Judaism Polytheism
Important Jewish Objects and Symbols
Tallit
A Tallit is a four cornered garment that is worn during the morning prayers. The important part of a tallit is the tzitzit, or fringes, tied onto each of the corners. The commandment to attach tzitzit to the corners of clothing comes from the Shema. The three paragraphs of the Shema contain the most important statement of belief in Judaism. Here is a portion of the third paragraph of the Shema, Numbers 15:37-41:
The Lord said to Moses: Instruct the people Israel that in every generation they shall put fringes on the corners of their garments�. Looking upon the fringes, you will be reminded of all the commandments of the Lord and fulfill them and not be seduced by your heart or led astray by your eyes. Then you will remember and observe all My commandments and be holy before your God�.
Some Jews wear a small four cornered undershirt, called a tallit katan (small tallit), so they can fulfill the commandment of wearing tzitzit all day.
Tefillin
Tefillin (called phylacteries in English) are small leather boxes with straps that can be tied on the arm and around the head. They contain verses on parchment from four sections of the Torah, including the first two paragraphs of the Shema. Tefillin are worn during morning prayers, except on Shabbat and Festivals. Wearingtefillin is a reminder of God's commandments. The tefillin on thearm (see illustration for two wrap methods) represents theopportunity to serve God with the body through doingcommandments, and the tefillin on the head represents the opportunity to serve God with the mind through study and belief. The first paragraph of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) is as follows (the commandment to wear tefillin is underlined):
Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and withall your might. These words which I command you this day shall bein your heart. You shall teach them
Tallit
A Tallit is a four cornered garment that is worn during the morning prayers. The important part of a tallit is the tzitzit, or fringes, tied onto each of the corners. The commandment to attach tzitzit to the corners of clothing comes from the Shema. The three paragraphs of the Shema contain the most important statement of belief in Judaism. Here is a portion of the third paragraph of the Shema, Numbers 15:37-41:
The Lord said to Moses: Instruct the people Israel that in every generation they shall put fringes on the corners of their garments�. Looking upon the fringes, you will be reminded of all the commandments of the Lord and fulfill them and not be seduced by your heart or led astray by your eyes. Then you will remember and observe all My commandments and be holy before your God�.
Some Jews wear a small four cornered undershirt, called a tallit katan (small tallit), so they can fulfill the commandment of wearing tzitzit all day.
Tefillin
Tefillin (called phylacteries in English) are small leather boxes with straps that can be tied on the arm and around the head. They contain verses on parchment from four sections of the Torah, including the first two paragraphs of the Shema. Tefillin are worn during morning prayers, except on Shabbat and Festivals. Wearingtefillin is a reminder of God's commandments. The tefillin on thearm (see illustration for two wrap methods) represents theopportunity to serve God with the body through doingcommandments, and the tefillin on the head represents the opportunity to serve God with the mind through study and belief. The first paragraph of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) is as follows (the commandment to wear tefillin is underlined):
Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and withall your might. These words which I command you this day shall bein your heart. You shall teach them