The tzitzit is the knots that go on the four corners of the prayer shawl. To make the prayer shawl "Kosher" special strings must be used (which I already purchased from a Judaica shop in Phoenix) and they have be tied in a specific pattern of knots.
According the Rashi (one of Judaism's most famous rabbinic scholars) the Hebrew word "tzitzit" has the value of 600. Each tassel has eight threads (when doubled over) and five sets of knots, totalling 13. The sum of all numbers is 613, which is traditionally the number of commandments in the Torah. This reflects the concept that donning a garment with tzitzyot reminds its wearer of all Torah commandments.
The tying of the tzitzit is a very special ritual. The task must be performed by a Jewish adult (i.e. someone who is at least 13 years old) and a specific blessing is said as each knot is tied.
I am sure you can all guess who will be performing this function at my house?
Yes, thank goodness my Jewish Boy Scout is considered an adult BEFORE his Bar Mitzvah (because he's already 13). To be honest, I think I am worse at tying knots than I am at sewing... just ask any of the boys that used to be in my Cub Scout den. Somehow, I just seem to be lacking the visual/spatial gene that other family members have.
So now that the prayer shawl is off my plate, I am beginning to focus on other Bar Mitzvah stuff. Today I began looking at what's involved with ordering yalmukes (aka kippots, kippahs, skull cap, etc.) I found out that a LOT of places require a 6 week processing time. Yikes! I don't have 6 weeks... so it looks like I will be placing that order today. Joshua has already decided on navy blue.
My mum had mentioned that she didn't know what to wear on her head. So I might order her this head covering to go with her new prayer shawl. So mom, have a look at this and tell me what you think?
