Friday, October 22, 2010

When Do We Wear Tallism?

Tallism recommended on amazon

Hello my bubeles, I’m pleased to have this opportunity to introduce myself. I’m Tanta Golda. I’ve asked those sweet people at eblogger if I could perhaps have a small corner of the Internet to write an advice column. Now, let me clarify, this is not aitzeh (advice) on boyfriends, in-laws (don’t get me started…) or children. No, this will be a place to ask advice on Jewish customs, rituals, and other Jewish “How-tos” that perhaps you’ve been too shy to ask.
To get us started this first time I’m going to answer some questions I’ve overheard during services:
Tanta Golda,
I have two questions about Tallit, who wears them and when? Everyone seems to do it differently. Baffled on the Bima
Dear Baffled,
An excellent question! Here at Temple Beth Israel, when Tanta Golda attends services, anyone, male or female, 13 or older, is welcome to wear a tallis. Among traditional conservative Jews however, only men over the age of 13 wear tallit. In addition, many orthodox Jewish men wear a tallit katan, which is like a vest, under their clothing whenever they are dressed.
As to when – Tallit are worn on days when the Torah is read. In larger congregations the Torah is read on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This goes back to ancient times when people only came to town on “market days,” making it easier to grab 10 men for a minyan.
At TBI we ask out of respect, that anyone 13 and older wear a tallis when they are called up for any honor at the Torah. It is like standing during the national anthem, respectful.
We do not traditionally wear tallit on Friday nights. In fact, the only evening service when a tallis is worn is on Erev Yom Kippur. (Also referred to as Kol Nidre.) Tallism
Tanta Golda,
I’ve noticed that there is something different about the Shema we say when we take the Torah out of the Ark, or am I just imagining things? Spiritually Surprised
Surprised,
You’re paying attention – Mazel Tov! There are two important differences in the Shema we say during the Torah service.
The first has to do with how we say it. Unlike all the other times we recite the Shema, we do not say this one in unison. The Rabbi, or whoever is leading the service, says the first line-alone. Then the rest of the congregation repeats this line. Next, the leader chants the second line – once again solo. Then the congregation repeats this line. Tanta Golda hasn’t been able to find out why we do it this way, but it may have to do with separating the Sacred from the ordinary.
This brings us to our second difference. The second line of this “special” Shema is not the same as usual. Instead we say, Ehad Elohaynu, gadol Adonaynu kadosh shamo. (Our G-d is one, our Lord is great; holy is G-d’s name.) Great observation!
Remember the advice my dear Bubbie used to give me – the only foolish question is the one you don’t ask…

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