Ritual Dress in Jewish Worship (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Religious Studies): Revision Note

What is the tallit, and what is it used for?

• The tallit is a prayer shawl traditionally worn by Jewish men during morning prayer services, festivals and on the Sabbath

  • The tallit has 613 fringes known as “tzitzits,” which represent the 613 commandments or mitzvot that Jews have to follow

The tallit

• There are two different types of tallit:

  • Tallit gadol — A large tallit that is usually worn over clothes, rests on the shoulders and is usually worn during worship

  • Tallit katan — A smaller tallit that is worn by many Jews as an undergarment between their T-shirt and jumper at all times

• Many Reform and Liberal Jewish women now choose to wear a tallit, and this is becoming more acceptable in these movements

Why is the tallit important for Jews?

• The tallit acts as a reminder of the mitzvot (commandments) 

  • The fringes (called tzitzit) on the tallit are commanded in the Torah

  • Each time a Jew wears it, they are reminded to live according to G-d’s laws

• The tallit acts as a spiritual focus during prayer

  • The tallit helps the worshipper enter a mindset that helps them to focus

• The tallit is also an expression of Jewish identity and faith

  • Wearing the tallit shows a commitment to Jewish tradition and the community

• It also has a practical use during important events in life and death

  • It may be worn at bar mitzvahs and weddings and used to wrap a body in burial, which shows its lifelong significance

What are tefillin, and what are they used for?

• Tefillin are worn mainly by Orthodox Jewish men during morning prayer

  • Tefillin consist of two leather boxes that contain words from the Shema

  • One of the boxes is tied onto the arm with the leather strap it is attached to, and the second box is tied to the head

The tefillin

• The reason for wearing tefillin is based on a biblical law, which states:

• When the tefillin have been put on, a special prayer is said: “Blessed are You, Lord our G-d, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments as to wear tefillin”

Why are tefillin important?

• There are many reasons why tefillin are important within Judaism

  • They fulfill the biblical command, “Bind them as a sign on your hands and between your eyes” (Deuteronomy 6:8)

  • They help the wearer focus their mind (head) and actions (arm/hand) on serving G-d during prayer

  • They are a symbol of devotion during weekday morning prayers

What is the kippah/yarmulke?

• The kippah (yarmulke), often referred to as a skullcap, is worn by Jews as a sign of Jewish identity

  • In Orthodox Judaism, the kippah is worn by Jewish men at all times, apart from when they are sleeping or washing

  • In Liberal and Reform Judaism, some women choose to wear the kippah if they are doing anything holy

    • This could be during ceremonies at home, in the synagogue, during holy days or when they are reading the Torah

  • Unlike the wearing of the tallith and tefillin, there is no commandment for Jews to wear the kippah

The kippah/yarmulke

What is the significance of the kippah/yarmulke?

• One of the main reasons for wearing the skullcap is out of respect for G-d

  • It reminds Jews that G-d is always above them, watching over their actions

• It also acts as an outward sign of identity and belonging to the Jewish faith

  • It serves as a visible sign of Jewish belief in G-d

• It is also mentioned in the Talmud, which offers guidance to all Jews

What is ritual dress?

• Ritual dress is specific clothing worn for religious purposes, often during prayer, festivals or other significant occasions

  • Common items include the tallit (prayer shawl), kippah (head covering) and tefillin

What are the views from different Jewish traditions on ritual dress?

• Each Jewish tradition has a different idea of what ritual dress is appropriate

  • There may even be differences of opinion from within each tradition

• In Orthodox Judaism, ritual dress is worn regularly, not just for prayer, but it differs between men and women

  • Men will wear:

    • A kippah (head covering) at all times

    • A tallit (prayer shawl) during morning prayers

    • Tefillin (leather boxes with Torah verses) during weekday morning prayers

  • Women may cover their hair (with a scarf or wig) after marriage as a sign of modesty

• In Reform Judaism, ritual dress is seen as optional or symbolic

• Ritual dress is worn mostly during prayer or festivals but not daily

• Some Reform Jews do not wear tefillin, and women are often encouraged to wear a tallit if they choose

• Emphasis is on personal choice, and there is less difference between the genders

• In Conservative Judaism, there is a middle ground between Orthodox and Reform

  • In this tradition, ritual dress is encouraged during prayer

  • Both men and women are able to wear:

    • A kippah

    • A tallit

    • Tefillin (in some communities)

  • Conservative Judaism is more flexible than Orthodox but still values tradition