How Do Women Wear a Tallit?
A tallit is a Jewish prayer shawl. Traditionally, women had no requirement to wear the garment, but it has been common in recent years. Even orthodox women wear the tallit in prayer, while others wear it according to the latest fashion. Tallits range from silk scarf-sized to wool full-bodied shawls.
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Morning Prayers
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Tallits are draped over the shoulder during morning prayer. Before adorning, make sure all fringes are intact, take the neckband in both hands, and then lift it over your head and bring both hands to your mouth. Say a blessing, and then lower it down to your shoulders.
Tzitzit
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Tzitzit are the fringes on the four corners of the garment, which is in fulfillment with a Biblical commandment. A tallit should contain these to fulfill the requirements of Jewish law.
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From the Torrah
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"And the Lord spoke to Moses saying: Speak to the children of Israel and bid them that they make fringes on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringes of the corners a thread of blue. And it shall be to you for a fringe, that you may look upon (and you shall see it) and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them."
(Num.15:37-41)
Why the Controversy?
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Men in most orthodox synagogues wear the tallit during service, and since Jewish law prohibits men and women from wearing clothes of the opposite gender, women were prohibited from wearing it at service. Also, women and slaves were exempted from the requirement by various rabbis, just as women and slaves were exempted from other time-bound commandments. Some rabbis argue that since tallits don't work for women, their use would imply pride, when they have been taught to be humble.
Wearing the Tallit
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According to MyTalit.com, it's important to make sure that a woman's tallit is purchased. "If the woman is wearing a tallit designed specifically for women, then the case that tallilt are garments for male will be negated. It would also not attract so much attention as when a woman opts to use a normal tallit." Many sellers clearly mark which tallits are for women--they are common in online stores. The purpose of the tallit is considered sacred, so it's important for some women to wear one to feel close to their community. It's becoming more common for young women to begin praying with the tallit after their bat mitzvah.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Beautiful brunette in red shawl in profile image by Kevin Browne from Fotolia.com
