Some points that you missed about the tallit prayer shawl
The Jewish prayer shawl is also known as the tallit. While there is a plethora of info available on the internet, still there are many points that you might have missed about the Tallit Prayer shawl. This blog will take you through most of them that you might want to know. So, let's get started.
Why do the Jews require a Tallit Prayer Shawl?
For Jews, it is peremptory to wear a Jewish prayer shawl over the outer clothes during the morning prayers. The tallit consists of special twined and knotted fringes. These fringes are also known as tzitzit. It remains attached to the four corners of the Jewish prayer shawl.
Traditional tallitot are made up of pure wool. These prayer shawls are mostly first worn by children on their Bar Mitzvahs. Moreover, in many of the Orthodox Jewish community, a Tallit is gifted to a groom before his wedding as an item of dowry. It is followed as a custom in Ashkenazi circles of the Jews.
Why is the Tallit Prayer Shawl worn during Morning Prayers?
The reason behind wearing the tallit during the morning prayers is only available in an anecdote.
It is believed that Abraham, who is one of the three Patriarchs of the Jews, instituted a daily prayer out of the three customary prayers in Judaism. He was the one to offer prayers in the morning which were known as Shacharit.
In the teachings of Kabbalah, you can also find that tallit is a metaphor for God's infinite magnificent light. The fringes on this shawl, known as tzitzit allude to this inspiring light which pervades through every element of His creation.
Some Common Beliefs for Wearing a Jewish Head Covering
Wearing of the Jewish head covering, known as Kippah or yarmulke is customary among the Orthodox Jews. This practice has been observed since the Talmudic times, which is approximately the second century.
This Jewish head covering finds its first and foremost mention in the Tractate Shabbat - a Jewish text describing the respect and fear of God. Although Ashkenazi rabbis considered wearing the Jewish head covering at all times as a religious act, it is no more necessary in the modern times.
Classical Jews wear Kippot which are large in size, black in color and shaped like a bowl. In modern Jewish societies, even the women wear kippot and even people wear them as per their opinions. Some wear it during prayers, eating or studying Jewish texts, while others use it while entering a sacred place such as a synagogue.
In a Nutshell,
Thus, from the above points, it can be deduced that with reformation in the society, the beliefs and customs of Jews have also witnessed significant changes and amendments. Be it the Kippa or the Tallit Prayer Shawl, today, people use them as per their own desires.
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