Customs of Purim: Difference between revisions

*Is it permissible for a person to dress up on Purim as a member of the opposite gender?

#As a general rule, dressing up in clothing exclusive to the opposite gender is definitely a problem. The Torah expressly forbids such behavior: "A man's attire shall not be on a woman, nor may a man wear a woman's garment." Deuteronomy 22:5

#Rama (696:8).  The reason is that the issur of cross dressing is because it promotes "Znus" but since on Purim it is done just for "simcha be'alma" fun the issur does not apply

#Mahari Mintz: he saw many people dress as members of the opposite gender on Purim in the presence of leading Hachamim, and the Hachamim did not object.  Iin the context of the Purim celebration it is deemed permissible.  

#Rama, records a custom to allow wearing on Purim clothes that contain Shaatnez on the level of Rabbinic enactment; these enactments were waived for the purpose of the special joy of Purim.  

#Rambam and Rabbi Eliezer of Metz: dressing as a member of the opposite gender is forbidden under all circumstances

# Rav Chaim Kanievsky says in the name of the Chazon Ish that cross dressing on Purim is inappropriate even for children

# Rav Dovid Feinstein ruled that wearing a women's wig would constitute a simlas isha and would be prohibited. <ref> http://matzav.com/rav-dovid-feinstein-purim-halacha-tidbits </ref>

# Chacham Ovadyah Yosef forbids any costumes that involve cross-dressing on Purim. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah Purim pg 199, Yalkut Yosef pocket-size Moadim pg 494, Sh"t Yabia Omer YD 5:14 and Yechave Daat 5:50 </ref>