Archive for January 17th, 2009

Prayer Garments with Tzitzit for Noahides?

Saturday, January 17th, 2009

The information regarding tzitzit for Noahides has been updated. See Pam Rogers’ (of OKBNS) comment below.  This page will be formally revised once more information is available.

Since I created this site in July 2008, a number of people have arrived at this post searching with the search-terms “Noahide Tzitzit” (or similar words).


(photo used with permission)

I’m not sure why people are searching “Noahide Tzitzit.”  There are two reasons I could see why:

1) They are looking for information on the prophecy in Zechariah which describes the G.d-centered relationship Gentiles will have with Jews in the End of Days.

2) They are looking for information on some misinformed practice of Gentiles wearing tzitzis (fringes on cornered garments, such as in the above picture).

The iHeartNoahides.com website follows the halachic rulings of Rabbi Yoel Schwartz.  As regards the question of should B’nei Noach wear tzitzit or other prayer garments, Rabbi Schwartz says as follows:

***

(source: WikiNoah)

Prayer garments for non-Jews must not have the Tzitzit (special corner fringes) which are commanded for Israel as a sign of their covenant [with G-d].

Rabbi Yoel Schwarts recommends that our [B'nei Noach] prayer garments incorporate some reminder of the Rainbow Covenant [which G-d made with Noah]. Whether it is in the form of a robe, scarf, or shawl wear it in the spirit of reverence and humility. Unless, one is sitting at a meal, one who is able to do so stands during prayer. — Rabbi Yoel Schwartz, Oklahoma B’nai Noah Society DRAFT Rosh Hashanah prayer book

***

I will add my own opinion:

“In the spirit of reverence and humility”

That means that the purpose and function of your prayer garment is to influence your heart and mind toward a state of reverence and humility toward G-d, which is the proper state of mind to have while praying.

No matter if your prayer is during a moment of great joy, such as a wedding, or a moment of great sadness, such as a funeral, the spirit underlying your joy or sadness should always be reverence and humility before Whom you are expressing your joy or sadness.

May your prayers always be heartfelt and sincere, whether or not you choose to don a prayer garment.

Noah Polls

Do you have a TV in your home? (Why or why not?)

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Travis's Song ( A Noahide's Prayer )

Get this widget | Track details | eSnips Social DNA