Wearing black and white means that you adhere and observe the traditions of your heritage. That makes you a good member of that heritage society. In the 1920’s when the Agudah was first being discussed, the Gerrer Rebbe Ztzl, Imrei Emes, had a heated debate with the Litvish Roshei Yeshiva and the other chasidish rebbes of Poland concerning inviting German Jewry to join. The Gerrer Rebbe argued that they are an integral part of Klal Yisroel and must be invited and urged to join the Agudah. One chasidish rebbe made fun of the Germans because they wore top hats to shul. The Gerrer Rebbe said to him, the German Jew’s top hat is his “shtreimel”. In other words, that’s his Jewish levush. Along with the German short suit and ties.
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