Because I could not stop for death... Word from: David

Respect for the dead and death is an important element in Judaism. It is interesting to note that the Celtic rites of Halloween or Mexico's Dia De Los Muertes, which depict an iconography do not have a sociological parallel in the folk customs of Purim. (Scroll down to see a Trinidadian depiction of a macabre figure at the parade in 2003.) Jewish literature is full of aggadot dealing with demons, evil spirits, and the supernatural, but I challenge readers to name a piece of artwork representing such figures before Marc Chagall or Arthur Syzk.

In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Hasidim seem to have absorbed a lust for agitprop more often associated with their hipster neighbors. Most infamous is this poster, but a new candidate for infamy is this sign I spotted on the walls of the Roebling playground last week. Pashkevilim (posters) in Hasidic neighboorhoods calling for adherence to religous law are common and usually ask for modesty laws to be adhered out of respect to local residents and their beliefs. However, this sign seems almost gleeful in it's slogan rhyming and image of smiling skeleton holding suntan lotion. Perhaps the depiction is to make sure that the Hispanic and Polish women who sit on Division Street bridge over the BQE, waiting for a day's work, will not find work as maids if they wear a jeans or a tanktop. One hopes future signs will deal as bluntly and forcefully with metzitzah, obesity, and enforcing housing policy; some of the other health problems plaguing that community.

I have no proof that Hasidim were involved in the making of this sign, since it lacks attribution. But the Department of Parks certainly didn't post it up, and I only saw it in various Hasidic areas. This has been a week that has seen blasphemy-that Katrina was G-d's response to the disengagement from Gaza. This idea, first expressed by a marginal demagogue, then by an assitant rabbi in a New Jersey, has now been echoed by a Rabbi who has spent a lifetime involved with Halacha and Politics at the highest level. Seeing another such sign of insensivity to the world beyond the yeshiva (even if they are exceptions to the rule) is just as repugnant to me.

The words of Michael Burke are relevant (and bring us back to art) here: 'Lacking imagination and courage, artists link themselves to signficant events, not to honor them or unveil their truths, but rather to get attention.' I hope the same is not true for religous leaders and their laymen.