cIt seems we’re barely past Hanukkah, and it’s already time to think ahead to Purim (and of course, to Tu B’Shevat in between). This year, however, there is no need to fret between now and February 23 about where to buy unmistakably Jewish kids’ costumes.

You’d think you’d have to seek out a specialty shop in a certain neighborhood (say, Boro Park or Crown Heights) to find something fitting the needs of Haredi children. But, no, that will not be necessary. Neither will you have to check Israeli websites to try ordering something from a supplier in the Holy Land. Actually, all you need to do is turn to the world’s third largest public corporation. Yes, that would be Walmart.

Believe it or not, the ubiquitous big box store is offering for a reasonable price to dress your child up as a Jewish High Priest from Temple times, or a Jewish Grand Rabbi, with one of the biggest shtreimls you have ever seen. There’s also a Jewish Rabbi costume with a plainer kapote and a smaller fur hat than for the Grand Rabbi. We guess Walmart isn’t aware that there aren’t any Grand Rabbis — or rabbis, for that matter — who aren’t Jewish.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

Also available are biblical Matriarch costumes. Rivka (Rebecca) clearly gets the better treatment, with a long white silk dress with golden fringe and snazzy camel appliqués. The Rachel outfit has more of a nun (!) or folk dancer vibe to it, and the image of Rachel’s Tomb on the front of the dress simply can’t compete with the camel cute factor.

Walmart is not marketing these frummy costumes on a special Purim or Jewish section of their website. They are actually part of the “Dress Up America” line. Does this mean we will see hordes of little Grand Rabbis and Rachel Imeinus trick-or-treating all across the country next Halloween?

A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen

I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.

If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.

—  Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount