Haredi Orthodox kids in Lakewood, NJ, seen in racist Purim costumes

By Andrew Silow-Carroll March 1, 2021

(JTA) — A local NAACP chapter complained that Jewish children in Lakewood, New Jersey, dressed in racist costumes during Purim.

The chapter is seeking a meeting with leaders of the township’s large haredi Orthodox community after seeing photographs of children wearing blackface, Afro wigs and Black Lives Matter sweatshirts during Friday’s celebrations.

On Sunday, the Lakewood Vaad, or rabbinical association, issued a statement, first reported by The Lakewood Scoop, condemning the wearing of blackface and explaining the religious and evolving cultural context for the celebrations.

“Dressing as a member of another culture was once part of Purim and pictures of old show Jews innocently costumed on Purim as Romans, Greeks, Cossacks, Arabs, and as members of other groups,” the statement read in part. “Today, this is seen as offensive, and we are sensitive to the feelings of other groups. Dressing in blackface is particularly inappropriate and offensive, and should never be done.”

Andrew Silow-Carroll is editor in chief of the New York Jewish Week and senior editor of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. He previously served as JTA’s editor in chief and as editor in chief and CEO of the New Jersey Jewish News.

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