What does the tallit symbolize?
The Kabbalists considered the tallit as a special garment for the service of God, intended, in connection with the tefillin, to inspire awe and reverence for God at prayer.
What is the meaning behind a prayer shawl?
Prayer shawls are pieces of cloth used by Christians to give comfort and spiritual strength to the sick, dying, poor or those suffering from bad fortune. They are blessed in honor of a saint, angel or a deceased person or can be blessed through prayer through the laity.
What is the purpose of a shawl?
A shawl is a rectangular/triangular/square larger piece of fabric generally draped over the shoulders or wrapped around the body. It is worn for decorative purposes (to accent an outfit or cover bare shoulders in formal attire), religious purposes, or to keep warm.
What is the history behind the tallit?
The origin of the tallit can be found in two clauses in Numbers 15:37-41 where God ordained the wearing of a ‘tassel’, ציצית or tzitzit, on each of the ‘four corners’ of a standard ‘garment’. Consequently, the tallit was designed specifically to fulfill the obligation of wearing the tzitziyot.
How is a tallit used in prayer?
Male Jews wear both the tallit and tefillin for morning prayer, but just the tallit for afternoon and evening prayers. They also wear the kippah to cover their heads. It reminds them that God is always with them and that they must keep God’s laws.
Can a woman use a tallit?
There is no universal thought about women using the tallit, Zanerhaft said, but a general rule is that it is a ritual obligation for men and optional for women. However, in an all-female venue, it should be worn. The prayer shawl is worn only during morning prayers, and on the eve of Yom Kippur.
Why is tefillah important?
Tefillah brings the ability to speak of that being closer to G-d. If you lift up your heart and mind but leave behind your words, you’ve effectively left behind the human being. We human beings don’t really pray to have our needs met; we have needs in order that we pray.