As Purim draws near, the image of the heroine of the Purim Story, Esther the queen, is what comes to mind and stands out. Little girls are fascinated by the role of a queen or princess. The crown, scepter, and glamorous royal clothing captivate their hearts.
Perhaps it would be appropriate to explore the outlook and the role of a princess from a different perspective. If you were asked to define yourself with a one or two word phrase, what would you choose? I would suggest "Bath Melekh" (a daughter of a King). King David wrote in Tehillim (45:14), about the essence of a princess: "Kol Kebudah Bath Melekh Penima". All the honor of a princess lies within.
We are composed of two opposing elements, body and soul. The body gets its importance by serving as a dwelling place for our holy Neshama, our soul. While the outside world emphasises our external appearance, the Torah view is the opposite, and focuses on the internal. Drawing attention to our outside appearance sends a message that we consider our body to be superior to our soul. Our essence is "Penima", within, and our beauty is illuminated from within.
King David completes the verse with how a Jewish woman, a princess should be dressed: "Mishbesoth Zahab Lebushah" her clothing is of wrought (beaten) gold. The attire of a Jewish woman, a daughter of a King must be regal, compared to the glorious clothing of the Kohanim (Priests).
My dear friends, let us stand in front of the mirror and examine ourselves and how we dress; "do I look like a regal queen, do I present myself in a respectable manner like a priest in the Beth Hamiqdash?". Let us all -- each of us, at our very own personal level -- make a commitment and go one step higher in how we dress.
It is difficult to do, but let us consider what we can improve. If you wear mostly pants, choose one day a week to wear skirts or dresses. If you only wear skirts and dresses, do they cover the knees even when seated? If you wish to focus on your arms, are they covered till past the elbows? For others, a step higher may be wearing less tight clothing. If you are married, consider if your head covering is as modest as it should be. I know how challenging it is. I also know the immense blessings and holiness every small victory generates.
