of what he was wearing... if it were a kid from our community I'm sure your video would have been completly different... what if he were murdered because he was wearing a kippa under the hoodie, like some of my students wear... you make me feel sorry for what people could think of our community... you are harmful!

I have no problem with this commenter disagreeing with the Rabbi. But calling the Rabbi "harmful" because he simply renders an opinion that disagrees with his own, and one that matches about 90% of the 89 comments so far printed here -- this is harmful. Please don't make comments here personal.

Treavon was not murdered, he was killed, and therein lies all the difference in the world.

How one should dress is mentioned several times in the Torah as well as personal hygiene issues. Even my rabbi and my former rabbi instructed us on the importance of ones dress. Both rabbis pointed out how we are not only commanded to be clean,, modest, but that we represent all Jews when we go out. Everyone stereotypes for better or for worse, it is a part of survival. I notice that when I'm wearing a sharp and modest outfit, orthodox women who don't know me always smile and say hello. I hate to say it but if that young man was neatly attired, befitting the gated community where his father resided, he would not have appeared suspicious at all.

There is the phrase "first impressions" for a reason--because they can only be made once. I still don't know what GBeorge Zimmerman did when he saw Martin and I don't know what Martin's initial reaction was. I only know that Zimmerman needed two stitches in his skull after the encounter, that the photo of Martin put out by the liberal media showed a 13 year old boy and that Martin was older and bigger than the boy in the photo and there have been considerable lies told by the media throughout this episode. But is DOES come back to first impressions, doesn't it?

My 'hoodie' is cobalt-blue with the abbreviation for my local Jewish Day-school emblazoned on the front, as sold by the school for fundraiser, and worn by me proudly for years, to show off the school's logo. Clothes may change how you are perceived, but being judgmental in derision of another, based on another's clothes, requires lashon hara, hurtful intent. I do not subscribe to that point of view. Neither do most other Jews I know. I would rather be seen in a hoodie doing a mitzvah for another than be seen wearing 'conservative' dress and sitting in tefilot. Unless I was a 'minyan' man. Clothes are an expression. It is "deeds" that are recorded from one yom kippur to the next, not what you were wearing when 'doing'. And next time you see me in my hoodie, don't presume much from that.. I may be headed to Shul.

Beautifully written and I agree with you very much. I am learning about Judaism and the more I learn the more I feel closer to my heritage and appreciate it. I wish we could chat.

looking at the way a person dresses is not judgmental, its common sense.

A few weeks before the Trevon incident, my son walked to shul with me, wearing a hoodie and sunglasses over his suit. (It was chilly and sunny.) In the shul cloakroom, one of the shul members told him he looked like Timothy McVeigh (the Oklahoma City bomber). Creepy is creepy, regardless of race.

Clothing does not MAKE the man. It does however make a first impression. If you dress like a shlepper, people will start out to treat you like a shlepper. It does not mean that having inexpensive attire gives people the right to treat you like an inferior. Meeting the world outside our homes gives us the opportunity to make a presentation. Who you appear to be makes it easier to level the playing field. Dressing with Respect for yourself, also indicates respect for others. I feel it's a healthy way to start out.

a rabbi of all people should know the difference between, Murder & kill, or in KJV of Christian Bible Slay & Kill. tsk tsk, also on clothing , hard not to see that he dress as an American Goy not a traditional Jew.

Sure, clothing is going to impact the first impression someone makes on us. That's why we dress professionally for a business interview, pretty up for a date, etc., Now, maybe back in the wild west, if you saw a guy in a black hat, or a Native American headdress, you had reason to believe if you didn't shoot him first, he'd shoot you. During the Revolution, if you saw a redcoat, or during the Civil War if you saw a soldier in blue, and you were wearing gray, or vice versa, okay, then maybe you shoot first and ask questions later. But this is not the wild west, and we are not at war (B"H) on our soil, at least. While it's one thing to be wary of someone based on how they are are dressed, it's another thing entirely to SHOOT someone! Moreover, the kid was wearing a hoodie!! If we are going to start shooting everyone wearing hoodies, let me know, because it's going to be a blood bath out there!

Rabbi Meier in Pirkay Avoth states that one should not judge a person by his outer appearance, but by what is inside, ie. his caracter and his actions. In this case, Mr. Zimmerman took it upon himself to act without any facts besides the hoodie. Philip Zimmerman (no relation)

I don't believe the clothes make the man, if they do then the Almighty should not look at the heart? Don't believe the lie it's a distraction.

Rabbi I am sure your comment that Trayvon was murdered was just a slip of the tongue because after that you say we do not know what happened and that it could have been self defense. Please post up a disclaimer that you erred or redo the video. Otherwise you are no better than NBC news who edited the 911 calls to make it seem like Zimmerman was racist.

I am reminded of Hillel's dictum, which we read this week in Pirke Avoth, to 'judge not your fellow until you come to his place'. While it is indeed true that we are prone to base our reactions to another based on their outward appearance, it seems this can also be an opportunity to examine ones' own fears -'what does it say about myself that I respond this way? What prejudices, anxieties, etc. am I holding onto that block my ability to perceive another as they stand 'in their place', and instead judge them by the way they occupy my own internal space? Human nature being what it is, this would be a difficult perspective to adopt when faced with what appears to be an imminent threat. Still, as we focus our energy this week during the omer count of netzach, endurance, let's be mindful that next week we'll be examining hod, humility, which is paired with netzach. Hopefully we can learn to flavor our endurance, our strength, with the humility necessary to approach another from the place where they stand.

You ignorant commenters out there need to educate yourself and stop being fooled by what the Al Sharptons of the world want us to believe. Trayvon did not die because he was wearing a hoodie. He died because he decided to teach someone a lesson by trying to beat him to a pulp. These are all facts as the witnesses saw Trayvon hitting zimmerman while he was screaming for help. The media and Sharptons of the world would like to confuse you and tell you that Zimmerman was a murderer who hated black people with hoodies. Nothing could be further from the truth. Zimmerman was just being a good neighbor and calling in someone suspicious. (Their were 8 recent robberies in that area by people the same age and race as Trayvon. If you don't like profiling then go complain to El Al, the only airline that has never had a terrorist attack, the reason for that is because they use their time wisely and focus on possible threats and not on 85 year old grandmothers or 2 year olds in wheelchairs) after having his head repeatedly beat into the cement he had a choice either die now or save myself. He chose the latter. All these comments on hoodies and skittles are just smokescreens. Listen to the 911 call, zimmerman did not call in and say "hi come quick I see a black kid in a hoodie" he was asked by the operator what Trayvon was wearing and he was asked if Trayvon was white black or hispanic. It is not his fault that Trayvon did not like it that he was being watched and decided to beat him to death for it. In normal civilized societies if someone is watching you you move along. Bottomline: you live like a thug, you die like a thug. The rest of you pretenders all know that you would be the first to cross the street if you saw 4 gang type men coming at you. For those who are so lost and have lost all sense of self preservation, I hope you have very strong lungs when your head is being beaten into the cement and I hope the cops show up faster then they did for Zimmerman.

Hoodies are intimidating. It's like a disguise. A black friend of Obama's in a speech made the comment about having to send his kids out wearing a tuxedo. I say take off the hoodie to help make a difference.

Clothing makes the person, it does not mean that you have to buy expensive clothing but to dress appropriately. Clothing should not make the person, but it does, hoodies make me uncomfortable no matter who wear them.

Let me begin by saying I am truly saddened at the death of a person so young, it was/is tragic on every level. However, the subject of this article is not Mr. Zimmerman's guilt or innocence, or whether or not this was racially motivated, the subject is "Does clothing make the man" and the answer, whether I agree or not, is Yes, it does. Let me illustrate my point. G-d commands women to dress modestly, why? Because when a woman wears mini-skirts, low cut blouses, and stilettos the very first thought that goes through our heads is NOT "Wow, she must really be smart" but instead we immediately think, "She must be a lady of the evening, or at best, advertising herself as 'available'. It's human nature and G-d knew it, that's why He made such a big deal of how women should dress. This same truth is applied to men as well. Young men who parade around wearing pants so low you can see their underwear, shoes so expensive that the money used to buy one pair would feed a small family for a week, and hoodies 3 sizes larger than needed and adorned with a huge hood that covers everything but the wearers vision allows for the same thought process that is used for the woman who wears the "provocative" clothing. To think that the way your present yourself, clothing included, has nothing to do with the way people react to you is naive at best. If a terrorist bombing happens, you don't go around looking for 90 year old woman walking with a cane do you? And let me make something very clear, I am not comparing the terrorists to the Trayvon situation, Nor am I judging George or Trayvon, I'm only using it as an example of "clothing makes the man.

According to reports of that night: it was raining. Perhaps he wanted his head to stay dry. So he wore the hoodie. Statement: sometimes we wear clothes to protect us from the weather. In my personal experience, when I was young; my clothes reflected my economic condition not particularly my attitude. Reflected social standing: Poor. Poverty equals possible criminal mind and likely criminal activity. Conclusion: suspicious behaviour

Pirkei Avot - Values of Our Fathers: Chapter 4, Mishna 27 Rabbi Meir says, "Don't look at the container, but look at what's inside. One can have a new container that is filled with old wine, or an old container that does not have even new wine." Hoodies didn't trash the world economy. Hoodies didn't start the Shoah. Hoodies didn't start wars. -Z

I believe clothes does matter. Why do prostitutes dress the way they do? because it attracts customers. First opinions are definitely based on the way you present yourself. If I see teenagers walking down the street with gold teeth, gold heavy chains and their pants drooping, I definitely switch sides of the street as a woman for my own sense of security and protection. Those teenagers make the hair on my arm raise and i get a little scared. The same way Amish or Chassidic people dress, and the world forms an initial opinion. Clothes matter. I do not believe that someone deserves to be killed because of their dress, just as a woman doesn't deserve to be raped because she decides to wear something revealing.

Millions of people wear hoodies, it has it's benefits for protection against elements. Men and women love hoodies for various reasons. When the 911 dispatch told Zimmerman to do nothing he should have listened rather than judge him. In the Catholic chruch the Nuns rarely wear their "Habits " Nun clothing because they are single out for violence. Jews are not free from violence because they wear black suits, I know that for a fact. At 64 I wear hoodies and jeans, What has this world come to if we are now single people out because they don't dress like ourselves.

To another wise good discussion, the Rabbi suggested that Trayvon was murdered. In fact, we do not know that. If Zimmerman was acting in legitimate self defense, Trayvon was killed while attempting to assault and possibly murder Zimmerman.

I agree that we all tend to rush to judgement based on certain prejudices or similarities (bad/good). The thing about the "hoodie" is it hides the face. The robbers depicted in the movies or TV wear hoodies to hide their faces. It is one thing to wear one in Alaska another in Florida. Unfortunately we will probably never really know. Zimmerman was already convicted in the Media. If you are walking down a sidewalk by yourself at night and a black man approaches you or any man approaches you in a hoodie and you can't see his face, please don't tell me you wouldn't have real concerns. If it is a black man the chances are six times greater than a white man that he is a criminal. The question is why do the followers mimic the gangsta rappers with the hoodies?

Can one be called to the Torah wearing a hoodie? If the answer is yes, then why talk about this further? Yes, people make judgements about what people wear, but these are superficial judgements. In the video example the men wearing suits could have swindled millions in white collar crime...Should one be killed for wearing a type of clothing? I hardly think so.

Yes, clothing matters..but we must also allow space for social change..The hoodie..has become a "basic" piece of clothing..All types of people wear it from tots to the elderly!It is a perfectly normal piece of attire! It is not considered an improper piece of clothing or only worn by "trouble makers! Our world is constantly changing..as is the "urban fashion", I don't think this young man was judged "suspicious" because he was wearing a hoodie..I think..it was because he was black! Either way..we should really look within ourselves..before we put labels on others..

The issue is not should a volunteer security person be wary of a "suspiciously" dressed person, but do his suspicions give him the right to shoot -- and kill.Yes, we all have internal warnings based on appearance. Alone at night in any neighborhood I would feel threatened by suits and hoodies no matter who was wearing them, even girls. So, if they approach me and I was armed, do I shoot first? Go down the list of possible actions. See what you come up with. We can react to dress, but can we act anyway we want because we are afraid? Or does the treat have to be real? Endless room for debate. In this case, I feel the shooting was uncalled for, even with a hoodie being the object of fear.

I think people who wear hoodies and baggie pants are making a statement. They want to be seen as "dangerous" or want a " gangsta" image.I believe if he were wearing just a tee shirt and jeans or regular shirt and Parents should start instilling this in their kids.

Our challenge as Jews is to love and respect each other. Observant and non-observant Jews seem to fear or even despise each other too often based on their observance or not, as evidenced by how we dress (i.e. kippa, modest dress, etc). This is one of two major problems we have. Should this fear of the ourselves dissipate, we'll be further ahead with the coming of Moshiach. Do clothes make the man? It may look that way, but if we truly express love, leniency, caring and assistance to our brothers and sisters, we'll all make each other better, and in our stead, Judaism will make the man (and woman).

very well said

agreed!

A child was killed and all you have to say is that he should not have worn a hoodie?

17 is not a child. I wish they would quit using his 12 year old pictures. He WAS a hoolum. He WAS in a gated community (he hopped the fence). He WAS someplase he was not suppose to be. He WAS the aggressor.. pursuit had stopped and he came back to ruff up the fat white guy. He has pics of him and his gangsta attitude. Travon is responsible for HIS actions. He picked the fight, he attacked zimmerman and he died for his decision. End of story.

According to the laws of this country, 17 is still a child. 17 year olds cannot vote or sign a contract. They are still considered minors. I am very troubled by what you state. Two of my nephews and my brother are very large black men (all over 6'4"). No matter what they wear, people are afraid of them. My brother is a director of a very large company. People are always afraid of him. All three of them are considered gangsta because they are large and black. What a shame it is in this country that a CHILD lost his life because he look like he belonged. All this incident says to me is Black children beware. White people think you are suspicious all of the time and if you dress in a manner they don't care for you could lose your life.

I don't think that is the what is being looked at. I'm sure that the rabbi would have something else to say if that was the subject he brought up. The issue is whether clothing matters in how people perceive us.

Sorry Jasha but I think you misunderstood the sermon. He doesn't say what a person should or shouldn't wear but he is pointing out that what one wears is a statement about the person. The unfortunate result was that someone read the statement incorrectly with a sad result. What he is saying basically is "Think about the statement you are making by your clothing and think about how others perceive you". I used to love to wear a bright red windproof jacket when mountain walking, so I should be seen if I became lost, but I certainly took it off when I was on lower level pastures crossing fields where bulls were grazing!

As a "righteous" convert, I see myself stereotyping those walking down the street when they are dress in Orthodox garb. I expect them to disregard my feelings or opinions, both because I am female, and because I "don't look Jewish." Shame on me? Shame on them? Either way, it is a shame. In regard to the Trayvon Martin killing, you mention he "was murdered." He was shot, he was killed, he is dead... but whether he was murdered, you do not know. And how many of us were relieved to learn "Zimmerman" was not a Jew? All very sad, but very human.

Clothing often defines us individually and collectively . The medical profession has its white lab coat and police officers their "blues". Musicians, pastors and yes, even Jewish men and women are identified by their dress...and we rely on that particular form of clOthing to give us a sense of security, if you will to help us make sense of our world. I agree with the comment that our casual dress has not been a positive step forward. Casual Friday has turned into an entire week of casual dress, backward hats and purple hair on many of our finest athletes, doctors and clergy. Is it a lack of respect to represent your profession wearing flip-flops to work in a doctors office while comforting someone with a terminal diagnosis? I think dress is extremely important. Many schools of learning agree by requiring certain colors and clothing items to be worn on campus. Our dress remInds us who we are, what value we place on ourselves and where we are headed in life.

I find this article funny. As a non jew, but a supporter of jewish peopple. I would have thought you would be the last peoples to be critical of how people look or dress. God does not judge us on how we dress or look and ALL are welcome to him. But alas we live in this world and we, no matter who we are, are judged by other people. We are judged by, our gender, race, height, weight, how we look, and yes how we dress. None of it is right period. We should form our opinon based on facts not fiction we conjure up in our minds. Zimmerman created this problem in his mind and acted on it. When he called 911. Neither he or the victim had any contact and were safe from each other. Who initiated this contact? Who changelled who? Who was warned to wait for police? Zimmerman made an assumption the victim was suspcious based on his gender, race and clothing. Was he right? Was he right to disobey the advice of the 911 operator and challenge the victim / suspicious person? Why put himself, in his perceived danger? Did the victim know Zimmerman had a gun, before he met Zimmerman on the Street? Why did Zimmerman follow the victim from behind, trying to catch up to him to create this altercation? The clothes in this incident didn't create a problem. Mr. Zimmerman did, based on his own perceived biases, and mental filters of what he saw, when he saw the victim, and how he internally thought he should act towards this individual. This is a great lesson for all of us to see, how we have become as we see our fellow man. How are we going to know each other if we never talk to each other and continually recycle old beliefs that aren't true about people from another race. We all have far more in common than, skin colour, gender, weight, height and looks. Who does not want a better life, good jobs, healthy children, safe neighbourhoods, promising futures and honest politicians? We need to all learn to play well in the sand box of this world that the Lord has given us.

It is a shame that anyone was killed, but I think we do not yet know the truth of this circumstance. The news media has tried..as have Sharpton and Jackson as well as the Black Panthers....to "guide" us to a guilty verdict before a trial. I find this disingenuious at best, racial at worst. Where were these jokers when the white kid was nearly beaten to death in Chicago while he chanted "this is for Trayvon"? This unfortunate situation has been politicized to t he point where it also divides America. When there is a trial; if Zimmerman is found innocent, there will be new flat-screens and tennis shoes in many new homes. This has been made into an excuse for bad behavior; bad judgement, and bad decisions by money-grubbers like Jackson and Sharpton.

Very well said. I got so much from your post.

Thank You Neil! I read your letter to my children this morning. All the steps that were taken that created tragedy for everyone involved. Mr. Zimmerman carries a terrible burden now: for the life he took (and I'm quite sure he now regrets this immensely), and as catalyst to a public examination of racism in our society (American and here too in Canada). It's all terribly sad. Thanks Neil!

Thank you for being so cogent with your remarks on this tragedy. I find it offensive when people such as Geraldo Rivera state that Trayvon wouldn't have been killed if he hadn't been wearing a hoodie. It's kind of like saying a woman wouldn't have been raped if she hadn't been wearing sexy clothes. It's not like he was skulking around in the bushes looking in windows, he was on a public sidewalk walking home from the store in the rain, thus the hoodie. If he HAD been carrying an umbrella, Zimmerman would have claimed he attacked him with it. It was Zimmerman's FEAR and BIAS which made him react the way he did. The firearm merely gave him false courage, with a tragic result.

I am a non-Jew too but I don't think what you are saying is what the rabbi is saying. It is too easy to be critical to the point where we can't discuss anything for fear we will be labeled critical or racist or politically incorrect. He has simply posed a question. Yes, if I was walking down a dark street and a young guy in a hoodie approached me I would be nervous. If a young guy with his head up and dressed casually but without a hoodie I would be less nervous.

There is a Torah obligation to protect oneself. If you find out someone is going to kill you, you are obligated to show up 2 hours earlier and kill them. Mr. Zimmerman was a licensed and trained concealed carry citizen who was on patrol. We know he pursued Trayvon. We also know he was not intending to engage Trayvon because he dialed 911. Further more we know he returned to his car without confronting Trayvon. Trayvon approached Mr. Zimmerman and brought the level of threat to level 1. His life was not in danger at that point. He did not pull his weapon. Tray on then strikes Mr. Zimmerman in the nose. Level 2. Mr. Zimmerman could have pepper sprayed him at this point or brandished his weapon. Trayvon continues his assault and begins to slam his head against the cement. He is now in danger of perminent bodily harm or death. Level 3. Deadly force is justified, and is consistent with Torah law.

I agree that clothing does not make the man however it does factor in on one's character. What was his physical behaviour while wearing the covering hoodie?

Clothing does not make the man (character) however it does reflect what type of person you are.While wearing the hoodie( a concealment of the face), what was his physical behaviour like? Suspicious actions? Much has to be considered.

When are people going to start using a picture of Travon the way he looks now - 6' 180 lbs. rather than a picture of when he was 12? I don't know what happened that night, What I do know is the media (actually whoever gave the media the picture) is skewing the impression the public is getting. When I see youths in hoodies, walking in a certain way, I will try to avoid them. From experience, when a young man seemed to be following me, crossing the street when I did, etc. I was very happy to see a policeman at the corner. As I walking up to him, the young man veered and went in another direction. Was he just walking the same way I was, I think not. People are influenced by how people dress. If we weren't Madison Avenue and the clothing industry would be in deep trouble.

I believe clothing matters. People nowadays tend to judge people by their clothing and skin color. I don't believe it's right to judge people by their clothing but I believe people do it anyways.

What do: - Cowboy boots and a big hat; - Black and White Saddle Oxfords; - An expensive, but ill-fitting suit; - An extremely low-cut woman's blouse; and a million other examples, tell you about the INDIVIDUAL wearing them? Maybe something important - maybe nothing. It is the individual's actions that make a difference and that others should be wary of. It's MUCH easier to conceal a 9mm pistol in a suit than in a t-shirt...hoodie or no hoodie. Let's focus on what's REALLY important.

meanwhile this week in Riverdale, a quite nice neighborhood, a 20 year old hooded guy, shoots a man 26 year old dead, and steals his iphone. Hooded attire has become The Hoodlum attire of choice. Its hard not to be on alert when you see one.

I don't believe clothing matter to some degree because a man walking downtown with a 3 piece suit could also be a criminal, hiding behind the suit. Here in florida we have bank robbers dress in suit and ties robbing banks and rappist in a dress shirt with ties rapping woman. In America we have a stigma about certain race as to what to think of them

Those men with the suits and ties that you discuss, they just stole millions from investors. Oh wait, they are not the same ones that were on the other side of the street, because they were in their limos or private jet planes. How ridiculous to believe that young people should not wear the dress of youth, a little rebellious, a display of independence from that very structured, rigid dress they will soon know as they have to work and pay mortgages, and lose the innocence of youth. It is ridiculous to compare dress to old Jewish customs (and I am Jewish), and I even believe that ultra-Orthodox dress reflects a disassociation with an ever changing world, one that progresses beyond the beliefs of rituals and customs from thousands of years ago. Even the extreme dress of the Hasidim does not really reflect to me what G-d might really like to see of our faith. I believe Judaism begs us to progress along with progression, to live in the here and now, to surely be devoted to our faith, but to also recognize that the world is no longer the same as thousands of years ago. I am shocked that the "hoodie" would be represented as problematic clothing making a young individual scary to anyone. How terrible if we were all alike and all dressed more formally. To prove what? It is often those without who teach us the strongest lessons. Yes, clothing does automatically set us up for unfair perceptions of who and what people are about, but we should retrain ourselves. Beauty, love, trust and all of the most important aspects of a person are from the inside. Those men in suits and women with their perfectly styled hair, excessive jewelry, displaying the notion that expensive shoes might indicate some sense of being better than a woman wearing less expensive sandals is what is wrong with us. Appearances are just that, appearances, not a reflection of the truth. When I think of suits, I feel the insult to the Jewish religion by men like Bernie Madoff. Where are my sweats?

...about those suited criminals.

Shalom Salomon and everyONE...'don't judge a book by its cover', I have lived by that motto my entire life (55 years plus), after all, isn't it Hashem's job to judge...not us! Shalom!

Actions speak louder than clothing. Trayvon was not DOING anything wrong or criminal in the least. It's unbelievable in any sense that Trayvon's clothing had anything to do with his death. What do you know about the four suits walking down the street. They are pious and righteous because they are wearing suits. Amazing that we can quote Torah as saying that we are prohibited from judging, but it's ok to judge. In my opinion, Trayvon was acting in self-defense and got killed for it.

.Hoodies in hot weather classes a person as a gang member. They are probably not, but want to be "cool" with the hoodie on and pants with the crotch down by their knees. If a person want to dress that way they will be classed with what they look like.

The modern use of hoodies came into being through the hip-hop culture. Many young black men especially adopted this style of dress. For a lot of them it also provided a way to hide their face under the guise of a fashion statement. Many of these young men also were involved in illegal activities. This is common knowledge. Unless it is cold or raining there is no good reason a person would pull a hood up unless he was trying to conceal his face from identification. (criminal intent?) Trying to look cool and perspiring for fashion is just plain stupid! So are they trying to be fashionable or always prepared to go incognito when they decide to do something evil? In a lot of cases I suggest it is the latter. Most people innately know this and associate a hoodie pulled up in abnormal situations with evil. This is common sense provided to us by the Almighty! When you don't use the brain he gave you, you set yourself up to suffer loss or worse! If your spidey senses don't tingle under these conditions you may not have a brain.

Trying to educate someone that has this strong of an opinion is difficult. You wrote the truth let's hope someday all jews will love each other in our hoodies and kippot or other dress. I am a mom of jews of color. Thank you.

The way we categorise people stems from our prejudice...it isn't the clothing it is our biased motives and what we want to see that makes us see people from an ethnic point of view. If it was blacks with suits and whites with hoodies you would have crossed the streets to the hooded whites....if you see a muslim with their traditional clothing then they would be taken as terrorists....what about the wearing of the yellow star.. "The Nazis used the Star of David to mark the Jews for persecution and extermination during World War II." did that make the Jews entitled to the treatment? Just because of a young man wearing a hoodie would you kill them?

I agree. No matter how much I want to have a different attitude, it doesn't come. I fight to give people who dress as gangers a second chance and I know that they can be wonderful people too, but my flight or fight button turns on no matter what.

How odd, that the Rabbi begins his discourse by noting that several weeks ago, Trayvon Martin "was murdered" by George Zimmerman. The truth is, we don't know yet if Martin was "murdered" or not. We know he was KILLED, but whether that killing amounted to 'murder' is something that will be determined by a jury at some point in the future. So yes, Rabbi, what we choose to wear matters, but so do the words we choose to use.

In the 80's I bought a sweatshirt, it was pink and had my college logo on it. There was a hood. I put it up in cold weather or when it rained. Now I know it was a hoodie, who knew. Same article of clothing different reasons to wear it. Maybe some of those young men wear the hoodie because they feel safe looking threatening. Still I am leary of anyone suit or hoodie that I feel uncomforable around. Maybe that guy in the suit is just using a cleaver cover-up to make you think he is an upstanding citizen - who knows? When you buy your next piece of clothing think think think. So you four guys maybe pink, lilac,aqua or a yellow hoodie will give you a different look. Guess it depends on who you want to impress or who is your role model. When I was a child I crossed the street if a man was wearing a police officers uniform, they scared me - a blonde haired, blue eyed little girl. Clothes do matter.

Rabbi...This commentary is just awful! It completely misses the travesty and horror of what happened. I am a 60 year old, white, Jewish, professional social worker, and I walk daily in my community...often wearing a hoodie. Then I dress professionally for work. This young man (z'l') was walking from the store! Appropriately dressed for a 17 year old in that situation! Your naive commentary, and lack of critical focus on what the incident was about is quite disturbing. Bernie Madoff, I"m sure, is a suit guy. This was an act of unprovoked murder, based on race. Your simplistic, blind, and naive commentary suggests an isolationist world view, and I am distressed by your turning a blind eye...a topic on which our Tradition has lots to say....to this horrible event. Your insensitivity to the racism of this event is unacceptable.

The Rebbe is right- clothes make the man. It was not so long ago-indeed the generation still survives, when clothes made the man. When the outer garment could determine how you were treated in the hands of the powerful- or just one, with a weapon that could end your life. Or a whistle that could ‘ turn you in’. That time was not long ago, and yes, it was not only clothes that ‘made the man’- but an emblem. It was Germany……Never Forget.

Of course clothing matters. Most of us are not dimwits. Being wary of certain people because of the way they dress and conduct themselves is good common sense. It is smart and intelligent to notice the way a person is dressed. Some persons cannot find employment simply because of the way they look. First impressions are often lasting impressions. My wife always made me wear a suit and tie when I went out to meet potential clients. She had good advice and it really paid off. You are "free" to dress any way you want to dress, but whether you like it or not, you will be judged by others. When I meet a man one of the first things I notice is whether or not his shoes are shined. Do I judge him. Yes, I do. I "size him up". Is this wrong? I don't think it is wrong. I think it is just being street-smart.

I agree with you regarding the way people dress-for the most part. I find it intriguing though that you will judge someone because their shoes are not shined.

I can only imagine how uncomfortable it must be to live in a world where others are more susceptible to receive unfair treatment, be the target of police and social violence, have lessened opportunities, and have your children at greater risk of being murdered, not to mention their killers go free, because of the color of their skin - and to live in a world where I directly or indirectly benefit from that because of the color of my own skin. We (I'm assuming we're both from Jewish families) carry this ancestral memory in our bones and genes, but in today's world there is an added division where the lighter your skin in, the more privilege you have at the expense of others. I can understand the need to side with oppressors because of some type of inter-generational Stockholm syndrome that I see many white-skinned Jews doing. But it doesn't help. Denial doesn't make things better. Today, you may be able to afford this denial. But if you have brown-skinned children or grandchildren, you may no longer be able to. The truth can be before you open your eyes, but you will not see until you choose to open them. Please know that from my point of view, this is causing so much pain for Jews of color, as well as the vibrancy of the Jewish community as a whole, not to mention the non-Jewish population.

Ah, yes, I have brown skinned children and grandchildren. Growing up knowing I was in greater danger being from a Jewish family, and a woman, I feel great pain and worry that the world is in denial; truth is if we continue to judge and worry because there are differences, we will all lose our humanity. Without connecting to others through compassion and common experience we risk reliving the worst of times when "they came for me and there was no one left to help". I am not comfortable knowing this is happening to anyone, anywhere in the world. Thank you for reminding us of how important it is that some benefit from the color of their skin while others are live with horrible possibilities because of theirs.

Dear Rabbi, Being an old lady,if I see a bunch of youths in hoodies, I too am going to cross the street. I'm certainly Not going to walk up to them and say "Hello, you must be a bunch of fine young men who Just want to `"look" threatening." There is no chance in this case to find out what they are Really like. I'm just going to go by how they Look.

if you go by how they look you are guilty of Judging This is America the land of the free which includes wearing a hoodie!!Judge not & be not Judged we are free to wear what we want I am 62 years old & I love & wear Hoodies...taking a better look at ourselves

The hoodie is astrange item of clothing is it is used sometimes as a disguise. The security video cameras often show people acting unlawfully with their hoodies or hoods pulled over their faces with only eyes exposed.. Most people do not put their hoods up even when it's cold, however since the Treyvon case I have noticed more people putting their hoods up. A colleague of mine was saved from an assault because the stranger noticed a man put his hood up and follow her. This happened in Winnipeg , Canada on Evanson st. and can be verified. ( the hoodie wearer was a criminal). So, ,is it safe to walk close to, or let a hoodied person into your vicinity on a hot day? Our gut reaction says "no", but for other people this may be just a fashion statement. By the way, it does not matter what skin colour the person is, the "hoodie"" stalker in Winnipeg was white.

When I went to school, shul, theater, etc. as a child in the 50's there was a proper way to dress. We dressed with respect and we respected our teaches and elders. I think society lost a lot when everyone started to dress so casually that people today don't even know what it is to dress respectfully.

I agree with Anonymous above. I grew up in a time ('60s) when women still put on heels and a nice hat to go downtown to shop. Now, I see women my age and older in sweatsuits at the mall.... Time was, you would not even THINK of going to the House of God in any less than your "Sunday best". Now, I see women at Mass in shorts and blue jeans and strapless sundresses.... This says more about the person wearing the tacky clothes than anything else. It says "frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn." And when we who call on the Name of the Lord start acting like and dressing like the rest of the world, then we no longer show God's Light to the world. I have walked to God's house on Sunday in pants when the weather was bad, but unless it's snowing or 100 degrees outside, I dress respectfully. People dress sloppy because they have no self-respect any more.

As a Black Jew, I feel so insulted by your opinion on this week's video blog. I'm almost horrified. You are expressing what many people feel, and I guess that's important. However, your expressions highlight so many unexamined prejudices. Dress does not give grown men the right to kill unarmed teenagers. If you associate certain groups with certain dress codes, then it is understandable, but not really accurate, and more importantly, not really SAFE. We need to learn to intuit REAL DANGER - which can come from a businessman in a slick suit with a greasy contract just as easily as someone with baggy jeans or hooded sweatshirts. The second thing is, this is about racism. If Trayvon had been wearing a suit, he may not have been killed by a grown man who outweighed him by 100 lbs. and was chasing him with a gun. We'll never know whether Trayvon's life could have been saved if he'd just changed into a suit during a break watching football to go buy Skittles. Maybe his killer would have decided not to chase him with a gun. But it is not Black childrens' responsibilities to change into suits to go shopping. It is the responsibility of grown men of any race not to chase them and kill them. It is the police's responsibility to take appropriate action to seek some type of justice and to ensure the safety of Black children (and all children) by taking evidence, making arrests, and following sane procedures. And it is the responsibility of Jewish men (again, of any color) to side with the oppressed, not the opressors, on principle.

You shouldn't feel insulted. Clothing DOES make a statement. Watch this experiment how people reacted when a group of girls wore hoodies for the cross sectional experiment aired on ABC news. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=If6McCdJIgU

You are way exaggerating what Rabbi Salomon said. Basically,Jesse Jackson said the same thing.

I'm sorry, but based on your last statements, everybody EXCEPT Trayvon (may his memory be a blessing) had responsibility in this? I believe that this is where you might be missing the Rabbi's point. The clothes and appearance of a person do create an initial response in the people around them, and the response is heightened by the environment and context. This holds true for everybody, and will vary based on that environment and the situation. There is responsibility on the part the individual (hopefully taught by the parents) to be aware of personal appearance. Judaism teaches us to accept responsibility for our own actions, and the Rabbi is saying that, not necessarily in this case but in general, there is some responsibility on the individual to dress the part.

HI - I am a white Canadian female Jew. My very white northern Ontario French Canadian son is turning 17 & is wearing a hoodie, both today, and does so on a regular basis, as many northerners of which ever 'skin colour' do. I don't know what triggers anyone to attack any kid to death. Clothing does not MAKE a person. A person 'makes' the clothing. Racism is going after someone for their skin colour, not because of fashion. If I see '4 Men in suits' I do think: 1)business men or mafiosos, 2)Amway distributors, 3) J-witnesses, 4)hockey players - or depending on the type of suit and day of the week... observant jewish men on Shabbat Clothing does give us an indication of the person, it does make a statement. But why are we picking on this poor kid who got killed? Who is this Zimmerman or Zimmermann? what's his dark side? shouldn't we be focusing on this man's skewed actions? does being a volunteer in a suit make him a better person than another volunteer who wears a hoodie? And my 17 year old is sitting here discussing these same points you have. I think too often, Jews in the U.S. forget they are Jews first, foremost and only; and really need to reassess their U.S. influenced skewed values, ie like the self-righteous right to run around with a gun. And we feel that this loss of a human life should not be minimized by elevating the chit chat about wearing hoodies or suits. Are killers justified by wearing suits? May Trayvon rest in peace.

how is it about racism when Trayvon attacked and the head shots of Zimmerman shows it? I'd be willing to bet had Trayvon been wearing a suit he would have never attacked Zimmerman. Why is it blacks always want to bring out the race card?? I've witnessed this from the Watts riots in LA to the riots after King was killed. The blacks over history have not had it as bad as the Jews. I am tired of hearing about how we owe the blacks something. stop feeling sorry for yourselves and you are entitled to something. the only thing any American is entitled to is an OPPORTUNITY to be allowed to try and better themselves. some have and some have not.

I will never stop being amazed at where someone calling himself a Jew does not follow the ethics he should have learned while still on his mother's knee. Do not support opressors and those who discriminate against The Other, like the likes of this "unbelievable" do with Ethiopian Jews because of the color of their skin. They are "die schwartze" indeed; so what if one of their boys is killed ? For shame!

unbelievable, you should be ashamed.

You are free to choose how you feel. Even if you choose to distort the facts about this incident and the rabbis intentions. From my vantage point your an angry man looking for injustice. As such your will find it everywhere you see. I laughed at your comment "dress does not give grown men the right to kill unarmed teenagers". Who said it did? From that point on you lost all credibility. The typical liberal approach to hyperventilating on the fumes of something no one said or believes. Travon appears to have been a bad kid. Good kids run from danger. Bad kids confront and beat your head in, get kicked out of school and go out at 2am. Come from broken families, don't have jobs and perform poorly in school. Those are facts. That is the truth. Undeniable. Non contestable. Zimmerman will got off. The black community will riot and burn down their own neighborhoods and blame the white man for injustice. I hope I am wrong. But we all know I am right.

You can see the divide by skin color in the replies. Being Jewish and having suffered the holocost I thought would make Jews more intolerant of any kind ofbprejudice. Understanding that tolerance of it against any race is a threat against it possibly reoccurring against God's chosen people. I agree clothing is important but we have to also do the right thing. If our perceptions place a group of people at a disadvantage it seems clear that our perspective must change because we are contributing. Im sure that there were many people for whatever reason felt some person logic behind their feels that led to atrocities against others. Our own beliefs and feeling must never cease to be vetted. So that in the end we maintain righteousness. For what we feel about what one group wears or practices is and can be also held against us, for what we wear or do that is different? Therefore to be safe and free we must fight prejudice and hatred everywhere.

I guess that people of color get this but others do not. As a person of color, reading the comments here frighten me and I am even more afraid for my 6 ft tall, 14 year old son.

As the good rabbi has stated, YES, clothing DOES matter. It can speak volumes. However, we wear more than our threads. We wear a facial expression, a certain walk, a presentation of aggressiveness or an unsure hesitation, etc. All these things add up to create an appearance that we "wear". It gives off an aura that can designate you as a possible threat, or, an easy target. Lets face it, a hoodie, worn on a hot day in Florida, is something that is out of place, and therefore a worrisome signal to a world full of people who are constantly being reminded to be aware of your surroundings. Yes. Clothes DO make or unmake the man.That may not seem fair, to some, but, that's just how it is.

Clothing matters. We need to be careful not to give the appearance of evil in the times we are living in.

I guarantee if he was wearing a tux with the Wall Street Journal folded under his arm he would still be living today!

Because of clothing, I would not be identified as part of a group or religion. Or a protester or a streetwalker. Or a soccer mom. Or a CEO. Only the more radical in each of those above groups of people dress just over the edge so they ARE noticed. Most regular people are moderate in dress. So if someone's clothing is screaming who they are, I already know a good bit about them. - - - - - - Is it proper for me to consider their character by the clothing they choose to wear? You tell me. - - - - - - - - - - - As for the young man in a hoodie, every store in United States sells hooded sweatshirts to every man and woman and child in every walk of life. I wear one. - - - - - Why would Zimmerman be afraid of a kid in a hooded sweatshirt, when Zimmerman had the gun! It wasn't Trayvon Martins' clothing that caused him to die, it was the hatred in the shooters mind.

Suzan, have you got inside info about the case? Everyone has an opinion. But Zimmerman has not been on trial yet except by the public and media. We dont know if he was wearing gang garb, we don't know what was said and very little about what happened. Except a young man is dead. Our color doesn't indicate our values. This neigborhood would not have had a regular watch if there had not been privious crimes committed. Please do not judge yet. Lets hear the facts. We now know that there was at least one witness. From what I have read Trayvon did not live in that neighborhood. We need to be praying for both families, Please.

You call for witholding judgment because we don't have information, but then you say "Trayvon didn't live in the neighborhood" which is correct except that he was visiting a relative who does. This is from the newspapers. I wonder if Zimmerman is Jewish himself, which would at least explain some of the feeble excuses I heard in many of these comments.