The symbolism of the tzitzit in Jewish Tallit
In Jewish tradition, tzitzit are the fringes or tassels attached to the four corners of a tallit (prayer shawl). They are a physical reminder of the commandments (mitzvot) in the Torah, specifically the commandment in Numbers 15:37-41 to wear fringes on the corners of garments.
The symbolism of the tzitzit is multifaceted:
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Reminder of God's Commandments: The tzitzit serve as a reminder to follow the 613 commandments (mitzvot) given in the Torah. The text in Numbers 15:39 emphasizes that when one looks at the tzitzit, it should remind them to be holy and keep God's commandments.
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Symbol of Holiness and Spiritual Discipline: By wearing tzitzit, Jews are reminded of their connection to God and their commitment to live according to divine laws. This reinforces a sense of spiritual responsibility and mindfulness throughout daily life.
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Numerical Significance: The tzitzit have specific numerical symbolism. The strands are traditionally made up of 8 strings, with 5 knots. The numerical value of the word "tzitzit" is 600, and when the 8 strings and 5 knots are added together (600 + 8 + 5), they total 613, representing the 613 commandments of the Torah.
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Connection to the Divine: The tzitzit are seen as a physical manifestation of one's connection to God. They represent an individual’s covenant with God and the reminder to behave in a way that reflects that relationship.
In practice, the tzitzit are worn on a tallit during prayer, and the act of holding or gazing at them during certain prayers serves as an additional focus for spiritual reflection.
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