Rashi observes that changing garments is not a chovah, obligation, but rather, proper conduct, so that the Kohen does not sully his clean vestments. It makes sense that the garments which one wears in the kitchen when he is cooking a pot of food for his master will not be the same garments that he will wear when serving his master. It just takes seichel, common sense. Thus, he dons other garments which are inferior to his vestments.
How often do we read Rashi’s commentary and not incorporate it into our lifestyle? Upon serving the King/Master, one wears “different” clothes than he wears when he is preparing the food. Horav Moshe Feinstein, zl, notes that Hilchos Derech Eretz, laws that teach us proper conduct, are real, since the Kohen changes clothes due to derech eretz. Davening before Hashem in shul is a classic case of standing before the King. Thus, Rav Moshe says, one should wear respectable clothing – even change from his work clothes (if possible) to demonstrate his respect.
While this concept applies any time one enters a shul, it is especially significant on Shabbos, when there is the added layer of kavod, honoring, Shabbos. Obviously, the way we dress is a “cultural” thing, with some dressing formally and others choosing to dress casually. I only wonder if we would dress the same way for a job interview or to meet a distinguished public official. The respect one accords others is often commensurate with his own degree of self-respect. It is difficult to demand respect of someone who is challenged by his own self-esteem.
