THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TALLIT PRAYER SHAWL
The prayer shawl is a staple among religions today, including Judaism and even Christianity. It is an integral part of faith. One might think it is merely a piece of clothing; however, the prayer shawl serves many vital religious roles.
But before we delve into the religious and cultural significance of the prayer shawl, let us first look at what exactly it is.
The Prayer Shawl
The prayer shawl is a piece of clothing used by religious individuals during prayer. In Judaic religion, it is referred to as the tallit. It’s a large rectangular cloth made from wool, cotton, or synthetic material, with tassels called tzitzit on the four corners.
Traditional Jewish prayer shawls would contain four corners, unlike todays’, which do not have four corners. The Jewish prayer shawl’s tassels serve a particular purpose as a reminder of God’s commandments to His people and his ever presence in their lives.
It is evident in Numbers 37 in the Torah;
Types of the Tallit Prayer Shawl
There are two types of Jewish prayer shawls:
“Speak to the Israelites and tell them to make for themselves fringes on the corners of their garments in the ages; let them tie a cord of blue to the fringe at each corner. That shall be your fringe; look at it and remember all of the LORD’s commandments and uphold them so that you do not indulge your heart and eyes in your lustful desire. As a result, you will be reminded to obey all My commandments and to be holy to your God.”
1. The Tallit Katan
The Tallit Katan is a fringed garment worn by Jewish men under or over their clothes. It is a poncho-style fabric with a hole for the head and unique twined and knotted fringes such as tzitzit added to its four corners.
Although wearing the tallit katan isn’t considered compulsory according to biblical law, according to Rabbinic law, the practice is strongly recommended for men, serving as a binding custom.
2. The Tallit Gadol
The “Tallit Gadol” prayer shawl is worn over one’s clothes and lies on the shoulders. All male members wear it in the synagogue during morning services and in many cultures by the leader of afternoon and evening prayers.
Who wears the Prayer Shawl?
In orthodox synagogues, only married men wear the prayer shawl; the contrary applies to the non-orthodox synagogues, all men can wear the prayer shawl.
Significance of the Prayer Shawl.
When to wear the Prayer Shawl
It is worn during morning prayers by Jewish boys and men. It is worn during the day, with Yom Kippur being the only exception. The prayer shawl is rarely worn at night, although there isn’t an explicit restriction. Some even sleep in their shawls.
Significance of the Tallit Prayer Shawl
1. As a reminder
The Jewish consider the tallit prayer shawl as a symbol, a representation of God’s constant presence in their lives, and a reminder of the 613 commandments of the Torah.
2. It’s considered a gift
In some Jewish communities, a father may pass his prayer shawl to his son. Also, it may be given to a son-in-law and sometimes, even a teacher to his student.
3. To mark significant events
In events such as bar mitzvahs and weddings, the tallit prayer shawl may be presented as a gift to mark the special occasion.
4. During special days
A prayer shawl is frequently worn during special holidays such as Yom Kippur and Kol Nidre. Yom Kippur, also referred to as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day in the entire calendar. Day-long fasting and intensive prayer are some of the ways this holiday is celebrated.
Kol Nidre is the declaration said before the start of the evening service during Yom Kippur.
5. Worn during weddings
Traditionally, the groom wears the Jewish prayer shawl on his shoulders during his wedding ceremony while standing under the chuppah (the wedding canopy). It is a common custom among the Portuguese and Spanish Jews as well as the Germans.
6. Burials
The prayer shawl often features during burials. Jewish men are wrapped in their tallits with one of the tassels cut off. Cutting off the tassel means that the tallit is no longer valid; this is because the deceased is no longer required to keep the commandment.
7.History
The prayer shawl has been an inseparable aspect of Jewish worship for centuries. Its significance can be gauged by a moving event that happened in 1493. That year, the Jews of Sicily were robbed of all their belongings and driven from their houses.
They petitioned the authorities for permission to take their prayer shawls with them before leaving the island. Unfortunately, their appeal was turned down.
Customs surrounding the Prayer Shawl
The tallit prayer shawl is made in various fabrics; the popular ones are wool, silk, and sometimes rayon. It is often decorated using intricate patterns.
The prayer shawl is removed when going to the restroom due to the item’s symbolic nature. It represents God’s commands, and as you know, it is improper to take sacred scripture to the bathroom.
The Blue thread
The Jewish prayer shawl incorporates the use of blue thread; this is according to the Torah. The blue thread was unfortunately phased out in some Jewish divisions after the jews scattered upon leaving Israel.
Prayer
One must recite the following prayer before putting on the Jewish prayer shawl:
“Baruch atah Adonai
Eloheinu melech ha olam
Asher kidishanu b’mitzvotav
Vitzivanu l’hitatef b’tzitzit.”
Blessed are you, Lord our God.
Ruler of the Universe
Who has sanctified us with your mitzvot
And commanded us to wrap ourselves in tzitzit.
Women and The Prayer Shawl
Women are not allowed to wear the Jewish prayer shawl, according to Jewish law. Modern orthodox synagogues forbid women altogether wearing the tallit prayer shawl. However, this is not the case with non-orthodox.
The issue of women wearing the prayer shawl is a rather sore spot in the Jewish religion. While the non-orthodox do not prohibit women from wearing the piece, the more traditional jews frown upon the practice.
Parting Shot
The prayer shawl also referred to as the tallit, is a piece of clothing used in the Jewish religion. It serves as a reminder to follow the commandments passed down in the Torah. Besides, the Jewish prayer shawl symbolizes God’s presence, making it an essential aspect of Judaism.
It is used to mark special occasions such as Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement. The tallit prayer shawl is also used during weddings where the groom drapes it over his shoulders while standing under the wedding company.
You can check out the Judaica Store. You’ll find loads of items to choose; from shofar accessories to ram horns. You might even find a Jewish prayer shawl for sale.
It makes the perfect gift for your loved ones; what better way to show your love and appreciation for your loved ones than to get them their very own prayer shawl?
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