For example, following viddui we say “I am like a vessel filled with shame”. On the other hand, before the confession we say the piyut of “We Are Your People”, which describes the positive attributes of the Jewish people. Although it is speaking on a communal level, I think that it can also be related to the individual, so that they have the attributes to correct their weaknesses in the viddui which follows.

I agree with this(and with the article in general); in today’s atmosphere of multiculturalism, no one needs to be apologetic for standing out by not dressing like an all-American. Wearing a tallis in crowded non-Jewish cities, which was discouraged by R’ Yaakov Zt’l, may be different because it can be perceived as engaging in a religious ritual that should be done privately and modestly–there is an element of tzniyus and derech eretz in shmiras hamitzvos as well.

While clothing, particularly in the charedie world, shield the wearer from outside society, I think that we have to be concerned that the walls that we erect do not take a life of their own. Diversity and individuality are important. If I recall correctly from the biography, Rabbi Stienberg Z’l , of Beis Yaakov of Baltimore, was initially against instituting school uniforms for this reason.

I have read that the dress in the charedie community in Israel is more restricted than in the corresponding charedie community in America. My personal feeling is that this is an unfortunate development, and that it might be related to the complex relationship between religious and secular worlds in Israel. Practically, this means that a person considering moving to Eretz Yisrael needs to consider whether he and his family can adopt to the standards of a new geographic location. This was discussed in the Jewish Observer at length, and is recommended by Rabbonim. I personally hope that with time, the Eretz Yisrael community will move, at least in sartorial aspects, closer to the American model of tolerating more non-conformity.

One can carry themselves as proud Torah Jews without being oblivious to what the ouside world thinks of them ( I thought that was R’ CS point in your story)

Just as a historical question, who were the first Torah Jews to take on the black hat and suit as a “uniform”? Were they native Jewish clothes at the time or were they “aping” secular fashion? IIRC I heard that R’ Moshe Feinstein reported that in his Yeshiva in Europe the boys were encouraged to dress in the manner of those dignified in their host society(e.g. walking cane)

GCT