Hukat Akum

Question

It is fun when you can address two postings with one posting . . . Caps and gowns at Graduation ceremonies are derived from uniforms of the Church hierarchy (which was very involved in every aspect of European life from before the Middle ages) and that is why they might be considered Hukat Akum. Very few people consider them part of that Hierarchy today, but then I don't know what constitutes a Halachic categorization - do we look at where the dress came from or what it means now. As for the Upshearin, I am sure we will see many protestations against calling it what it is, Hukat Akum. There will be many examples, allegories, incidents, apocrypha, annectodes and quotes to try to show how it is part of Judaism. But, as R. Abadi has pointed out, if it isn't part of Judaism as we know it from the Torah, Talmud and Mesorah, it isn't part of Judaism. Just because Jews do it (even if they are 'big' Rabbis) doesn't make it part of Judaism. Let it go, concentrate on Halacha, and don't be so bothered by what others do or did (even if you are related to them.) In fact, you should think about why it is so hard to give these things up when they are found to be Hukat Akum. Hashem is pretty smart when it comes to knowing why we do things and what we shouldn't do. He tells us these things through Halacha. It is up to you to listen to him. R. Abadi, keep up the good work and I apologize for running on on your site. JWG