The Tallit: Its Use, Significance and Symbolism in Christian Faith

 Talit: Definition and Overview

The Talit (also spelled "Tallit" or "Tallith") is a traditional Jewish prayer shawl worn during prayer and worship. It holds profound religious significance as it serves as a physical reminder of God's commandments and the covenant between God and Israel. Its design and usage are based on commandments from the Torah.

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Parts of the Talit

1. Main Cloth (Beged):

   • The body of the Talit is usually made of wool, cotton, or silk. It is rectangular in shape, with a plain design or subtle patterns. The material should comply with Jewish laws of Shatnez (prohibition of mixing wool and linen).
   • The color is often white with black, blue, or gold stripes along the edges, symbolizing simplicity and divine order.

2. Tzitzit (Fringes):

   • The fringes, called Tzitzit, are attached to the four corners of the Talit.
   • Each Corner Has Eight Strings
   • The tallit being a reflection of all the 613 commandments can be seen in the tassels themselves, each of which comprises 5 double knots and eight fringes (5+8=13). Now the Hebrew word tzitzit, ציצית, has the numeric value (gematria) of 600. 600+13=613, the exact number of mitzvot there are in the Torah.
   • A blue thread (tekhelet) was historically included in the Tzitzit, as commanded in Numbers 15:38. The tekhelet is symbolic of God's divine presence and the sea, sky, and heaven.

3. Atarah (Collar):

   • Many Talits have an Atarah, or ornamental collar, at the top edge where it is draped over the shoulders.
   • It is often embroidered with blessings or prayers, such as the traditional blessing recited when donning the Talit:
     “Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha’olam, asher kidshanu b’mitzvotav v’tzivanu l’hitatef b’tzitzit”
     (“Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to wrap ourselves in Tzitzit.”)

4. Four Corners:

   • The Talit is designed with four corners as required by the Torah. This shape enables the attachment of the Tzitzit, fulfilling the commandment in Deuteronomy 22:12:
     “Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself.”

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Use of the Talit

1. Daily Prayer:

   • The Talit is worn during Shacharit (morning prayers) by Jewish men and, in some communities, women.
   • It is draped over the shoulders or, in more solemn moments, over the head for personal focus and connection with God.

2. Special Occasions:

   • It is used during significant religious events, such as:
     • Bar Mitzvahs
     • Weddings (often used as a canopy, or chuppah)
     • Yom Kippur and other High Holy Days

3. Torah Reading:

   • The Talit may be worn when reading or handling the Torah, emphasizing reverence for God's Word.

4. Burial:

   • In some Jewish traditions, the Talit is used to wrap the deceased during burial, symbolizing purity and the eternal connection to God's commandments.

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Significance of the Talit

1. Obedience to God’s Commandments:

   • The Talit is a direct fulfillment of the Torah's instruction in Numbers 15:37–40:
     “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.”
   • Wearing the Talit is a physical reminder to live a life dedicated to God's laws.

2. Spiritual Reflection:

   • Covering oneself with the Talit during prayer creates a sense of intimacy with God, like being under His divine protection.
   • It symbolizes humility and submission to God's authority.

3. Identity and Community:

   • The Talit unites the Jewish community through shared traditions and religious practices.
   • It serves as a visible sign of Jewish identity and heritage.

4. Symbolism of the Tzitzit:

   • The fringes remind the wearer of their commitment to God’s covenant. The knots and windings of the Tzitzit are numerically significant, corresponding to the 613 mitzvot.

5. Cultural and Messianic Interpretations:

   • In some Jewish and Messianic traditions, the Talit is seen as a garment of divine protection, as referenced in Malachi 4:2: “...and healing in his wings.” The Hebrew word for "wings" (kanaph) can also mean "corners," linking it to the fringes of the Talit.

The Talit is much more than a garment; it is a profound expression of faith, obedience, and connection to God. Each part of the Talit—its cloth, fringes, and blessings—carries deep symbolic meaning, reminding the wearer of their spiritual responsibilities and God's covenant with Israel.

Can A Christian Use a Tallit?

A Christian can use the Talit, but its usage must be understood in light of the New Covenant. While the Talit holds deep spiritual and cultural significance in Jewish tradition, Christians are not obligated to use it as part of their faith practices. 

Its use by a Christ Believer would primarily be symbolic and devotional, rather than a requirement under the New Covenant. Here's a detailed perspective:

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Understanding the Talit in the New Covenant

1. The Fulfillment of the Law in Christ:

   • Under the New Covenant, Jesus Christ fulfills the Law of Moses. He stated:
     "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil" (Matthew 5:17, KJV).
     • The ceremonial and symbolic aspects of the Law, including the commandment to wear fringes (Numbers 15:37–40), were fulfilled in Christ. Therefore, Christians are not bound to observe these practices.

2. Spiritual Application of the Talit:

   • The purpose of the Talit in Jewish tradition is to remind the wearer of God's commandments. In the New Covenant, believers are guided by the Holy Spirit, who writes God's laws on their hearts:
     “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them” (Hebrews 10:16, KJV).
     • The Talit, therefore, can be seen as a symbolic tool rather than a necessity for Christians.

3. Freedom in Christ:

   • Christians are free to use the Talit as a personal expression of faith or as a way to connect with the Hebraic roots of Christianity. Paul emphasizes that believers should not be judged by outward observances of the Law:
     “Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ” (Colossians 2:16–17, KJV).
     • Using the Talit is a matter of personal conviction and should not be seen as a means of righteousness or salvation.

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Why Some Christians Use the Talit

1. Connection to Hebraic Roots:

   • Some Christians use the Talit to honor the Jewish heritage of their faith and to deepen their understanding of biblical symbolism. Jesus Himself, as a Jewish rabbi, likely wore a Talit. For example:
     • The woman with the issue of blood touched the "hem of His garment" (Matthew 9:20, KJV), which is believed to refer to the fringes (tzitzit) of His Talit.

2. Symbolic Use in Prayer:

   • The Talit can serve as a prayer shawl, creating a physical space of intimacy with God during personal or corporate prayer. When draped over the head, it symbolizes being under God's covering and protection.

3. Prophetic Significance:

   • Some Christians view the Talit as a representation of divine healing and protection, referencing Malachi 4:2:
     “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings…”
     • The Hebrew word for "wings" (kanaph) can also refer to the corners of the Talit.

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Cautions for Christians Using the Talit

1. Avoid Legalism:

   • Using the Talit should not become a ritualistic or legalistic practice. Salvation and righteousness come through faith in Jesus Christ, not through adherence to the Law or its symbols:
     “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9, KJV).

2. Cultural Sensitivity:

   • Christians should be mindful of the cultural and religious significance of the Talit to the Jewish people. Its use should be respectful and not trivialized.

3. Focus on Christ:

   • The Talit, while a meaningful symbol, should not distract from the centrality of Jesus Christ in worship and prayer. As Paul writes:
     “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God” (1 Corinthians 1:23–24, KJV).

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Conclusion

Christians are not required to use the Talit under the New Covenant, as its purpose in reminding the wearer of God's commandments is now fulfilled through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the completed work of Christ. However, 

Christians may choose to use the Talit as a personal expression of faith, as a connection to the Jewish roots of Christianity, or as a devotional aid in prayer.

Ultimately, the use of the Talit is a matter of personal conviction and should be approached with humility, respect, and a focus on glorifying Christ.

Tallit Prayer (Blessings)

Before donning the tallit one should check the tzitzit to see that they are still kosher (except when this examination would prevent one from praying with the congregation). While checking the tzitzit, one recites the following verses:

Transliteration:

Bar-chi Naf-shi Et Ado-nai, Ado-nai E-lo-hai Ga-dal-ta M’od, Hod V’ha-dar La-vash-ta. O-teh Ohr Ka-sal-mah, No-teh Sha-ma-yim Ka-ye-ri-ah.

Translation:

My soul, bless the L-rd! L-rd my G‑d, You are greatly exalted; You have garbed Yourself with majesty and splendor. You enwrap [Yourself] with light as with a garment; You spread the heaven as a curtain.1

Before donning the tallit, one recites the blessing:

Transliteration:

Ba-ruch A-tah Ado-nai, E-lo-hei-nu Me-lech Ha-olam, A-sher Ki-de-sha-nu B’mitz-vo-tav, V’tzi-va-nu L’hit-a-teif B'tzi-tzit.

Translation:

Blessed are You, L-rd our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to enwrap ourselves in Tzitzit.

After the blessing one covers the head with the Tallit and dons it (for a short while) in the fashion of Arab garbs by taking the two ends of the right side and swinging them over the left shoulder to the back. While standing garbed thus, one recites the following verses:

Transliteration:

Ma Ya-kar Chas-de-cha E-lo-him, U-v’nei A-dam B’tzeil K’na-fe-cha Ye-che-sa-yun. Yir-v’yun Mi-de-shen Bei-te-cha, V’na-chal A-da-ne-cha Tash-keim. Ki Im-cha M’kor Cha-yim, B’ohr-cha Nir-eh Ohr. M’shoch Chas-d’cha L'yod-echa, V’tzid-kat-cha L’yish-rei Leiv.

Translation:

How precious is Your kindness, O G‑d! The children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings. They shall be satiated with the delight of Your House, and You will give them to drink from the river of Your bliss. For with You is the source of life; in Your light we see light. Bestow Your kindness upon those who know You, and Your righteousness on the upright in heart. 2

Footnotes

1.

Psalms 104:1- 2.

2.

Psalms 36:8-11

References:

Chabad Website

Mitzvah

Shabbat