Wearing of Tallit part II

Dear Tanta Golda,

My friend is being called up as a Bar Mitzvah this month and he told me that his grandmother will be presenting him with a Tallit. Why do Jews wear tallit? Do they just wear them at their Bar Mitzvahs? 

Tentatively curious

My darling Curious,

Ah, a boy’s first tallis…

It is written in the Torah They “shall make themselves tzitzit (fringes) on the corners of their garments, throughout their generations.” (Numbers 15:38) Later in the passage it says, “and you shall see it,” implying that tzitzit are only worn during the daylight hours. Furthermore Deuteronomy 22:12 states, “make twisted cords on the four corners of your covering.” 

Now, one must keep in mind that in ancient times, many garments were four cornered, usually made from a simple rectangle of cloth which was worn as a cape, tunic or toga. Since today’s clothing is fashioned very differently, we wear special garments to fulfill this mitzvah.

Most people you know probably don a large rectangular piece of cloth which they drape over their shoulders like a shawl. However, more observant men wear a garment between their undershirt and regular shirt called a Tallit katan. This is a single piece of material one cubit (approximately 18-24 inches) square on each side with a hole cut in the center for one’s head allowing them to fulfill the mitzvah throughout the day, everyday (not just on their Bar Mitzvah!)

Tzitzit are composed of four strands of string which are inserted through holes in the corners of the garment, and tied in a specific way. They are meant to help the wearer remember G-d’s laws, and not let their heart and eyes lead them astray. (Remember my kinder, focus, focus, focus.)

Now, you may be saying to yourself, “Tanta Golda, why did you just mention a boy’s first tallis?” Well my sweet, tradition holds that since the commandment to wear tzitzit is  time bound, women are exempt. (Because their many obligations to family make adhering to such time sensitive issues difficult.) However, in our modern age, many women - mostly in the Reform and Conservative movements, have begun wearing tallit, and you will notice this at our Temple.  While Orthodox rabbis tend to frown upon this practice, it is not forbidden, and a few Orthodox women have been know to take up this mitzvah as well.

I have been told, that in some communities unmarried men do not wear tallit, some say this is so that unmarried women can tell who is still eligible for marriage!

I hope I’ve answered your questions, and enjoy your friend’s Bar Mitzvah!