Prayer Shawl

(Tallit)
There are several times during the service when it is customary to kiss the corner threads symbolically:Prior to the reciting of “Hear Israel” the corners of the prayer shawl are gathered together in one hand. At this time the corner threads should be checked to see that they haven’t become unraveled or untied. If you have checked that the four sets of corner threads have five knots on each corner, you have done what is necessary.Usually if there is a problem, it is that the last knot and some twists have come undone. The fourth and last section of the corner threads of each corner has thirteen twists and then a double knot. Correct what has come unraveled.
During the recitation of the third paragraph of “Hear Israel” (Numbers 15:37-41) which mentions the threads three times, each time the word “threads” is read, it is customary to kiss the corner threads.When the Torah is removed from the Ark and carried around the synagogue in procession, those within reach may touch the Torah mantle with the corner threads of their prayer shawl or with a closed prayer book, if they are not wearing a prayer shawl. It is then customary to kiss the corner threads or prayer book binding which touched the Torah scroll as an expression of love for the gift of Torah.
A prayer shawl is not worn in the rest room.
The prayer shawl holds the threads that are there to remind the wearer of the 613 commandments. The blue treads on the corners resembles sapphire, and the Tablets were of sapphire, so to gaze upon the blue threads would be a reminder of that which is inscribed on the Tablets and a reminder to fulfill what is written there. The Phoenicians were the ancient sea merchants of the Middle East and the traders of blue dye, which was centered on the Mediterranean coast and famous throughout the ancient world. This blue dye was derived from snails and was so rare and sought after that it was worth its weight in gold. It colored the robes of the kings and princes of Media, Babylon, Egypt, Greece and Rome. To wear it was to be identified with royalty. Thus the blue thread was also a constant and conspicuous reminder of the stature of Jews as noble sons of the King of the Universe. Blue dye production slowly came under imperial control. The Romans issued edicts that only royalty could wear garments colored with these dyes, and only imperial dye houses were permitted to manufacture it.Because the blue dye became problematic, the commandment to have a thread of blue in each corner of the prayer shawl was waived in the second century of the Common Era. With time the secret of producing the dye was also lost. Recently there has been a revival of interest in the blue dye in Israel. A member of the Israel Fiber Institute has published a number of articles on the subject, and a professor of the Shenkar College of Fibers has carried out chemical analysis of the dye from present day snails as compared with samples from archeological artifacts dating back 3,200 years.As a result of these and other efforts the threads are now again being produced in Israel. The blue stripes in the Israeli flag was put there as a reminder of the blue stripe that was traditionally put in the prayer shawl.
The Tying of the Threads of a Prayer Shawl
The white threads come in sets of 12 strings about 2 feet long, and 4 strings about 3 feet long. These will suffice for the four corners of one prayer shawl. They must be divided into four sets, one for each corner, each with three shorter strings and one longer string.The longer string is the one you wrap around the others.Even up the strings at one end and put them through the buttonhole in the center of the corner of the prayer shawl.Double the four strands in half. You should be left with seven even strings and one long one.
1. Tie a double knot using all the strings.2. Wrap the long strand around the other seven strands seven times.3. Tie a double knot using all the strings.4. Wrap the long strand around the other seven strands eight times.5. Tie another double knot using all the strings.6. Wrap the long strand around the other seven strands eleven times.7. Tie another double knot using all the strings.8. Wrap the long strand around the other seven strands thirteen times.9. Make another double knot using all the strings.
There are Rabbinic reasons for every knot and twist.The first two sets of windings (seven plus eight) equal fifteen. The third set of windings is eleven. Together they come to twenty-six.
Every Hebrew letter has a numerical value (aleph is one, bet is two, etc.). The number twenty-six is equal to the Hebrew letters YOD HAY VAV HAY. These letters form the Name of God.
Now the final thirteen wrappings (the last set) equals the Hebrew letters Alef Chet Dalet.These make the Hebrew word “Echad,” “One”. So, whenever you look at the threads, you are reminded of “Hear of Israel, the Lord is one”.
Also, the number value for the Hebrew letters of the word for fringes is: 400 10 90 10 90. Together, 600. In each fringe, there are eight threads plus five double knots. Thus, whenever you look at the corner threads, you see 600 plus eight, plus five, which equals 613, which is the number of commandments. So every time you look at the corner threads, you see a reminder of all of the commandments.
The mantle was a material channel for demonstrating the power of G-d’s Word that he had breathed into your life. The tallit as a mantle of anointing and authority had passed from the mentor to the student. One may leave his mantle as a legacy though in itself it was of small value, yet as it is a token of the descent of the anointing upon you. It is to be received not as a sacred relic to be worshipped; but used for comfort, and the strengthening of one’s faith, as a pledge, that together with your mantle, G-d’s Spirit should rest upon you as your carry the anointing. Or one may wish to be buried, wrap in the prayer shawl.
I as a believer in Y’Shua wear my prayer shawl as a reminder that He is my head and covering, He has set His Laws or instructions down for me to follow. It is my prayer closet and I feel His presents with His arms wrapped around me. I carry His anointing and authority.