04 Mar ZELENSKY’S WARDROBE: A STATEMENT OR A SIGN OF DISRESPECT?

During a press
conference at the
White House, a
reporter posed a
pointed question to
Ukrainian President

Volodymyr Zelensky:
“Mr. President, why don’t you wear a suit?
You’re at the highest level in this country’s
office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you
own a suit?”
The question arose in response to Zelensky’s
consistent choice of military-style clothing
over formal attire. This stood out even more at
an official meeting in the White House, where
every world leader traditionally appears in a
suit. The implication was clear—his break
from diplomatic norms was being challenged
as inappropriate and disrespectful in such a
setting.
One could argue that Zelensky’s choice of
attire was entirely appropriate, as it aligns
with how he presents himself at all official

events in Ukraine. His consistent military-
style clothing is not just a personal preference

but a deliberate statement—one that reinforces
his nation’s wartime reality and his role within
it. If this is his standard mode of dress, why

should he change it simply because he is in a
different setting? Does the expectation to
adapt one’s appearance to a new environment
outweigh the message of authenticity and
steadfastness that his attire conveys?
Moreover, why fixate on outward appearance?
Shouldn’t the focus be on substance rather
than style? When leadership is defined by
resilience and decisive action, does attire truly
matter? If anything, Zelensky’s choice
underscores the notion that true leadership is
about conviction, not clothing.
The Power of Attire: A Torah Perspective
Interestingly, our parashah discusses the
special garments of the Kohanim at great
length. These regal garments were designed
“for honor and glory” (Shemot 28:2). The
Torah meticulously details the attire of both
the Kohen and the Kohen Gadol, dedicating
an entire parashah to every aspect of their
clothing with precise specifications.
Additionally, the attire of the Kohen is an
absolute obligation; if he enters the Beit
HaMikdash without his priestly garments, he
is subject to capital punishment, and his
service is invalid. This requirement remains
unchanged whether the nation is experiencing
peace and prosperity or facing the hardships

of war. The very questions we posed earlier
can be asked here as well—why must the
Kohen adhere to such strict regulations? If
external appearance is supposedly secondary,
why does the Torah place such immense
significance on his garments?
The Kohen’s Garments: A Vision of
Holiness and Impact
The answer is that the garments of the Kohen
are not merely ceremonial; they serve a vital
role in shaping the spiritual experience of
those who come to the Beit HaMikdash. The
Kohen is not just an individual performing a
ritual—he serves as a representative of
Hashem, and his very appearance reinforces
the sanctity of the Temple (Rabenu Behaye).
Chazal explain (Tosfot Bava Batra 21) that
when the pilgrims would come to the Beit
HaMikdash three times a year, they would
have a profound spiritual experience that
elevated them to a higher level. As they
arrived, they would witness the Kohanim in
service with their distinct and dignified attire,
leaving a lasting impression. The grandeur of
the garments enhanced the experience,
reinforcing the holiness of the Beit HaMikdash
and the significance of avodat Hashem.
The visual impact reminds the people that
serving Hashem requires precision,
dedication, and a sense of higher purpose.
Unlike personal clothing choices, which may
express individual values, the Kohen’s attire
is designed to shape the perception and
mindset of the entire nation.
The Kohanim do not wear their priestly
garments for personal expression or comfort.
Rather, their attire symbolizes their role as
representatives of the Jewish people in the
service of Hashem. When they enter the Beit
HaMikdash, they do so not as private
individuals but as emissaries of the nation,
performing avodah on behalf of Klal Yisrael.
This explains why the requirement remains
unchanged in times of war or peace. The Beit
HaMikdash represents an eternal reality, one
that transcends political and societal
conditions. The consistency of the Kohen’s
appearance sends a powerful message: no
matter the external turmoil, the service of
Hashem remains unwavering. The garments
create a sense of continuity, stability, and
reverence—anchoring the people in their
connection to Hashem.
Thus, the Kohen’s attire is not just about
external appearance but about its profound
effect on those who see it. It instills a sense of
holiness, reinforces the importance of divine
service, and ensures that the experience of the
Beit HaMikdash remains etched in the hearts
and minds of those who come to worship.
The Impact of Dress in Modern Society
We learn from this that when entering an
official setting, such as the White House, one

should dress accordingly. Appearance
influences perception, prompting others to
take you more seriously and conveying a
strong message about your stature and intent.
Proper, respectful attire is therefore essential.
When looking at a picture of the U.S. president
in a suit sitting beside Zelensky in a sweater,
one cannot ignore the stark contrast. The
image evokes the impression of a statesman—
regal and authoritative—alongside someone
who appears more like a teenager being
lectured by a leader. Moreover, dressing in
such a casual manner invites, so to speak, a
perception of informality, potentially
undermining the gravity of the moment.
The Impact of Clothing on Self-Perception
and Behavior
Another important point is that one’s attire
also influences their own behavior. When a
person wears shorts or jeans, they
unconsciously carry themselves—walking,
speaking, and acting—with a more casual and
relaxed demeanor compared to someone
dressed in a formal suit. Thus, dress codes are
not only about how others perceive an
individual but also about how they shape a
person’s self-perception and conduct. This is
why the Chachamim (Bava Kama 91, 2)
referred to clothing as מכובדתא—meaning,
“they bring me honor,” emphasizing that attire
instills a sense of dignity and respect within
the wearer.
Because of this, yeshiva students are expected
and encouraged to adhere to a specific dress
code, even though there is no formal halachic
requirement. This practice helps instill a sense
of self-respect and influences them to conduct
themselves with greater seriousness and
dignity.
Although there is no specific halacha requiring
yeshiva students to follow a dress code, there
is a halacha regarding how a talmid chacham
must dress (Rambam De’ot chapter 5). His
clothing must be clean and respectable—
neither excessively flashy nor loud—
reflecting a balance of dignity, modesty, and
self-respect.
It is possible that Zelensky’s choice of
military-style attire subconsciously influenced
his demeanor, leading him to adopt a more
militant stance in front of our dear president—
ultimately contributing to his downfall.