If you search for rabbi costumes online, you’ll find multiple versions of the same theme: a guy wearing a long black coat, a white scarf meant to be a tallit or Jewish ritual prayer shawl, a bushy fake beard with curly payot, a black hat and maybe a kippah underneath. From a Jewish perspective, it can be an uncomfortable caricature to witness. In 2024, the refrain “My culture is not your costume” has been done to death. But the sentiment remains true. Treating sacred Jewish objects as Halloween fodder is disrespectful, and leaning into stereotypes of what Jews looks like is harmful.
Enter Rabbi Noah Roklov.
The fictional hot rabbi played by Jewish actor Adam Brody is a core part of one of the exceedingly popular Netflix show “Nobody Wants This.” So, if I had to guess, I think we’ll probably see a decent amount of Rabbi Noah and Joanne couples’ costumes this Halloween. But how can one dress up as Rabbi Noah respectfully? It’s actually a lot easier than you might think.
Here are three creative ways to recognizably dress up like the Hot Rabbi without making Judaism a costume.
Matzah Baller
In episode seven, Noah invites Joanne to his basketball game, leading to the revelation that the hot rabbi is on a team named the Matzah Ballers. Not only is the whole Matzah Ballers story arc cute — who can resist an attractive man with a genuine passion for playing recreational sports and dorky puns — but it provides an immediately recognizable costume opportunity! Shout out to Modern Tribe for selling a Matzah Ballers jersey t-shirt, which you can easily pair with Adidas basketball shorts. I’ve also included options for black basketball socks, sneakers and a basketball. But feel free to pair the basketball uniform with any footwear or sports equipment you already have on hand. Go, Matzah Ballers!
ModernTribe Matzah Ballers Unisex Sports Jersey T-Shirt / Adidas Men’s Squadra 21 shorts / Black over-the-calf socks / Under Armour Unisex Adult Lockdown 6 Basketball Shoe / Wilson NBA Forge Series basketball
Prego Date
For as long as I live, I will never be able to get the sound of Adam Brody as Rabbi Noah saying, “Preeeegooooo” out of my head. (I can’t be the only one, right?!) So, at least in my book, this makes the outfit he’s wearing while saying it extremely worthy of a costume. All you need is a comfy gray hoodie, athletic shorts and a checkered sportcoat. Make note of that last part, OK? Don’t wear a blazer. When Rabbi Noah realizes that Joanne’s entire family is coming to watch “Vanderpump” with them, he spruces up his outfit with a sportcoat. Complete the look with some sunflowers in a tub of Prego. (Note: you’ll have to eat all 67 ounces of sauce before you can use it for this costume.)
Nike Sportswear Men’s Gray Pullover Club Hoodie / PJ Paul Jones Men’s Herringbone Sportcoat in Grid Blue / MIER Men’s Running Shorts 7″ inseam in Navy Blue / Real Touch Faux Sunflowers / Prego Traditional Pasta Sauce, 67 oz.
Obliterator Casual
Last, but certainly not least, you can always get a little kinky with a Rabbi Noah costume from the scene where he an Joanne go to a sex shop to buy a vibrator called “The Obliterator.” While the rabbi enters the shop wearing a dark long-sleeve shirt and nondescript pants, while shopping he adds a spiky collar, leather paddle and The Obliterator box. Sadly, I was unable to find any sort of fan-made design of the box online. But The Obliterator is an essential component of this costume so my suggestion to you is get crafty! Perhaps cover a cereal box with construction paper and draw the design on?
Here’s a zoomed in shot of the box for your reference!
Or, perhaps invest in your own vibrator with an unhinged name and carry around the box. Whatever feels right to you!
COOFANDY Men’s Crewneck Sweater in Dark Army Green / Punk Black Leather Choker / Faux Leather Paddle, 14-inch
