|
||
Definition:
The Hebrew word zitzit means "fringes" and refers to the tassels which are
attached to the clothing of Jews in order to fulfill the commandments in Numbers
15:37-40 and Deuteronomy 22:12:
And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: 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: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God. (Numbers 15:37-40)
Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself. (Deuteronomy 22:12)
It is generally taught that the wearing of zitzit is done in order to remind Jews of their duties to God. According to tradition, the tassels are tied in such a way that, when they are added up, you reach the number 613 - the number of commandments handed down by God. Orthodox Jews wear a tallit with the zitzit at all times but other Jews have zitzit only on the corners of prayer shawls which, in turn, are not worn all of the time. The duty to wear zitzit only extend to men, not to women.
Also Known As: none
Alternate Spellings: none
Common Misspellings: none
Related Resources:
What is Theism?
What is the difference between monotheism and monolatry? Between pantheism and panentheism? How about between animism and shamanism? Or theism and deism? What the heck is henotheism? For that matter, what is and is not a religion?What is Religion?
A system of human beliefs, ideals and practices which is harder to define than it may at first appear.
