The Prohibition of 'Lo Yilbash' on Purim
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Question
Hello, does the prohibition of 'Lo Yilbash' apply on Purim as well?
Answer
Hello,
- For those above the age of mitzvot, the prohibition of 'Lo Yilbash' applies even on Purim. However, if one dresses in a way that it is clear they are a man or a woman, such as wearing only one garment [like a tallit or other men's clothing], those who are lenient in this should not be protested against, but it is proper to be stringent.
- Below the age of mitzvot for Ashkenazim on Purim, it is essentially permitted, but it is proper to avoid it, and in any case, it should be avoided when they reach the age of education.
- Before Purim [such as when performing a play], it is more stringent even for Ashkenazim, and therefore one should use garments made of materials like non-woven fabric, which is not considered men's clothing and does not involve the prohibition of 'Lo Yilbash', allowing the play and similar activities to be conducted without concern of prohibition.
- Garments that lack modesty, such as pants for girls and the like, are prohibited in any case.
Source
The Rema in Siman 696:8 wrote to permit, but many of the poskim prohibited (see Mishnah Berurah there, Subparagraph 30), and it is proper to be stringent. It seems that if one dresses in a way that it is clear they are a man or a woman, such as wearing only one garment, it may be that one should not protest.
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