Rabbinic Fit Check: A New Era of Clergy Fashion on Instagram

In September, Rabbi Rafi Ellenson, an assistant rabbi at Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, California, and Rabbi Arielle Stein, an assistant rabbi at Congregation Rodeph Sholom in Manhattan, launched an Instagram account called Rabbinic Fit Check. The account aims to showcase the diverse fashion choices of rabbis, reflecting their multifaceted roles in contemporary society. Ellenson noted that the idea stemmed from a light-hearted conversation about appropriate attire for various rabbinic duties, highlighting the need for a platform that captures the unique wardrobe challenges faced by clergy.

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The Rabbinic Fit Check account has already featured 57 rabbis, clergy members, and students from various denominations, amassing over 1,300 followers. The account aims to represent the diversity within the rabbinate, with a recent study from the Atra Center for Rabbinic Innovation revealing that 58% of rabbis identify as women, 30% as men, and 12% as nonbinary. Stein emphasized that the account serves to humanize rabbis, allowing them to connect with their communities in a more personal way.

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The account not only highlights fashion but also reflects a broader trend in the rabbinic community, moving away from the traditional "sage on the stage" model. Rabbi Allison Poirier from Temple Aliyah in Massachusetts remarked on the importance of showcasing rabbis as vibrant individuals, stating, “It’s nice to see that we’re out here as new people, as colorful people of all ages and shapes and sizes.” This sentiment is echoed by Einav Rabinovitch-Fox, a professor at Case Western Reserve University, who views the account as part of a shift in public perception of the rabbinate, aligning with contemporary media portrayals of rabbis in popular culture.

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Despite the positive reception, some clergy members have faced scrutiny regarding their attire. Rabbi Andrea London of Beth Emet The Free Synagogue in Illinois shared her experience of being judged for her clothing choices early in her career, noting that the account seeks to challenge these outdated perceptions. She stated, “Rabbinic Fit Check is trying to turn it on its head, like, let’s have fun with it as opposed to seeing this as somehow discriminatory or sexist in any way.”

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Looking ahead, Ellenson and Stein hope to expand the platform to include leaders from other faiths, emphasizing the importance of joy and personal expression in clerical work. Ellenson concluded, “We can bring ourselves into the work, and that makes the work better when we’re being ourselves with our communities.” As Rabbinic Fit Check continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the evolving nature of the rabbinate and the role of fashion in fostering connections within diverse communities.

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• “We’re trying to show diversity of rabbis, diversity of genders, diversity of expression,” — Rabbi Rafi Ellenson

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• “It’s nice to see that we’re out here as new people, as colorful people of all ages and shapes and sizes, which I think in the world I work in, most people know, but it’s just nice to uplift that.” — Rabbi Allison Poirier

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• “And now, I think Rabbinic Fit Check is trying to turn it on its head, like, let’s have fun with it as opposed to seeing this as somehow discriminatory or sexist in any way.” — Rabbi Andrea London

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• “I think it’s about joy, showcasing diversity, showcasing the personal, and showcasing that all of these pieces can be a part of cultivating rabbinic and cantorial and clerical work,” — Rabbi Rafi Ellenson

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