Is wearing a cap & gown Chukos Hagoyim?

Is wearing a cap & gown Chukos Hagoyim?

Following chukos hagoyim (the ways of the non-Jews) is a lav (Torah prohibition), as it states in Parashas Acharei Mos: “Uv’chukoseihem lo seilechu” (do not go in their ways). Chukos hagoyim includes all manner of non-Jewish conduct, not just those specific to ovdei avodah zarah (idol-worshippers). What are they?

According to one interpretation it includes all modes of conduct that were initiated by non-Jews and gained widespread popularity before Jews adopted this behavior. However, a more accepted definition, set forth by the Maharik and codified by the Rema, includes only behaviors that have no ta’am (logical basis) or to’eles (obvious benefit)—and when a Jew performs them they are acting solely to imitate what is in vogue. This description follows the classic reading of the word used in the Torah, chok (statute), which is a regulation outside logic.

Another restriction under chukos hagoyim is conduct that is derech pritzus, shachatz v’gaavah ([an aspect of] immodesty or pretentiousness); the Toras Kohanim also includes elegant dress associated with the non-Jewish elite. 

Medical apparel, graduation gowns or other types of uniforms are worn for a specific purpose, and are therefore not considered chukos hagoyim. On the other hand, ripped jeans or other fashions that essentially have neither taam nor toeles can be categorized as chukos hagoyim. Flashy fads that push the limits of modesty and involve derech pritzus, such as certain popular hairstyles, are also a halachic issue. With regard to all modes of dress, the rules of reasonable and useful fashion apply.

Many poskim maintain that non-Jewish traditions originally associated with avodah zarah should also be avoided, even if they later evolved into non-religious customs. Some halachic authorities rule more strictly than the Maharik, considering even non-Jewish mores with a taam or toeles to be chukos hagoyim. Many communities have adopted these extra stringencies on account of the severity associated with violating a lav, and also due to a guiding principle of Chazal, that we, the Jewish people, remain distinct in our behavior and dress from the nations around us.

(For other aspects of chukos hagoyim, see: Halachah #170 on inscribing tombstones in the English language; Halachah #243 on long hairstyles (for men); Halachah #272 on celebrating birthdays; Halachah #527 on imitating postures of non-Jewish origin; Halachah #594 on using secular dates; Halachah #640 on round-number anniversaries.)

https://halacha2go.com?number=693

Practical Halacha: One minute a day. By Horav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, Mara D'asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights.