Proceeding Together � Volume 3 � Tishrei-Teves, 5711: Silk Frockcoats for Shabbos and Yom-Tov

It[328] would be a good thing if on Shabbos and Yom-Tov chassidim would wear silk frockcoats.[329] All the more power to those who will do this.

This subject is mentioned in a maamar of the Rebbe Rashab.[330]

In fact, in all things chassidim should conduct themselves distinctively,[331] and one expression of this is wearing silk on Shabbos and Yom-Tov.

I am surprised that certain chassidim don't. It was apparently ruled out by the prevalent poverty in Russia. At any rate, the time has come for chassidim to renew the custom until it becomes universal.[332]

Notes:

(Back to text) The above remarks were made privately on Thursday of Parshas Bereishis, Isru Chag HaSukkos, 5711 [1950], to Rabbi Menachem Ze'ev HaLevi Greenglass, who later recorded these notes.
In the course of the farbrengen of the previous day, Simchas Torah, the Rebbe had told him to take off his silk sirtuk (frockcoat) and to put it on inside out. The next day Rabbi Greenglass had asked the Rebbe whether this meant that the Rebbe considered him unworthy of wearing silk. The Rebbe replied that he had simply intended to rouse him to disclose some discernible sign of the atmosphere of Simchas Torah.... Indeed, as far as wearing silk was concerned, -- and at this point the Rebbe continued with the remarks recorded above.

(Back to text) In the Yiddish original, zaidene zupitzes.

(Back to text) Sefer HaMaamarim 5662 [1902], p. 231ff.; Sefer HaMaamarim 5671 [1911], p. 328ff. (and in the edition of 5749 [1989], p. 247ff.); the hemshech (series of maamarim) of 5672 [1912], Vol. II, p. 872ff.

(Back to text) The Rebbe here used the word veniflinu, borrowed from the phrase (Shmos 33:16), "I and your people shall be differentiated." See also: Vol. I of the present work, p. 67; Likkutei Sichos, Vol. IX, p. 344. For the use of this word in this context he cited the Rebbe Rayatz; see Sefer HaSichos 5699 [1939], p. 349; Sefer HaSichos 5705 [1945], p. 72ff.

(Back to text) The Rebbe added with a smile: "...even though on weekdays I myself still wear a short jacket."