2.5 Dress
- 2.5.1 Tzitzit
- Tzitzityot are fringes that the children of Israel are to put on the corners of their garments throughout their generations so that we may see them and remember the commandments of HaShem and perform them. (Num 15:38-39)
- 2.5.1.1 Tzizit should be white at the minimum, or the color of the garment.
- 2.5.1.2 Tzizit may be worn by either men or women.
- 2.5.1.3 Tzitzit must include a thread of tekhelet. (Num 15:38)
- A single blue strand at the minimum is required. The strand is recommended to have been dyed in kosher tekhelet dye, either from the chillazon or from lapis lazuli.
- The tekhelet reminds us of the commandments of HaShem, as they were written on stones of lapis lazuli, and also is the color of the pavement of which Moses saw HaShem giving him the original tablets. Other opinions vary that it is a reminder of the color of the heavens above us.
- 2.5.1.4 Tzizit must be on a four-cornered garment. (Deut 22:12)
- Tzitzit are required to be on any four-cornered garment that is used to cover someone.
- Wearing tzitzit on belt loops, though commendable, is not in fulfillment of the commandment "on the corners." For daily use, a tallit katan is recommended.
- 2.5.1.5 Tzitzit may be tied according to the enumeration of the name of HaShem.
- Often referred to as the Sephardic tie, a description of which is available here. It is a tie consisting of knots of the tekhelet strand in groupings of 10, 5, 6, and 5 knots, each representing a letter of the name of HaShem; each grouping encased and separated by a single knot of all eight strands of the tzitzit for a total of 5 main knots, representing the Torah.
- 2.5.1.6 Tzitzit must not be long. (Matt 23:5)
- Since Messiah Yeshua was referring most likely to the tzitzit of some of the Sadducees, and the modern Karaite movement appears to be theological descendants of the Sadducees, the Karaite tzitzit is today what most likely fits the description of long tzitzit, and thus should not be worn.
- 2.5.2 Head Coverings
- The kippah, and other headcoverings have played an important role in Jewish identification throughout history, and although its origins seem to be rooted in rabbinic tradition, it has its place as serving as a national symbol of the Jewish faith. It is in this light that out of respect for the greater Jewish community that kippot are required for men, at the very least while in a synagogue; and that head coverings for women are also required for women while in a synagogue when praying or prophesying. (1 Cor 11:6)
- 2.5.2.1 Messianic kippot are usually recognized as being of knitted work of any color and size, however any style kippah sold in most Judaica stores is acceptable.
- 2.5.2.2 It is not necessary for women to wear a kippah as kippot are considered men's wear.
- 2.5.2.3 A woman's head covering for purpose of praying or prophesying may be any covering over her head.
- 2.5.3 Talliyot
- A tallit has generally been recognized as being a piece of male clothing. It is in this understanding that talliyot are not to be worn by women, unless such talliyot are distinctively feminine in design.
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