SABBATH JUST KEEP IT (parent company)

Follow SBJKI

No products in the cart.

Home 1040W Originals Honest discussion about tallits and tsitsits.

1040W Originals OT - Tanakh Torah

Honest discussion about tallits and tsitsits.

Regina Roundtree

Before we begin...

1) When referencing scripture we will first use resorces from Jeff Benner of Ancient Hebrew Research Center.** We love the way he takes us back to Hebrew culture. We truly appreciate(and have purchased ourselves) his material. We have recieved permission to repost his material on our website.

2) We will reference articles and/or videoes we think are helpful; however, that does NOT imply we agree with EVERYTHING they present on the site/channel. There are many great teachers from diffrent faith systems. We may not agree with ALL the pillars of their faith (in fact some of them don’t even agreee with the pillars of their faith) but the topic in the linked article is worth considering.

**We are also an affiliate partner with ARHC and recieve compensation for any items that you purchase. Any monies recieved go to further the work of 1040Window.club as it shares Torah-oriented (BUT non-religious & non-denominational) studies to people living in that part of the world.**

What does the Torah say about prayer shawls (Tallits) and fringes (tzitzit).

A Little bit of History

Typically, in the Christian community the consideration about prayer shawls (tallits) or fringes (tzitzit) may be an “Old Testament thing” or one that only belongs within Judaism. Many are recently coming to understand that the Old Testament was the only “Bible” that was read by Jesus/ Yeshua[1] (his name in Hebrew) and everyone who lived in that time. Many are also seeking to find out what of Judaism is relevant for those not in the direct bloodline of Abraham. Unfortunately, we may have been taught by our denominations and/or religious leaders that the Old Testament is only about a “chosen” people who are direct descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Maybe we have even done our own search and have become disheartened that we cannot find a place for us there – in the covenant blessing. We walk away thinking that YHWH has favorites. So we run back to the New Testament and take comfort there in a false doctrine that there has a been a replacement once Yehoshua came and now we are also chosen. The truth is, we have been ignorantly mislead, ALL humanity was always the plan – always[2].

Before Abraham, YHWH spoke with humans directly but had not yet identified a chosen people (at least not that we know). The term chosen people should not be taken out of context. As Genesis begins, ELOHIM/Creator made many attempts to give instructions, but humanity did not do well with following his intent Adam, Cain, society during Noah’s day. When ELOHIM finally meets Abram in Genesis 12, YHWH asks him to leave all that he knows for a new life in a new place that ELOHIM will show him on the way.

The Creator makes a promise that if Abram will serve HIM only, then the Creator will 1) bless him, 2) make him a great nation, 3) make his name great and 4) and thou “shalt be a blessing” Gen 12:1-4. It was always ELOHIM’s desire to bless the whole world. He just needed someone to commit to following His instructions so that everyone else would know how to live. Many promises and challenges happened along the way for Abraham and his seed.

As we get to Numbers 15, which is the focus of this article, they (the seed of Abraham, now known as the children of Israel because Jacob, the father of the 12 tribes had his name changed in Gen 32: 22-32) were then tasked with teaching the next generation how to walk with their Creator in a way that no other god had done with his followers.[3] Chosen was not meant to be to the exclusivity of everyone else. In many places we see a mixed multitude/ stranger/ foreigner/ sojourner who are allowed to participate with them. We also see that YHWH says there is one law for those of the bloodline (native) and those who are not. Once a foreigner came in and were a part of the group all the rules applied to the native as well as the foreigner. After this EVERYONE was called Israel. [4]

[1] Hebrew names God and Jesus

[2] Explain chosen

[3] Ross Nichols has an excellent video.

[4] Mixed multitude video

Again we are just setting a foundation that YHWH can be specific when he speaks to us. We don’t need to add or take away from His words.

We are going to start with the fringes first.

FRINGES – Hebrew צִיצִת (ṣîṣiṯ = tzitzit) [Strongs H6734]. If you have researched fringes, you may have seen there are many teachings from Judaism[1] about it. The word used is tzitzit. Few other religions have as many teachings about it although many cultures have fringes as a common garment design and some religions even wear fringes on sacred garments. If one were to research into each culture or religion, fringes may have a special meaning. In the Middle East you may notice that men wear garments with fringes and the women do not. Fringes could also have meaning within cultures as well as religion. Ever wonder why scarves have fringes? Where did we even get the design for a scarf? Could it have been a smaller simpler design of the tallits? Jewish store do sell the small tallits as well as the very big ones.

[1] There are many “denominations” of Jews in Judaism as with Muslims and Christianity. Good article .

Sample garments in different cultures

It’s amazing how many things we have in society that have been influenced by the Torah. And further how many cultures have traces of Torah influence in their society. What happens as time progresses is that religious traditions, people’s personal preferences and the influence of cultural around us impact how we walk out the commandments of Yehovah. As can been seen even in Torah, without constant discipline to be obedient, people will fall away from “their first love”. Traditions are only bad if it contradicts what Yehovah says not to do.- or if it applies his name falsely.[1]

Our first reference is Numbers 15: 37-41. To give some context to this passage. The children of Israel have been free from Egypt for about 2 months. In the previous chapters, the spies went to search out the promised land. 10 brought back a bad report which caused the people to murmur and complain. As a result of doubting Yehovah they just received judgement from ELOHIM that they will wander for 40 years in the desert – end of chapter 14. As a side note, this is an example of the children paying for the sins of the fathers for the third and fourth generation. Read our document about this topic here.[2] Chapter 15 contains some instructions including fringes.

	KJV	Sefaria.org
Num 15:37	And the LORD (YHWH) spake unto Moses, saying,	יהוה said to Moses as follows:
Num 15:38	Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments[Strongs H899] throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:	Speak to the Israelite people^{Israelite people* Heb. bene yisra’el; whether women are in view is uncertain}. and instruct them to make for themselves fringes on the corners of their garments throughout the ages; let them attach a cord of blue to the fringe at each corner.
Num 15:39	And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD (YHWH), and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:	That shall be your fringe; look at it and recall all the commandments of יהוה and observe them, so that you do not follow your heart and eyes in your lustful urge.
40	That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God (ELOHIM).	Thus you shall be reminded to observe all My commandments and to be holy to your God.
41	I am the LORD (YHWH) your God (ELOHIM), which brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God(ELOHIM): I am the LORD(YHWH) your God (ELOHIM).	I יהוה am your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I, your God יהוה.

	KJV	Sefaria.org
Deut 22:12	Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture [Strong H3682], wherewith thou coverest thyself.	You shall make tassels on the four corners of the garment with which you cover yourself.

In summary Numbers 15: 38-41 speaks of the fringes and he is specific with only these details.

Fringes on the borders of garment
To be done throughout the ages
Attach a cord of blue to the fringe at the corner
Look at them and remember His commandments

What it does not say

He doesn’t say it’s for men only.
He doesn’t define the material or color of the garment or fringes (Only that it needs a blue ribbon.)
Nothing on who has to make it.
No requirements about knots, twisting or what shade of blue

That is it. So YES, you need to wear fringes/tassels as they are a requirement – throughout your generations. Now there are certain laws/statutes where YHWH says “forever” or uses language like throughout your generations. We have made another article that looks at this in detail because we also will review the 613 commandments as identified by Jewish scholars[3]. But for now, let’s stay on the fringes. There is no end to this commandment.

[1] Teaching about using his name in vain. Coming Soon.

[2] Sour grapes and generational curses. Coming Soon

[3] Dissecting the 613 document. Coming Soon

We have to go deeper….much deeper and understand the culture better. Jeff Benner is a teacher and I have been studying his material- it is excellent. We will reference his writings frequently and have gained permission to repost on our site. This next explanation below is beautiful and gives so much more meaning. The complete document is here.

A tsiytsiyt

In Numbers 15:38 we read; Speak to the sons of Israel and say to them, make tsiytsiyt on the corners of your garment. The Hebrew word ציצית (tsiytsiyt) is a noun derived from the word ציץ (tsiyts).

A Blossom

A ציץ (tsiyts) is the “blossom” of a tree, which in time will become a fruit. The tsiytsiyt then is a blossom, not in appearance, but in function. The function of the tsiytsiyt is to be a reminder to the wearer to produce fruit, fruit being the observance of the commands, as stated in verse 39, “remember the commandments,” the teachings of God, which according to Psalm 1:2,3, is like producing fruit.

Therefore, the word tsiytsiyt carries with it a cultural perspective which connects the blossoms of a tree with the performance of a commandment.

This “concrete” Hebrew language continued to function as the Jewish people’s native language until their removal from the land after the Bar Kockba revolt in 135 AD, at which time they were dispersed into many different nations. While the Jewish people continued to use the Hebrew language from then until now, it was relegated to their religious lives alone. The language of the people around them, quite often this was Greek or Aramaic, was adopted as the language for everyday use. At this point, the new adopted language becomes the influential language in their life and their perspectives of words and ideas are now determined by this dominant language.

The Hebrew word tsiytsiyt is now translated into their new language. In the case of the Greek language, it is translated into κρασπεδον (kraspedon), meaning “a decorative fringe or thread.” No longer is the tsiytsiyt attached to the idea of a “blossom,” but instead simply as a “fringe.” This same shift in perception occurred each time a new language was adopted, whether it was Spanish, German or English.

Declaration of the State of Israel in 1948

In 1948 Israel became a Jewish state and with that, Hebrew once again became the everyday language of the Jewish people. While the language had been resurrected, the original cultural perspective of Ancient Hebrew had disappeared long ago and the Western influence survived. Therefore, a tsiytsiyt, in the mind of modern Orthodox Jews, is still a decorative fringe and no longer functionally related to a blossom.

(back to 10/40 Window)

Let’s not make this about functionality and decoration. When we wear the fringes/blossoms, we should remember the process of growth and blossoming in YHWH.

The word for garment is Strongs H899 בִגְדֵיהֶם you will see this word is used 217 times in the KJV. A few examples

Tamar with Judah – Gen 38: 14, 19
Joseph’s garment when Potiphar’s wife tries to seduce him – Gen 39:12-19
Levitical garments – Exodus chapters 28, 29, 39, 40 (just to name a few)

Based on Deut 22:12 “wherewith thou coverest thyself.” we believe it is an outer garment. The point is you should be able to see it.

Something else to consider about who should see it. Because it seems to imply that everyone should be able to see it. The scripture says “you” and “ye” the singular or plural of the word you. This is a good article that talks about – thou, thee, ye, your.[1] And this one as well.[2]

And that makes sense – “and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:”. If I look at someone to lust and I see the fringes – yup, I’m gonna check myself. LOL. And if I go to sit down or stretch my hand to do something, I see the fringes I am going to remember. Wearing the fringes is so that others can also identify you as one who keeps the Torah.

KJV – number 15:39

“And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring:”

If it is to be a reminder, then you should be able to see it. If it is an outer garment it is not needed for prayer in your home. In fact, you don’t need to wear it in your home, because YHWH has provided other ways for you to remember HIS commandments in your home (read Deut 6:1-9; we also wrote a document about it).[3]

As a quick reference it is law #84 that speaks about the garment in the 613 commandments. In short, the 613 were first mentioned in the Talmud but not listed. Most give credit to Maimonides (1135-1204 C.E.or BC) for creating the list. Are the commandments relevant today? Many are, but many are not. I will say this, Yehovah sees all eternity. He certainly knows the time He will return and how culture will change until He does. So when He says, “forever, through all ages, throughout all generations”. It means we are NEVER to stop doing those commandments. These are the moments when He doesn’t care what changes these “forever” commandments do not change. However, there are commandments He gave because this was a generation of people who had no established government or health laws to live by as they journeyed out of captivity. Being a gracious and loving Creator, he gave them instructions to establish and operate their new government.

Example of instructions that are constant and instructions that change depending on other factors:

Constant – Murder is illegal in every country.

Change – But the traffic laws or housing guidelines are different depending on where you live, and they will change from century to century. Most all the laws that humanity currently has – are based off the laws we see here in the Torah.

Another example of instructions changing with the current times: Lev 18 about safe sexual relations. As an example, we understand now that inter-familiar relationships can cause genetic problems in children. However before Torah was given, in order to populate the earth sex with siblings and cousin was needed.

And the same time there are commandments not necessary anymore

Law #128 – marry a brother’s widow and raise up a child Deut 25:5
Law #136 – wife accused of adultery Numbers 5:12-31
Law #37 – put to death anyone who tries to lead other to follow after idols. Deut 13:7-11

Back to our topic on fringes (tzitzit) and prayer shawls (tallit). Next is the prayer shawl. YHWH/ Yehovah does not give a commandment, law or statute about a prayer shawl. He does say to wear the fringes on the corners of a garment with a blue thread/ribbon. Is there anything wrong with a prayer shawl or tallit -No, nothing wrong at all, but it is not required.

Torah does not indicate size, type of material or the colors of the garment. He does say it must have a blue thread on the fringe. Torah does not say how many knots and loops it should have. Some Jewish traditions use numerical values that are represented by the knots. Torah does not give this requirement. Remember above we reminded you that Yehovah has no problem giving specifics when He wants specifics. Let’s just give Yehovah/YHWH what He wants. It will be less burdensome on us.

[1] Explains the sinhgular and plural Document

[2]Explains the singular and plural Another

[3] mezuzah -what to write on your posts? Coming Soon

This is a great place to refer to another book by Benner – The Living Words -Volume One** (which I own). He has a section starting on page 76. You are fortunate that you can also read this on his website here.

One of the most beautiful aspects of the Hebrew language is its clear connection between a word and its illustrative meaning. The Hebrew word ציצת tsiytsiyt ^[H:6734] is a good example of this relationship.

38 Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes (tsiytsiyt) in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe (tsiytsiyt) of the borders a ribband of blue: 39 And it shall be unto you for a fringe (tsiytsiyt), that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: 40 That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. Numbers 15:38-40 (KJV)

From the above passage we learn the ציצת tsiytsiyt ^[H:6734], translated as “fringe,” are worn on the four corners of the garments. The standard dress of the Hebrews was a rectangular piece of cloth with a hole in the center for the head and was worn similar to a modern poncho. A sash was then tied around the waist to secure the garment. The fringes were then tied to each corner, border in the KJV translation, of this garment as reminders of God’s commands for his people.

The image above is an example of a tsiytsiyt used today on the Tallit, four-cornered garment with the tsiytsiyt tied to each corner. This garment is worn today by Orthodox Jews in order to observe the command of Numbers chapter 15.

The word tsiytsiyt is derived from the noun ציץ tsiyts ^[H:6731] and the verb צוץ tsuts ^[H:6692], both of which can be found in the following passage.

And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed (tsuts) blossoms (tsiyts), and yielded almonds. Numbers 17:8 (KJV)

When I first began studying the word tsiytsiyt, I pondered the connection between tsiytsiyt, meaning fringe, and tsiyts, meaning blossom, and wondered if the fringe originally looked like a blossom. I then reminded myself I was concentrating on the physical appearance of these objects, a Greek way of thinking, and had forgotten the Hebrews were concerned with function. When I realized the function of a blossom was to produce fruit on a tree, I was amazed to discover this was the exact same function of the tsiytsiyt, to produce fruit within the man.

But his delight is in the teachings of Yahweh and in his teachings he meditates day and night, and he will be like a tree planted by streams of water which gives his fruit in its season Psalm 1:2,3

The function of the fringe, according to Numbers 15:38-40, is to remember the commandments, the teachings of God, which according to Psalm 1:2,3, is like producing fruit.

According to the book of Matthew, Yeshua also wore these fringes.

And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment. For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. Matthew 9:20 (KJV)

The Septuagint uses the Greek word kraspedon ^[G:2899] for the Hebrew word ציצת tsiytsiyt ^[H:6734] in Numbers 15:38. In the passage from Matthew above, the Greek word for “hem” is the same word, kraspedon, and literally means “fringe.” The final evidence showing that Yeshua did in fact wear tsiytsiyt is found in the Shem Tov Hebrew text where we find the Hebrew word tsiytsiyt in Matthew 9:20.

The woman knew if she just touched his fringe she would be healed. Why? Because she knew of the prophecy in Malachi 4:2:

But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings (KJV)

The Hebrew word meaning “wing” is כנף kanaph ^[H:3671] but it is also the word for a “corner,” as in the corners of a garment. The woman grabbed hold of his tsiytsiyt, which were tied to the “corners” of his garment because she knew that he had healing in his “corners.”

Another word in the Malachi verse I would like to address is, the word “sun.” Is this a reference to the worshipping of the sun god? I don’t think so. The Hebrew word for the sun is שמש shemesh ^[H:8121] and is closely related to the Aramaic word שמש shamash (While this word is not found in the Hebrew Bible or the Aramaic portions of it, its verbal root is used in Daniel 7:20 where it means “to serve”) meaning “servant.” Notice these two words are spelled identically. Only the vowel sounds are different. Could the author of the Malachi passage have intended the meaning “servant of righteousness” rather than “sun of righteousness”?

(Back to 10/40 Window)

As for the “Prayer” in the phrase prayer shawl. The verse does not say to be used for prayer only. It doesn’t say how to use it only that it should be worn. I would imagine (I am being subjective) that it is to be worn when you are outside your home. Inside your home you can read the Torah. In your home you have already been commanded to place it on the doorposts and gates (Deut 6:6-9). This item is often called a mezuzah.

A few questions…

Q: Is using the Jewish version of a prayer shawl (tallit) for prayer wrong or right?
A: No it is not wrong as a prayer shawl. The word “prayer” implies that you are using it at home or maybe in public for prayer. However, in regard to the garment in Num 15 & Deut 12, Torah say wear the garment with a fringes on the corners AND with a blue thread. Also, the point is to wear it when you go out as a reminder.

Q: I feel so different when I use a prayer shawl.. why?

A: Covering your head and face tends to block other things out and helps you to focus (if you have a hard time focusing). We also tend to add emotions to tasks.

Example: Husbands and wives should respect and honor one another in all things. Date nights, anniversary meals/gifts, flowers, “I love you” text in the middle of the day, Monday night football…. None of those things are required by Torah. Are they nice traditions? Do they make you feel special? Yes and Yes. But they are not required to have a strong marriage.

Q: Can I make my own garment with fringes? If, so what are the requirements according to Torah?.

A: On the corners, it needs to have fringes with a blue strand. Use any color material you want (don’t mix wool and linen see Deut 22:11. I am still studying this out and not sure if it is still relevant today). Different Jewish traditions have Hebrew writing on the top front edge and the corners, but Torah doesn’t require this. They also tie knots and wrap the fringes in a fashion that represents numbers. The Torah doesn’t require this. One last point, many tallits do not have the ribbon of blue on the fringe as required in Numbers 15. Can you still use it? Yes, but it doesn’t put you in compliance with Numbers 15:38-41/ Deut 22:12.

What I love about Yehovah is that He is so thoughtful about what people can afford. In Leviticus 15, we read that He gives instruction for a guilt offering. It starts with a lamb but then He says if they can’t afford a lamb then bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons. If they can’t afford that then they could bring a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour. And yet when he wants a specific offering for a certain event (sacrifice for a feast), He makes it clear – King or peasant the offering is the same and he gives the exact amount.

That’s all we have to say about fringes. If /When you choose to be compliant with Numbers 15:38-41/ Deut 22:12 Read this document for ideas on how to get started.