Can a woman who follows the teachings found in the Torah wear Tzitzit?
Copyright © 2016 Torahforwomen.com
What does the bible say?
Copyright © 2016 TorahforWomen.com
Unless otherwise permitted in writing, all rights reserved. No portion of this book may be altered, sold, republished, copied, or rewritten in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of the author or publisher.
Published by Shofar Productions
www.shofarproductions.com
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), and Young’s Literal Translation (YLT), which are all in the Public Domain.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
Unless otherwise permitted in writing, all rights reserved. No portion of this book may be altered, sold, republished, copied, or rewritten in whole or in part, without the expressed written permission of the author or publisher.
Published by Shofar Productions
www.shofarproductions.com
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, King James Version (KJV), World English Bible (WEB), and Young’s Literal Translation (YLT), which are all in the Public Domain.
Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
Preface
For hundreds of years, churches and denominations have struggled with the role of women in the congregation. Often leaders, members, and families question and challenge what a woman is “allowed” to do from a scriptural perspective. Even in these modern times, debates still happen over the meanings of various verses and terms written in The Word. There are certain topics which appear to be more hotly debated because of the current availability of so much information on the internet that attempts to educate.
For centuries, religious leaders and churches have made decisions favoring one verse over another rather than applying the totality of scripture. Historically, as new decisions were made, women have had to adjust to these updated lists of things that they are either permitted or forbidden to do. These changes to rules and regulations can often give the wrong impression of the scriptural role for women in the assembly. Other times they can become strict “laws” that may hinder or completely stop a sister’s spiritual growth. Frequently we see these new rules create heavy burdens and bondage rather than the freedom Yahweh intended.
Matthew 11:29-30 WEB “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
As people feel the pull to study and follow the Teachings of Yahweh more closely days, they discover traditions, messages, and memes filled with varied opinions and confusing conclusions. There are groups on social media debating every topic imaginable using flawed doctrine and dogmas pieced together from unverified sources. These are often supported by little or no scriptural support, limited scripture references, or verses quoted exactly from scripture but twisted out of context. You find yourself wondering which teachings are true, and which are merely man-made doctrines.
Where is the best place to turn to for answers and understanding? Where we should always turn for guidance in spiritual matters - the scriptures, of course!
People often forget how simple, clear, and specific Yahweh’s words can be. Equipped with a good APP for your phone or tablet, or with an online Bible website, you have access to multiple translations, as well as commentaries, Hebrew and Greek which will help you research verses. These resources provide definitions, historical uses, and more accurate meanings of the words that were translated into modern English. There is no longer a need to create a roadblock for ourselves when we have access to so many valuable resources. We can, instead, apply the counsel from 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.”
For centuries, religious leaders and churches have made decisions favoring one verse over another rather than applying the totality of scripture. Historically, as new decisions were made, women have had to adjust to these updated lists of things that they are either permitted or forbidden to do. These changes to rules and regulations can often give the wrong impression of the scriptural role for women in the assembly. Other times they can become strict “laws” that may hinder or completely stop a sister’s spiritual growth. Frequently we see these new rules create heavy burdens and bondage rather than the freedom Yahweh intended.
Matthew 11:29-30 WEB “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
As people feel the pull to study and follow the Teachings of Yahweh more closely days, they discover traditions, messages, and memes filled with varied opinions and confusing conclusions. There are groups on social media debating every topic imaginable using flawed doctrine and dogmas pieced together from unverified sources. These are often supported by little or no scriptural support, limited scripture references, or verses quoted exactly from scripture but twisted out of context. You find yourself wondering which teachings are true, and which are merely man-made doctrines.
Where is the best place to turn to for answers and understanding? Where we should always turn for guidance in spiritual matters - the scriptures, of course!
People often forget how simple, clear, and specific Yahweh’s words can be. Equipped with a good APP for your phone or tablet, or with an online Bible website, you have access to multiple translations, as well as commentaries, Hebrew and Greek which will help you research verses. These resources provide definitions, historical uses, and more accurate meanings of the words that were translated into modern English. There is no longer a need to create a roadblock for ourselves when we have access to so many valuable resources. We can, instead, apply the counsel from 1 Thessalonians 5:21, “Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.”
This is very important to remember when teachers try to give the impression that Yahweh’s laws are impossible to keep. You see, simply studying His word will reveal that many of the changes men have made over time simply add up to hundreds and hundreds of micro-managing rules that don’t exist in the scriptures. It is important to immerse yourself in His word so that you can tell the difference between man-made traditions or teachings and Yahweh’s truth. This will help you develop discernment when new "theologies" are presented.
When studying the Bible, it can be interesting and edifying to learn about ancient traditions and cultures because it does help you understand people and their lifestyles. It may even fill you with compassion to help show others their error or give you a perspective of the mindset of the biblical period or ancient society. It is imperative, though, that you measure all traditions against the Word of Yahweh to decide if a tradition is a simple one, like an annual family reunion, or tradition that needs to be brushed aside because its origins are questionable, or its not Godly.
TorahForWomen.com is a resource which covers many topics, questions, and traditions that women want discussed from a biblical perspective. Often, topics brought to us as a "commandment" turn out to be based on a tradition or teaching that a friend or relative has mentioned to them. It is something that has been taught that "must be obeyed" in their Torah walk just as they would follow the Ten Commandments. We have spoken with women who have been taught they are condemned, lacking salvation if they don’t abide by these “commandments” taught to them.
The tzitzit is one of the many topics that is brought to us for clarification by sisters in faith. Women are either taught it is not a commandment for them to follow, or they are told they are forbidden to wear them. Some are even told it is sin to wear them because tassles are only commanded for males. Yet, if they do not wear them, are they disregarding Yahweh’s commandment completely? This battle between teachings causes some contention amongst Torah observant men and women, Messianics, and even among those in Judaism between some sects or neighborhoods.
As women familiarize themselves more with the Word through diligent study they will not just blindly follow previously taught traditions and dogmas. Instead, they learn and desire to follow Yahweh more and more closely. In our experience, when women learn about the tzitzit in the scriptures, they desire to wear them, but are told tzitzit are to be worn only by the SONS of Israel. This seems to cause women to question which commandments they can or should follow, which ones are “for” them and which are “for” men. It sometimes even makes them question their place or value as a woman in the eyes of Yahweh. Women who do wear tassels have been persecuted by those who follow rabbinic traditions or have no understanding of the scriptures. Then women become torn between following mankind or following Yahweh. The women do not desire to cause conflict among believers, and many choose to go without tzitzit just to avoid contention.
When studying the Bible, it can be interesting and edifying to learn about ancient traditions and cultures because it does help you understand people and their lifestyles. It may even fill you with compassion to help show others their error or give you a perspective of the mindset of the biblical period or ancient society. It is imperative, though, that you measure all traditions against the Word of Yahweh to decide if a tradition is a simple one, like an annual family reunion, or tradition that needs to be brushed aside because its origins are questionable, or its not Godly.
TorahForWomen.com is a resource which covers many topics, questions, and traditions that women want discussed from a biblical perspective. Often, topics brought to us as a "commandment" turn out to be based on a tradition or teaching that a friend or relative has mentioned to them. It is something that has been taught that "must be obeyed" in their Torah walk just as they would follow the Ten Commandments. We have spoken with women who have been taught they are condemned, lacking salvation if they don’t abide by these “commandments” taught to them.
The tzitzit is one of the many topics that is brought to us for clarification by sisters in faith. Women are either taught it is not a commandment for them to follow, or they are told they are forbidden to wear them. Some are even told it is sin to wear them because tassles are only commanded for males. Yet, if they do not wear them, are they disregarding Yahweh’s commandment completely? This battle between teachings causes some contention amongst Torah observant men and women, Messianics, and even among those in Judaism between some sects or neighborhoods.
As women familiarize themselves more with the Word through diligent study they will not just blindly follow previously taught traditions and dogmas. Instead, they learn and desire to follow Yahweh more and more closely. In our experience, when women learn about the tzitzit in the scriptures, they desire to wear them, but are told tzitzit are to be worn only by the SONS of Israel. This seems to cause women to question which commandments they can or should follow, which ones are “for” them and which are “for” men. It sometimes even makes them question their place or value as a woman in the eyes of Yahweh. Women who do wear tassels have been persecuted by those who follow rabbinic traditions or have no understanding of the scriptures. Then women become torn between following mankind or following Yahweh. The women do not desire to cause conflict among believers, and many choose to go without tzitzit just to avoid contention.
However, after thorough study, if someone asked our ministry: “Can a woman wear tzitzit (tassels)?” Our simple answer is a resounding: YES! Further explanation would be that you can and should wear them as a part of your choice to be sanctified by His word. In this book, we will discuss the various arguments used to say why women believe or are told they cannot wear their tassels. We will explore the scriptural reasons as well as some historical reasons why we believe and teach that women can and should wear their tzitzit.
It is our prayer that this simple e-booklet will help clear up any misunderstanding about the topic so that women will feel comfortable following the Word of Yahweh. We also pray they will be filled with the knowledge and wisdom to be able to teach and defend that principle correctly to others who may challenge them.
Blessings and Shalom!
It is our prayer that this simple e-booklet will help clear up any misunderstanding about the topic so that women will feel comfortable following the Word of Yahweh. We also pray they will be filled with the knowledge and wisdom to be able to teach and defend that principle correctly to others who may challenge them.
Blessings and Shalom!
IMAGE: 15th century synagogue showing women wearing the same tallit as men with tzitzit attached.
(Jews in Synagogue, 15th c. Mantua, Italy. (Codex Rossianus 555, fol. 12v) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
(Jews in Synagogue, 15th c. Mantua, Italy. (Codex Rossianus 555, fol. 12v) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons.
-Part One-
What are Tzitzit?
Copyright © 2016 Torahforwomen.com
In Numbers 15, Yahweh commands Moses to teach the children of Israel about tzitzit, or tassels. Many in Christianity are not familiar with this commandment or with tzitzit unless they have seen Jewish men wearing tassels from their clothing. Tzitzit are a tassel-like adornment that Yahweh commanded His people to wear as a reminder of His commandments. His instructions to Moses were simple and could be easily fulfilled by all who wear them.
Over time, Judaism developed many of their own traditions that are now taught as commandments, or mitzvot, along with the tzitzit. These man-made traditions include a certain number of knots (numerology), the number of times a thread is wrapped around the tassel, and they can only be made in specific colors. Some believe they are to be plain white, while others teach they are to be white with a
thread of blue.
As more people in the Christian faith feel inspired to follow Torah more closely, no longer is it just those who practice Judaism seen wearing tzitzit. Frequently when we venture out we see both men and women, as well as children wearing tassels from their clothing. Have you noticed them? Have you also seen videos or articles posted by friends that discuss things like the biblical tradition of tzitzit, women and tzitzit, Christians and tzitzit, or other topics on tassels? What do you know and understand about tzitzit?
Our goal is to be as clear on all arguments presented thus far so that women of faith will be able to study tzitzit for themselves on a scriptural basis. Although “Can Women Wear Tzitzit” by TorahForWomen.com is intended to focus mainly on the subject of women and tzitzit, Shofar Productions has published a blog discussing the tzitzit more in-depth. There we discuss the general scriptural principles and commands regarding tzitzit, including the construction, what colours, and the four-cornered garment.
For those who are new to wearing or studying tzitzit, this e-book provides a brief discussion of basic information regarding the actual tzitzit so that we can focus more on clearing up the role of tzitzit in a woman’s journey with Yahweh. This discussion will be based on information in the book of Numbers.
Let’s Begin with Numbers 15:38-40 KJV, where Yahweh gives the following instructions to Moses:
Speak unto the children of Israel and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.
Using these verses from scripture, what do we know about tzitzit?
- Is it a commandment to wear Tzitzit? Yes! Tzitzit are commanded. This is easily seen by comparing the wording in the 38th verse to additional verses in scripture which record Yahweh's other commandments for His people. Because the wording is similar, it is quite clear that wearing tzitzit is not just a recommendation, not a suggestion, but is one of His commandments. We discuss this more in depth in Section 2 of this book.
- To whom was the command given? To the children of Israel - This part brings much debate which we will discuss in full later in this book. Many believe this is where Moses records the commandment that is only for men, the SONS (ben) of Israel. Many interpretations, though, translate the word, (“bene", 1121 Strongs), into “Israel” - meaning all of Israel, or children of Israel, which would include men and women as seen in the above-listed scripture passage.
- What are His people to do? Make fringes. Many will require the fringes MUST be made only by the person who will be wearing them. The English wording of the verse does seem to imply they are each to "make" their own tassels, yet the word in Hebrew also means “accomplish”. “They are to ACCOMPLISH tzitzit on the borders of their garments", which means "get it done." In fact, the word translated into the English word “make” is also translated in other areas of the scriptures to mean observe, commit, prepare, provide, or take action.
As you can see, it does not specifically mean the individual wearing them must make them for themselves. Many people are unable to make their own tzitzit for various reasons. Whether health reasons, lack of time or talent to make them, there is nothing commanded that you must absolutely make them yourself. If you are to “accomplish” them on the borders of your garments, this would allow you the ability to make your own, or have someone else help you with it, as long as it is "accomplished" that you have tassels on your garment.
- They are to be fringes in the borders of their garments. This is another portion which seems to create contention as some believe it must be a four-cornered garment and one tassel must be on each corner. This is often based on a verse in Deuteronomy. After much study, we teach that it is to be the edges or borders (wings) of your garment. This is explained much more fully in a section toward the end of this book.
Over time, Judaism developed many of their own traditions that are now taught as commandments, or mitzvot, along with the tzitzit. These man-made traditions include a certain number of knots (numerology), the number of times a thread is wrapped around the tassel, and they can only be made in specific colors. Some believe they are to be plain white, while others teach they are to be white with a
thread of blue.
As more people in the Christian faith feel inspired to follow Torah more closely, no longer is it just those who practice Judaism seen wearing tzitzit. Frequently when we venture out we see both men and women, as well as children wearing tassels from their clothing. Have you noticed them? Have you also seen videos or articles posted by friends that discuss things like the biblical tradition of tzitzit, women and tzitzit, Christians and tzitzit, or other topics on tassels? What do you know and understand about tzitzit?
Our goal is to be as clear on all arguments presented thus far so that women of faith will be able to study tzitzit for themselves on a scriptural basis. Although “Can Women Wear Tzitzit” by TorahForWomen.com is intended to focus mainly on the subject of women and tzitzit, Shofar Productions has published a blog discussing the tzitzit more in-depth. There we discuss the general scriptural principles and commands regarding tzitzit, including the construction, what colours, and the four-cornered garment.
For those who are new to wearing or studying tzitzit, this e-book provides a brief discussion of basic information regarding the actual tzitzit so that we can focus more on clearing up the role of tzitzit in a woman’s journey with Yahweh. This discussion will be based on information in the book of Numbers.
Let’s Begin with Numbers 15:38-40 KJV, where Yahweh gives the following instructions to Moses:
Speak unto the children of Israel and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God.
Using these verses from scripture, what do we know about tzitzit?
- Is it a commandment to wear Tzitzit? Yes! Tzitzit are commanded. This is easily seen by comparing the wording in the 38th verse to additional verses in scripture which record Yahweh's other commandments for His people. Because the wording is similar, it is quite clear that wearing tzitzit is not just a recommendation, not a suggestion, but is one of His commandments. We discuss this more in depth in Section 2 of this book.
- To whom was the command given? To the children of Israel - This part brings much debate which we will discuss in full later in this book. Many believe this is where Moses records the commandment that is only for men, the SONS (ben) of Israel. Many interpretations, though, translate the word, (“bene", 1121 Strongs), into “Israel” - meaning all of Israel, or children of Israel, which would include men and women as seen in the above-listed scripture passage.
- What are His people to do? Make fringes. Many will require the fringes MUST be made only by the person who will be wearing them. The English wording of the verse does seem to imply they are each to "make" their own tassels, yet the word in Hebrew also means “accomplish”. “They are to ACCOMPLISH tzitzit on the borders of their garments", which means "get it done." In fact, the word translated into the English word “make” is also translated in other areas of the scriptures to mean observe, commit, prepare, provide, or take action.
As you can see, it does not specifically mean the individual wearing them must make them for themselves. Many people are unable to make their own tzitzit for various reasons. Whether health reasons, lack of time or talent to make them, there is nothing commanded that you must absolutely make them yourself. If you are to “accomplish” them on the borders of your garments, this would allow you the ability to make your own, or have someone else help you with it, as long as it is "accomplished" that you have tassels on your garment.
- They are to be fringes in the borders of their garments. This is another portion which seems to create contention as some believe it must be a four-cornered garment and one tassel must be on each corner. This is often based on a verse in Deuteronomy. After much study, we teach that it is to be the edges or borders (wings) of your garment. This is explained much more fully in a section toward the end of this book.
IMAGE: The healing of a bleeding woman (The woman with an issue of blood touching the Tzitzit of Yeshua),
art work was found in Rome, in the Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter.
Notice in this particular image Yeshua is shown wearing tzitzit, but not a four cornered garment.
art work was found in Rome, in the Catacombs of Marcellinus and Peter.
Notice in this particular image Yeshua is shown wearing tzitzit, but not a four cornered garment.
- Is this something that had a “beginning and an end?" The scriptures tell us when the commandment was given, which is the beginning;
then they state the people are to continue wearing tzitzit throughout their generations. Tzitzit are to be taught to all the children, including our own, that Yahweh has made them a commandment to be carried throughout the generations. If we teach that this commandment no longer applies, while still teaching “thou shalt not murder” or “keep the Sabbath” it sends a mixed message what seems hypocritical, or more like “cafeteria commandments” where you pick and choose the ones you will follow.
- Tzitzit are to contain a ribband (thread) of blue. Other than this colour description of one thread of blue, nothing more is stated about the colour of the tassels. It also is not stated what shade of blue is to be used. The scripture only designates one thread must be blue and leaves the rest of the tassel up to the wearer. What length, number of threads, knots, braids, colours, or beads – none of these are stated in the commandment. This leaves a lot up to the individual to decide how they want to design their tzitzit, as long as they include the one thread of blue.
There are many arguments and debates about what colour the blue MUST be, and where that blue dye must come from. These are nothing more than traditions based on presumptions made throughout time. We will talk more in detail about this later in the book.
- What are tzitzit to be used for? Yahweh commanded they be for us to look upon.
On this topic, there are currently two prevalent teachings:
1) The tzitzit are to be kept secret, close to your body, unseen by others. They are to be worn where only you will see them during the day or where you will feel them. Therefore, it is supposed to be worn under the clothing where only the wearer will know they are there.
2) Tzitzit are for OTHERS to see and therefore must be visible, hanging out of your clothing, a witness to others of your being “set-apart".
In Numbers 15:39, it very clearly says that tzitzit are a fringe for us. They are for us to look on and be seen by us. How and when they are seen by you is your personal choice, yet it should be often enough so that you are reminded of the commandments of Yahweh and that you will do them (accomplish them). This does not mean they need to be hidden or secret. Because the tzitzit are also to be a reminder for us to not follow after our own hearts, you will need to decide how often you will need that reminder.
- We are to wear them so that we will remember all the commandments of Yahweh and keep them. In this modern age, it often feels that the commandments of Yahweh are distorted, watered down, or re-translated to mean something other than He intended. Often this is done in an effort to not “offend" anyone. As our societies try to come to terms with modern pressures to “love thy neighbor” with a distorted love, a love that accepts sin and excuses the unrepentant sinner, the commandments are despised for the sake of trying to be friends with the world.
It's very important for us to study and understand all Yahweh’s commandments for ourselves, and then be able to teach them truthfully to others. This way they will understand His definition of love, and not follow the world’s definition. We need to be ready to refute the man-made teachings using scripture. Commandments seem to be added and deleted these days, by many biblical teachers as their desires change. Is that what Yahweh intended for us to do? Not at all, and in fact, He warns against this:
Deuteronomy 4:2, “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments
of the LORD your God which I command you.”
The tzitzit is a tool to keep our minds focused on him and his teachings.
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success". Joshua 1:8
- Why do we need to remind ourselves of His commandments? To ensure His people do not seek after their own desires (own heart and eyes). This means we are not to seek after the worldly things our heart longs for or that our eyes see. Our tzitzit are a reminder that we should stay focused on Yahweh's desires for us and not seek after those temptations of the world that can overwhelm and overtake us. When we look upon the tzitzit as a remembrance of his commandments, we will be reminded to stay true to Him and stay away from sin.
Are you familiar with when the commandment for the tzitzit was given? It was at the time that the people of Israel were told they would wander in the wilderness for 40 years. Moses had sent people in to scout out the city that Yahweh had set aside for them, the land of milk and honey they had been promised. When they became afraid of what would happen if they tried entering the city, they started to question Moses and Yahweh then rebel against them.
Yahweh gave them a consequence of wandering the wilderness. Yet it clearly appears he did not want for them to forget again who brought them out of Egypt, or who gave them the teachings that had kept them safe, and who brought them blessings. He commanded them, then, to make their tassels so that they would never forget. His desire was for them to be righteous and holy people.
We should seek to be holy unto Yahweh just as they needed to. There are teachers who teach that certain things must be done for salvation. They will teach we must follow all the commandments to be SAVED. They forget to take into consideration that Yeshua came, suffered, and died for us, freeing us from the curse of the law and the sin nature. We are granted salvation through what Yeshua did for us by dying on the cross. We are not to follow the commandments for salvation, but we follow the commandments to live as holy (set apart) people.
Wearing tzitzit won't make you saved or redeem you because only Yeshua can do that. However, as we stated earlier the tzitzit can be a great external tool to help in keeping you walking in holiness.
- Part Two -
Tzitzit - Commandment Or Instruction
As discussed above, there are those who are Torah observant that will teach wearing tzitzit is only an “instruction" from Yahweh and not a commandment. Many will even say the commandments recorded in Torah are mere “speeches given by Moses,” which dilutes the importance of Yahweh’s words recorded by Moses in the Torah.
To demonstrate the importance of Yahweh’s teachings, let’s explore this thinking very briefly by addressing two questions:
-- Is it a commandment to wear tzitzit?
-- Is it a violation of a commandment not to wear tzitzit?
Plainly put, the answer is yes, to both questions.
It is very clear that Yahweh spent considerable time teaching and training His people in the years spanning the records in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Many of these teachings are recorded as commandments.
Several of the chapters in each of these books in the Bible overlap with a restatement of commandments already given, and at times some additional details or directions were added to the original commandment to enhance or clarify them. Some examples of these would be
The Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 & Deuteronomy 5; The Sabbath laws discussed in Exodus 23, Leviticus 25, and Deuteronomy 15; Yahweh’s Feast Days recorded in Exodus 23 & Leviticus 23. The wording in each of these clearly makes them commandments
for Yahweh’s people.
The nation of Israel was a large group of people who had spent centuries amongst pagan society. These communities commonly worshipped their false gods. Israel was accustomed to being in slavery and doing their master’s bidding. There were many behaviors and traditions His people had accepted as normal, and Yahweh would have needed to correct these traditions or habits in His people.
In the Book of Numbers, Yahweh lays out commandments for the children of Israel to help them stay on the path of righteousness which He desires for them. He covers many topics, such as Levites and their requirements, laws of dedication, laws of sacrifices, and even the Nazarite Vow is contained in the book of Numbers. It is here Yahweh has said many times to Moses, “Speak to the children of Israel", and then gives Moses commandments that the people of Israel are to do and follow.
There seem to be two prominent thought patterns amongst modern teachers regarding commandments. One side will teach the “law has been done away with” and there is no need to follow “the law” any longer. The other side will teach that when Yahweh says, “Speak to the children of Israel," these things that follow are definitely commandments that we should still follow. When it comes to the Ten Commandments, there isn’t much debate over whether they are commandments or merely “suggestions” or “instructions” given during “speeches by Moses.” People accept the fact that the Ten are clearly commandments, and that we are to follow them as a moral
code in a righteous society.
There are times, though, when the same wording used for the Ten Commandments is used for other commandments as well. These are the ones that some will label as just a bunch of “directions" from Yahweh. These teachers will make the claim that this type of commandment (direction) is only a suggestion for modern people, or that it applies to just one small part of the community of Israel, not for everyone. The Tzitzit is one of these items teachers attempt to downplay. Yet the way in which the commandment is given is exactly the way other commandments have been given and recorded. If Yahweh’s commandments are given in the same way, why would anyone teach that some are commanded while others are optional?
The delivery of the tzitzit is given in the same fashion and wording as so many other commandments. It would be safe to state emphatically that, according to scripture, tzitzit is a commandment just as the others that were given to the children of Israel. To state otherwise, that the same verbiage is not a commandment, would be what is commonly called “cherry picking." People cannot randomly decide that “this one” is a commandment, while “that one” is a suggestion and optional. A commandment is a commandment.
This means you need to ask yourself, do you consider yourself to be of the children of Israel, or grafted into the children of Israel according to prophecy? When you answer yes, then ask yourself, why would you believe that some commands are commandments, while others are merely a good idea or just advice?
Would you, should you, teach others that they do not need to wear tzitzit when Yahweh clearly told Moses to command the people to wear tzitzit? If tzitzit is flexible or optional, what other commandments would you consider flexible and optional as well - adultery, lying, cheating, stealing, murder, Sabbaths? Do you see the confusion you can create by having double standards?
Yeshua warned about cherry picking in Matthew 23:23-24: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the others undone. You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!”
We are to follow the commandments of Yahweh, not pick and choose which are convenient for us: which we like, which we don’t like. We also cannot try to justify our desire to throw out one commandment by calling it “instruction” or “advice”, while another commandment is weightier and required.
The second question asked at the start of this section makes many uncomfortable because we ask, is NOT wearing tzitzit a violation of a commandment? Well, 1 John3:4 tells us that sin is lawlessness. What is lawlessness? Not following Yahweh’s commandments. Therefore, since it is a commandment to wear tzitzit, wouldn’t this also make not wearing them lawlessness (sin) because you are not following Yahweh’s commandment?
Matthew 5:19 KJV says that we will be lesser in His Kingdom by breaking the least commandments and teaching others to break these also:
“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
Do you want to be known as lawless to the kingdom of heaven? Which would you prefer to be known as, lesser or greater in the kingdom?
To demonstrate the importance of Yahweh’s teachings, let’s explore this thinking very briefly by addressing two questions:
-- Is it a commandment to wear tzitzit?
-- Is it a violation of a commandment not to wear tzitzit?
Plainly put, the answer is yes, to both questions.
It is very clear that Yahweh spent considerable time teaching and training His people in the years spanning the records in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Many of these teachings are recorded as commandments.
Several of the chapters in each of these books in the Bible overlap with a restatement of commandments already given, and at times some additional details or directions were added to the original commandment to enhance or clarify them. Some examples of these would be
The Ten Commandments in Exodus 20 & Deuteronomy 5; The Sabbath laws discussed in Exodus 23, Leviticus 25, and Deuteronomy 15; Yahweh’s Feast Days recorded in Exodus 23 & Leviticus 23. The wording in each of these clearly makes them commandments
for Yahweh’s people.
The nation of Israel was a large group of people who had spent centuries amongst pagan society. These communities commonly worshipped their false gods. Israel was accustomed to being in slavery and doing their master’s bidding. There were many behaviors and traditions His people had accepted as normal, and Yahweh would have needed to correct these traditions or habits in His people.
In the Book of Numbers, Yahweh lays out commandments for the children of Israel to help them stay on the path of righteousness which He desires for them. He covers many topics, such as Levites and their requirements, laws of dedication, laws of sacrifices, and even the Nazarite Vow is contained in the book of Numbers. It is here Yahweh has said many times to Moses, “Speak to the children of Israel", and then gives Moses commandments that the people of Israel are to do and follow.
There seem to be two prominent thought patterns amongst modern teachers regarding commandments. One side will teach the “law has been done away with” and there is no need to follow “the law” any longer. The other side will teach that when Yahweh says, “Speak to the children of Israel," these things that follow are definitely commandments that we should still follow. When it comes to the Ten Commandments, there isn’t much debate over whether they are commandments or merely “suggestions” or “instructions” given during “speeches by Moses.” People accept the fact that the Ten are clearly commandments, and that we are to follow them as a moral
code in a righteous society.
There are times, though, when the same wording used for the Ten Commandments is used for other commandments as well. These are the ones that some will label as just a bunch of “directions" from Yahweh. These teachers will make the claim that this type of commandment (direction) is only a suggestion for modern people, or that it applies to just one small part of the community of Israel, not for everyone. The Tzitzit is one of these items teachers attempt to downplay. Yet the way in which the commandment is given is exactly the way other commandments have been given and recorded. If Yahweh’s commandments are given in the same way, why would anyone teach that some are commanded while others are optional?
The delivery of the tzitzit is given in the same fashion and wording as so many other commandments. It would be safe to state emphatically that, according to scripture, tzitzit is a commandment just as the others that were given to the children of Israel. To state otherwise, that the same verbiage is not a commandment, would be what is commonly called “cherry picking." People cannot randomly decide that “this one” is a commandment, while “that one” is a suggestion and optional. A commandment is a commandment.
This means you need to ask yourself, do you consider yourself to be of the children of Israel, or grafted into the children of Israel according to prophecy? When you answer yes, then ask yourself, why would you believe that some commands are commandments, while others are merely a good idea or just advice?
Would you, should you, teach others that they do not need to wear tzitzit when Yahweh clearly told Moses to command the people to wear tzitzit? If tzitzit is flexible or optional, what other commandments would you consider flexible and optional as well - adultery, lying, cheating, stealing, murder, Sabbaths? Do you see the confusion you can create by having double standards?
Yeshua warned about cherry picking in Matthew 23:23-24: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the others undone. You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!”
We are to follow the commandments of Yahweh, not pick and choose which are convenient for us: which we like, which we don’t like. We also cannot try to justify our desire to throw out one commandment by calling it “instruction” or “advice”, while another commandment is weightier and required.
The second question asked at the start of this section makes many uncomfortable because we ask, is NOT wearing tzitzit a violation of a commandment? Well, 1 John3:4 tells us that sin is lawlessness. What is lawlessness? Not following Yahweh’s commandments. Therefore, since it is a commandment to wear tzitzit, wouldn’t this also make not wearing them lawlessness (sin) because you are not following Yahweh’s commandment?
Matthew 5:19 KJV says that we will be lesser in His Kingdom by breaking the least commandments and teaching others to break these also:
“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
Do you want to be known as lawless to the kingdom of heaven? Which would you prefer to be known as, lesser or greater in the kingdom?
- Part Three -
Are the Tzitzit mentioned in the New Testament?
Yes, in fact, use of the tzitzit is mentioned several times in the New Testament in a very positive way by often referring to healings and the power of Yeshua's authority.
The Greek word "kraspedon/κράσπεδον is used in the New Testament and in the Septuagint (The Greek version of the Old Testament) for the Hebrew word Tzitzit. Therefore, Matthew 9:20, 14:36, 23:5; Mark 6:56 and Luke 8:44 should all state "tzitzit" instead of just hem, tassel, or fringe, as some English translations have.
"Behold, a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the TZITZIT of his garment." Mt. 9:20
(kraspedon)
"And they begged him that they might just touch the TZITZIT of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole." Mt. 14:36
(kraspedon)
"Wherever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch just the TZITZIT of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well." Mk. 6:56
(kraspedon)
"Came behind him, and touched the TZITZIT of his cloak, and immediately the flow of her blood stopped." Lk. 8:44
(kraspedon)
"But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the TZITZIT of their garments" Mt. 23:5
(kraspedon)
When these verses were read in their original English translations of hem, tassel or fringe it likely meant little to the reader. Yet after going over the scripture explaining tzitzit and inserting the word in its proper place, does it have a different meaning or feeling?
Note: In Matthew 23:5, Yeshua does not speak against the Tzitzit, but against the practice of the Pharisees who abused the purpose of the tzitzit. They increased the length of their tzitzit from the norm just so they could be seen as overly righteous. Other than this one verse the tzitzit is seen in a favorable light. One thing is sure and that is Yeshua wore tzitzit.
"He who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked." 1 John 2:6
The Greek word "kraspedon/κράσπεδον is used in the New Testament and in the Septuagint (The Greek version of the Old Testament) for the Hebrew word Tzitzit. Therefore, Matthew 9:20, 14:36, 23:5; Mark 6:56 and Luke 8:44 should all state "tzitzit" instead of just hem, tassel, or fringe, as some English translations have.
"Behold, a woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years came behind him, and touched the TZITZIT of his garment." Mt. 9:20
(kraspedon)
"And they begged him that they might just touch the TZITZIT of his garment. As many as touched it were made whole." Mt. 14:36
(kraspedon)
"Wherever he entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch just the TZITZIT of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well." Mk. 6:56
(kraspedon)
"Came behind him, and touched the TZITZIT of his cloak, and immediately the flow of her blood stopped." Lk. 8:44
(kraspedon)
"But all their works they do to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the TZITZIT of their garments" Mt. 23:5
(kraspedon)
When these verses were read in their original English translations of hem, tassel or fringe it likely meant little to the reader. Yet after going over the scripture explaining tzitzit and inserting the word in its proper place, does it have a different meaning or feeling?
Note: In Matthew 23:5, Yeshua does not speak against the Tzitzit, but against the practice of the Pharisees who abused the purpose of the tzitzit. They increased the length of their tzitzit from the norm just so they could be seen as overly righteous. Other than this one verse the tzitzit is seen in a favorable light. One thing is sure and that is Yeshua wore tzitzit.
"He who says he remains in him ought himself also to walk just like he walked." 1 John 2:6
- Part Four -
What Colour Blue Dye For the Ribband (Thread) Of Blue
It is very important we take a few minutes here to discuss the COLOUR of the tzitzit and the thread of blue.
As we said earlier in the book, the commandment which describes the tzitzit only mentions “a ribband” (thread) of blue. It does not go into detail about what other characteristics of the tassels, just the colour of one thread. There have been many claims over time as to what shade of blue it is to be as well as where the dye must come from. All of this is currently up for interpretation because no records exist which show a set of actual tzitzit found in archaeological digs. If some ancient tzitzit had been discovered, it might be able to be tested to verify what the blue dye was made from. Until that time, discussions will continue.
The particular shade of blue, though, is up for debate. Many will teach the thread of blue MUST be made from a particular snail, called a Murex snail - indigenous to the Mediterranean Sea. It is believed that this snail was used in ancient times to make a very expensive blue-ish or blue-violet dye. The snail is killed, a small gland removed, and then the extract from that gland is manufactured through an in-depth process to create a blue or purple-blue dye.
Studies estimate that to make enough blue dye for just the hem of a robe or cloak during the biblical time-period would require anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 snails to be killed, stripped of this gland and processed. (1) (2) This would make the dye very expensive for the average person to obtain. It is very difficult to estimate what the cost would be in modern comparisons, but some claim that it might be about $19,000 per gram of dye. Would Yahweh have required something this costly for the tassels of the average person in the new Nation of Israel? Imagine the number of snails killed to gain enough dye needed for several million sets of tzitzit. What would be the cost for them, when to make a purple-blue garment would cost several pounds of gold?
Additionally, gathering enough snails would require massive work for the men to go to the sea, capture snails, process them. Imagine allowing the rotting flesh and dye to sit out in the sun attracting flies and giving off an incredible odor of death.
Let’s do the math to create tzitzit for just the estimated 600,000 (Exodus 12:37) men in the Exodus:
The average amount of snails required to make dye for 1 set (4 tassels) of tzitzit = 30 snails (1)
Amount of men in the exodus requiring a set of tzitzit = 600,000
30 snails per set x 600,000 tzitzit sets needed = 18,000,000 snails would need to be hunted, caught, processed, then the glands or liquid formula left in the hot sun until the right color is reached.
One of the largest producers of this purple-blue color ever discovered was ancient Sidon. They had a pile of Murex snail shells that was so high it created a mound over 130 foot. It was rumored to have such an incredible stench that the processing facility had to be located away from the city. If 18,000,000 snails were used to color the Tzitzit just for the men in the Exodus, the mound of snails would likely be at least that large with a height and width that would make it still visible today. Yet, no evidence is found substantiating the use of this large number of snails during the time of Moses along the routes of the Exodus.
In addition, think of the waste. Snails are unclean meat, (Leviticus 11), so they could not be used for food. Therefore, the leftover dead snail carcasses would just lay around wasting away, stinking up the area, attracting scavenger birds or rodents around the camp of Israel. The number of snails and the waste left behind sums up reason number ONE that makes it highly unlikely that they were used to create the blue dye for the tzitzit. Was murex dye used during the time of the Exodus? Yes. Yet it was not likely that it was used by
the Israelites.
Reason number TWO is the area the snails are native. The Murex snails for tekhelet dye are claimed to only be from the Mediterranean Sea. This means Israel would have had to cross over the Jordan River, go to the Mediterranean (into the land of the Philistines), fish 18,000,000 snails out of the sea just for the men of Israel to use. Then either process them there while trying to avoid the enemy that surrounded them, or haul millions of snails back to the camp in the wilderness. All of this to make one set of tzitzit for approximately 600,000 men.
Let's multiply that number for every woman and child. Now we are talking at least 75,000,000 snails or more to make tzitzit for the women and a low estimate of the number of children. If you increase this number to add more children, Israel could easily need well over 100,000,000 snails. That might actually create a pile of snail shells that would be higher than Mt. Sinai. Think of the stench that would fill the air in the entire region. Never heard about a mighty stench in the region or Mt. Snail Shell in the bible or archaeological records.
The scriptures are very clear in that there is nothing specifically stating where the blue thread has to come from. The commandment only states that each tzitzit is to contain a thread or ribbon of blue. There are even sects in Judaism that will NOT use a thread of blue because they believe it is ONLY the murex dye that is permitted. And since it is not readily available everywhere, when you cannot get this blue dye or that specific blue thread, they teach the tzitzit must be made only of white. This in itself is a violation of the commandment as it specifically states each must have a thread of blue. Would Yahweh have made it so prohibitive for His people to fulfill the commandment?
In addition, the COLOR blue is not specific. It simply says “tekhelet" (Strongs 8504: Violet), which has been translated into English as blue. Many believe that this blue is more like a beautiful sky blue color, others believe it to be a rich royal blue. Then others will say it is more an ocean turquoise-like blue. Although there have been archaeological discoveries showing a dark shade of blue dye, there isn’t currently overwhelming proof to show that this is the exact color to be included in the tzitzit. This leaves the question whether it needs to be an exact color of blue, and since Yahweh was not specific, we teach the thread just needs to be blue.
This brings one to ask why people believe only the snail can be used to achieve this “tekhelet” color? The answer is found in the rabbinic writings located in the Talmud. The rabbis believe the word “tekhelet” points to a snail dye, but the same word “tekhelet” is translated in the Septuagint as ὑακίνθινον (huakinthinos – Strong’s #5191) which means: “hyacinth plant,” which is actually a plant that grows in Israel. This same word is also used in the Book of Revelations (Rev. 9:17). Could this plant be a source, a less costly one, for the blue dye used in the “thread of blue?”
There were many other shades of blue dye in the Near East during the time of Moses. The murex dye is not the only one. Archaeological discoveries show that the same shade of blue obtained from murex can be achieved by several other ancient methods, yet these are rarely discussed by the many advocates of the snail dye. Some of these examples for the ancient blue color include the following:
** The Indigofera plant (Indigo) ** native to Israel and similar varieties have been discovered growing worldwide.
** The Isatis Tinctoria plant (Woad) ** native to desert and steppe regions as well as Israel. It is also known as The Asp of Jerusalem.
** Egyptian Blue ** made from a silica, lime, copper, and alkali compound which is made into a rich blue that has been found in the Near and Middle East dating as far back as 3500 BC.
The name “Egyptian Blue” was coined in the early 1800s by those who discovered the color on artifacts. There are many pieces with Egyptian Blue that have been found in perfect condition dating back thousands of years currently displayed in museums all over the world. Interestingly, the process for making this form of dye was “lost” for a time, and the disappearance of the process was approximately the same time that it is believed the process for Murex snail dye was lost. Both disappeared from use around 700 AD. Historically, this is the time period where there was a rise in Islam in the area and spreading throughout the Middle East into Asia, Spain and France.
All of these processed dyes could have been used by ancient Israel for fabric and threads, and evidence has been found of these dyes in various excavations. In addition, there have been blue glass beads containing the same Egyptian Blue dye much further north. These beads are reported to have been found in bronze era Norse graves, yet can be traced back to the same workshops as those beads found in King Tut’s tomb! How exciting!
As you can see, the commandment states that each tzitzit is to contain a thread of blue, yet there are many more cost-effective possibilities for the thread of blue. As Yahweh does not give specific details as to the dye process he wants us to use, we are not currently limited by the exact shade. As long as we include “a ribband (thread) of blue,” we are following the tzitzit as commanded. This also means the tzitzit should NOT be all white, as some sects teach. We simply recommend you do your best to find a blue string for your tzitzit.
As we said earlier in the book, the commandment which describes the tzitzit only mentions “a ribband” (thread) of blue. It does not go into detail about what other characteristics of the tassels, just the colour of one thread. There have been many claims over time as to what shade of blue it is to be as well as where the dye must come from. All of this is currently up for interpretation because no records exist which show a set of actual tzitzit found in archaeological digs. If some ancient tzitzit had been discovered, it might be able to be tested to verify what the blue dye was made from. Until that time, discussions will continue.
The particular shade of blue, though, is up for debate. Many will teach the thread of blue MUST be made from a particular snail, called a Murex snail - indigenous to the Mediterranean Sea. It is believed that this snail was used in ancient times to make a very expensive blue-ish or blue-violet dye. The snail is killed, a small gland removed, and then the extract from that gland is manufactured through an in-depth process to create a blue or purple-blue dye.
Studies estimate that to make enough blue dye for just the hem of a robe or cloak during the biblical time-period would require anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 snails to be killed, stripped of this gland and processed. (1) (2) This would make the dye very expensive for the average person to obtain. It is very difficult to estimate what the cost would be in modern comparisons, but some claim that it might be about $19,000 per gram of dye. Would Yahweh have required something this costly for the tassels of the average person in the new Nation of Israel? Imagine the number of snails killed to gain enough dye needed for several million sets of tzitzit. What would be the cost for them, when to make a purple-blue garment would cost several pounds of gold?
Additionally, gathering enough snails would require massive work for the men to go to the sea, capture snails, process them. Imagine allowing the rotting flesh and dye to sit out in the sun attracting flies and giving off an incredible odor of death.
Let’s do the math to create tzitzit for just the estimated 600,000 (Exodus 12:37) men in the Exodus:
The average amount of snails required to make dye for 1 set (4 tassels) of tzitzit = 30 snails (1)
Amount of men in the exodus requiring a set of tzitzit = 600,000
30 snails per set x 600,000 tzitzit sets needed = 18,000,000 snails would need to be hunted, caught, processed, then the glands or liquid formula left in the hot sun until the right color is reached.
One of the largest producers of this purple-blue color ever discovered was ancient Sidon. They had a pile of Murex snail shells that was so high it created a mound over 130 foot. It was rumored to have such an incredible stench that the processing facility had to be located away from the city. If 18,000,000 snails were used to color the Tzitzit just for the men in the Exodus, the mound of snails would likely be at least that large with a height and width that would make it still visible today. Yet, no evidence is found substantiating the use of this large number of snails during the time of Moses along the routes of the Exodus.
In addition, think of the waste. Snails are unclean meat, (Leviticus 11), so they could not be used for food. Therefore, the leftover dead snail carcasses would just lay around wasting away, stinking up the area, attracting scavenger birds or rodents around the camp of Israel. The number of snails and the waste left behind sums up reason number ONE that makes it highly unlikely that they were used to create the blue dye for the tzitzit. Was murex dye used during the time of the Exodus? Yes. Yet it was not likely that it was used by
the Israelites.
Reason number TWO is the area the snails are native. The Murex snails for tekhelet dye are claimed to only be from the Mediterranean Sea. This means Israel would have had to cross over the Jordan River, go to the Mediterranean (into the land of the Philistines), fish 18,000,000 snails out of the sea just for the men of Israel to use. Then either process them there while trying to avoid the enemy that surrounded them, or haul millions of snails back to the camp in the wilderness. All of this to make one set of tzitzit for approximately 600,000 men.
Let's multiply that number for every woman and child. Now we are talking at least 75,000,000 snails or more to make tzitzit for the women and a low estimate of the number of children. If you increase this number to add more children, Israel could easily need well over 100,000,000 snails. That might actually create a pile of snail shells that would be higher than Mt. Sinai. Think of the stench that would fill the air in the entire region. Never heard about a mighty stench in the region or Mt. Snail Shell in the bible or archaeological records.
The scriptures are very clear in that there is nothing specifically stating where the blue thread has to come from. The commandment only states that each tzitzit is to contain a thread or ribbon of blue. There are even sects in Judaism that will NOT use a thread of blue because they believe it is ONLY the murex dye that is permitted. And since it is not readily available everywhere, when you cannot get this blue dye or that specific blue thread, they teach the tzitzit must be made only of white. This in itself is a violation of the commandment as it specifically states each must have a thread of blue. Would Yahweh have made it so prohibitive for His people to fulfill the commandment?
In addition, the COLOR blue is not specific. It simply says “tekhelet" (Strongs 8504: Violet), which has been translated into English as blue. Many believe that this blue is more like a beautiful sky blue color, others believe it to be a rich royal blue. Then others will say it is more an ocean turquoise-like blue. Although there have been archaeological discoveries showing a dark shade of blue dye, there isn’t currently overwhelming proof to show that this is the exact color to be included in the tzitzit. This leaves the question whether it needs to be an exact color of blue, and since Yahweh was not specific, we teach the thread just needs to be blue.
This brings one to ask why people believe only the snail can be used to achieve this “tekhelet” color? The answer is found in the rabbinic writings located in the Talmud. The rabbis believe the word “tekhelet” points to a snail dye, but the same word “tekhelet” is translated in the Septuagint as ὑακίνθινον (huakinthinos – Strong’s #5191) which means: “hyacinth plant,” which is actually a plant that grows in Israel. This same word is also used in the Book of Revelations (Rev. 9:17). Could this plant be a source, a less costly one, for the blue dye used in the “thread of blue?”
There were many other shades of blue dye in the Near East during the time of Moses. The murex dye is not the only one. Archaeological discoveries show that the same shade of blue obtained from murex can be achieved by several other ancient methods, yet these are rarely discussed by the many advocates of the snail dye. Some of these examples for the ancient blue color include the following:
** The Indigofera plant (Indigo) ** native to Israel and similar varieties have been discovered growing worldwide.
** The Isatis Tinctoria plant (Woad) ** native to desert and steppe regions as well as Israel. It is also known as The Asp of Jerusalem.
** Egyptian Blue ** made from a silica, lime, copper, and alkali compound which is made into a rich blue that has been found in the Near and Middle East dating as far back as 3500 BC.
The name “Egyptian Blue” was coined in the early 1800s by those who discovered the color on artifacts. There are many pieces with Egyptian Blue that have been found in perfect condition dating back thousands of years currently displayed in museums all over the world. Interestingly, the process for making this form of dye was “lost” for a time, and the disappearance of the process was approximately the same time that it is believed the process for Murex snail dye was lost. Both disappeared from use around 700 AD. Historically, this is the time period where there was a rise in Islam in the area and spreading throughout the Middle East into Asia, Spain and France.
All of these processed dyes could have been used by ancient Israel for fabric and threads, and evidence has been found of these dyes in various excavations. In addition, there have been blue glass beads containing the same Egyptian Blue dye much further north. These beads are reported to have been found in bronze era Norse graves, yet can be traced back to the same workshops as those beads found in King Tut’s tomb! How exciting!
As you can see, the commandment states that each tzitzit is to contain a thread of blue, yet there are many more cost-effective possibilities for the thread of blue. As Yahweh does not give specific details as to the dye process he wants us to use, we are not currently limited by the exact shade. As long as we include “a ribband (thread) of blue,” we are following the tzitzit as commanded. This also means the tzitzit should NOT be all white, as some sects teach. We simply recommend you do your best to find a blue string for your tzitzit.
- Part Five -
Where Can We Find The Rule That
Women Are Not “Allowed” To Wear Tzitzit?
Simply answered, the teaching against women wearing tzitzit is from tradition. There are several reasons used to justify this tradition, and we will address them to help clear up any misconception.
-- Women Do Not Need to Follow “Time-Bound" Commandments --
Now that we have determined that it is indeed a commandment and not just advice to wear tzitzit, the next thing to bring up is exactly why women are often told that they are not to wear them, especially since it is a commandment from Yahweh. Much of this teaching tends to come from Jewish tradition and often the Talmud is used as the source. The balance of the people who teach that women are not allowed simply seem to want to perpetuate old traditions rather than study the word fully to find what it says.
Those who follow the Jewish traditions and/or Talmudic teachings say that one reason why women do not have to follow this commandment is that it falls into the category of commands controlled by “time.” It is claimed that these “time-bound" commandments were designed to be a help that “frees” women from the pressures of following Yahweh’s commandments which they might find “difficult” to follow in their role as mother, wife and homemaker.
The most common time-bound commandments women are not required to follow (according to rabbinic teaching) would be:
- Morning prayers because it might interfere with her household responsibilities.
- Residing in the Sukkah (during Feast of Tabernacles)
- Raising the lulav during Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles)
- Listening to the shofar on Yom Teruah.
- Wearing tzitzit or teflin
As we said, these are the most common time-bound commandments, but according to rabbinic authorities there are additional commandments women do not have to follow which may be added. These can vary from Jewish order to Jewish order, community to community, or in some cases, from family to family. Generally, the five listed are fairly standard in Jewish tradition, but sects, orders or families may choose to add certain others that are based on rabbinic teachings, traditions and local rabbinic decisions.
To add to the confusion, rabbinic authorities claim that there ARE a few time-bound “commandments” that women are NOT exempt from. These would include lighting the Sabbath candles (tradition - not scripture), setting the table & lighting the Hanukkah Candles (tradition - not scripture), and all the mitzvoth (rabbinic commands) of Purim (traditions - not scripture). You will notice here that we placed quotation marks around the word commandments. This is because none of these rabbinic traditions are commandments from Yahweh. He has not commanded his people to light Sabbath candles, Hanukkah candles or to do any commandments (mitzvot) for Purim.
In fact, Hanukkah and Purim are not even commanded feast days in scripture.
Just a quick note here on Purim to squelch any conflict on this topic. Some may argue that Purim is commanded, but it is clear in scripture it was decreed in Esther 9, specifically 27-32 (WEB) by the Jews, Mordecai and Esther, not by Yahweh:
The Jews established, and imposed on themselves, and on their descendants, and on all those who joined themselves to them, so that it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to what was written, and according to its appointed time, every year; and that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memory of them perish from their seed.
Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority to confirm this second letter of Purim. He sent letters to all the Jews, to the hundred twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, to confirm these days of Purim in their appointed times, as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had decreed, and as they had imposed upon themselves and their descendants, in the matter of the fastings and their cry. The commandment of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.
Returning to the topic of time-bound commandments which women are not obligated to follow, there is clearly a lot of flexibility or cherry-picking when it comes to the roles of women in certain cultures. It should make one wonder why certain “time-bound” actions are exemptions for women while others are required of them. These required ones are often much MORE time-bound than those women are exempted from. Think about it for a moment:
1) a woman, wife, and mother will not need to reside in the Sukkah, but she will need to ensure every meal preparation is completed for the Feast days and High Holy Days of Sukkot before sunset (time-binding). In addition, she will need to make certain the children are prepared for the feast as well asensuring all the cleaning and decorating are done.
2) The woman does not need to wear tzitzit or say morning prayers, but she must prepare for and honor the Shabbat with a large prepared meal for the entire family and sometimes guests, as well as have enough food preparedfor the next day’s meals. She must ensure tables are set, children showered, dressed and ready, the house fully cleaned, candles will be lit, and many other traditional requirements.
Many of these traditions will include such things as completing the rabbinic rules which fit into the Jewish 39 Categories of forbidden activity for Sabbaths and High Holy Days. Rules such as making sure toilet paper is pre-torn, light switches are turned on and taped so they cannot be turned off, and many other excessively meticulous rules that must be accomplished by the wife and mother, but she cannot wear tzitzit. Oddly, I have even seen a chat room where a wife questioned the rabbi about honoring the Shabbat with rest versus making guacamole for her husband during the Shabbat. The rabbi told the wife that she SHOULD violate the Sabbath and prepare the guacamole, (a labor-intensive snack), in spite of it being a day of rest. He believed that honoring the husband’s request for his favorite snack (a rabbinic decision) far outweighed Yahweh’s commandment to keep the day of rest, which is scriptural.
What do the scriptures tell women about not having to keep time-bound commandments? Nothing!! Are there commandments specific to men and some specific to women? Yes, but those are specific to natural differences between men and women, such as menstrual and childbirth commandments for women and some commandments which are specific to the offices which only men can hold.
As you can see, it brings to question, whose requirements and teachings should women follow - the traditions and teachings of men or Yahweh’s commandments? Of course, our house will follow the commandments of Yahweh over any man-made rule (tradition).
Joshua 24:15b “. . .but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.”
-- Addressing the Claim That The Commandment In Numbers Is To Only “The SONS of Israel” --
Another common teaching we often hear is that women and girls are told that they cannot wear tzitzit because the verses that command tassels are addressed only to the “SONS of Israel,” not to females. This teaching is not just in Jewish or Messianic communities, but is also frequently taught in many Christian Torah observant assemblies. This is because many English translations or individual interpretations state specifically “sons of Israel”, and not “children of Israel” or “Israel” as a whole. When one of these translations is used to teach from, the decision is made that women are forbidden to wear tzitzit. The commandment, they are told, is only for males.
What are we to do when this conflict comes up? Start digging in the scriptures again, and test the theory.
The verse again is Numbers 15:38 and the word in question is “bə·nê” - Strong’s #1121
This word is used more than 1000 times in the scriptures and has been translated as sons, children or Israel. In comparison to other uses of the word, it would be best to choose times when it was used in similar situations as in Numbers 15:38. Doing so is fairly easy because it is used throughout the book of Numbers and Leviticus whenever Yahweh has said to Moses, “Speak to the (“bə·nê”) of Israel,” and is then followed by a record of a commandment.
These commandments include Feast days, Sabbaths and the clean beasts which are considered food. Is anyone ready to declare that all of these commands were only given to the SONS of Israel and not to women? The consequence of teaching this would be that only males must eat biblically clean, while women are free to eat pigs, shellfish, buzzards, and any other unclean meat they choose to eat. Or that only men must honor the Sabbath and keep it Holy, not women. Are you prepared to accept the responsibility for teaching that women are absolved from following these commandments from Yahweh? Of course not. So why, then, would they say that women are not commanded to wear tzitzit and therefore it's forbidden?
It is our conclusion, based on the use of the word “Ben” (“bə·nê”Strong’s #1121) in the context of scripture, that these commandments are ALL given to ALL the children of Israel. This includes men, children AND women. It should also be clear that unless you are ready to accept the consequences of teaching women they also do not need to follow the commands for Sabbaths, feast days, and clean foods, then you should accept that the tzitzit command includes women.
-- The Masculine Word Fallacy --
Another teaching that crops up often in conversation about women and tzitzit in regard to the English translations is that the word “ben” is masculine. As a masculine noun, some say the word “ben” only refers to males, or to a group that includes 1 male and possibly many females. Because of this, many will profess that Moses was addressing men only in the tzitzit commandment, but in other commandments the same noun was used as a default masculine because the group included both males and females.
This is a nice theory, but there is no evidence to substantiate this “men only” rule at all. To presume the commandment is only given to males because of linguistics and grammar would need to default to what was explained in the first several paragraphs of this section. In other words, we would need to presume that ALL commandments using the same masculine word (“bə·nê” Strong’s #1121) are a default masculine and all were given only to men.
The conclusion of this theory would also have to be that women would be absolved of following all commandments containing a default masculine. Which would include, again, commandments that these same people will state women are clearly to follow.
Our conclusion is based on the context of scripture and how the word is used in the totality of scripture. Word study is a great tool, but context is one key to understanding the message. We can’t use those studies to randomly choose when a commandment applies to men and when it applies to women based on a single word that contains numerous meanings (children, sons, daughters, Israel, etc.). Keep in mind that there are no gender-neutral pronouns in Hebrew. Therefore, sons will often be used as the default word for sons and daughters, men and women, a crowd or a nation. We do this in English when we use the term “mankind” to mean all of humanity.
-- Tzitzit Are “Men’s Clothing” therefore women cannot wear them --
Deuteronomy 22:5 states “A woman shall not wear men's clothing, neither shall a man put on women's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh your God.”
This may actually be one of the easiest teachings to refute. It is common to hear teachers say because they believe the verse about tzitzit says “sons” of Israel, a woman wearing them is not only breaking the commandment for only men to wear tassels but also breaking Deuteronomy 22:5. This would be false because it has already been shown that Numbers 15 shows the tzitzit commandment was given to both men and women. Therefore, there is nothing to even discuss regarding Deuteronomy 22:5 because tassels are not men’s clothing.
In addition, the word in Deuteronomy 22:5, translated into the English “garment” is more appropriately translated as “mantle” or “wrapper” (wrapped garment). Tzitzit do not qualify as a mantle or wrapper or as actual clothing, further eliminating this argument against women wearing tzitzit.
All of these teachings are man-made dogma and can easily be shown to be false. We need to be cautious that these traditions don’t get in the way of the word of Yahweh, in the way of His commandments; otherwise as we have been warned, we make the word of Yahweh of no effect. (Mark 7:13)
-- Where Do These Tzitzit Traditions Come From? --
We have addressed the logical reasoning and scriptural proof for dispelling these teachings, but where do these false doctrines actually come from? Many have been traced to teachings from the Talmud and are not from the Torah or anywhere in the Bible.
In the second century (100-199 AD), renowned rabbi Yehudah published writings of oral history and copies of written works which became known as the Mishnah. Parts of these records are the written records of Rabbi Shimon, also known as Simeon Bar Yochai, or Rashbi, as well as oral stories and records of his that were written down by others in an effort to preserve his oral teachings. Rashbi led an interesting life, according to legend, and was reported to have lived in a cave for several years along with his son in an effort to hide from the Romans.
Part of the Mishnah, which is now contained in the Talmud, includes a section where Rabbi Shimon introduces the theory of absolving women from what he names “time-bound” commandments, which wearing tzitzit is one. (See Kiddushin 1:7) As we
showed before, these recorded oral teachings claim there are also several other “time-bound” commandments which women are not required to follow.
There is something else in this section of the Talmud that discusses tzitzit which is interesting. The section is known as menachot 43a. It is not only an introduction of women not needing to fulfill certain commandments, but it is also the record of where other rabbis disagreed with Rashbi on this topic. They attempted to stand firm on the teachings that had been taught since the Torah was recorded, yet Rashbi was insistent that some commands were solely for men, while others were optional for women. This portion is where the example of Rabbi Judah, another famous rabbi, is brought up which defends the woman’s right to follow the commandment.
Rabbi Judah was well known for stitching fringes to the aprons of the women in his household in fulfillment of the commandment for tzitzit. He believed, as did the other rabbis, that a woman was to abide by Yahweh’s commandments, just as a man should. The other rabbis who argued with Rashbi are even recorded as stating “The rabbis taught: (Caps added for emphasis) ALL are obligated in the laws of tzitzit: priests, Levites, Israelites, converts, women and slaves." Notice the Talmud (around approx. 200 AD) said: "ALL are obligated in the laws of tzitzit." Rabbi's are recorded as fighting FOR the right of everyone to wear their tzitzit, including women. So up until around 200 AD women were taught it was as much THEIR commandment as it was men's, and that they were "obligated" to follow it.
This is not something that you will hear taught in many Torah observant circles, whether Christian, Hebrew Roots, Messianic, or Jewish. In fact, what is most often taught is that the Talmud allegedly contains information that explains that women should follow the time-bound rules of following only those commandments set for women by Rashbi. These include the teaching that women are not to wear tzitzit because they are for MEN ONLY and that it is sinful because it would be an example of women wearing men’s clothing. Yet none of this took place until AFTER the second century, as recorded in the Talmud. After Rashbis time, it seems to have become the common tradition to teach women that they are not required to do any of these commandments and that these commandments, like the tzitzit, are unnecessary for women.
Over time, the teachings have become stricter, especially amongst certain sects and societies. Women weren’t just “not obligated” to wear tzitzit, but they became strictly forbidden. Sadly, I have interviewed women who feel embarrassed if they want to wear them, especially in public. They are very concerned about offending someone of Jewish ancestry or Jewish faith if they do wear tzitzit. Women have even expressed that they have been called “arrogant" by what many call “eminent authorities,” or have been labeled “contrary”, sinful, and are even seen as attempting to appear “overly pious.” These accusations have caused women to be further discouraged in following one of Yahweh’s commandment because of intimidation through insults based on false teachings and man-made traditions.
This is not how Yahweh intended his teachings to spread forth. He did not give his commandments to be a burden or a factor used to control, belittle or embarrass women, or anyone, for that matter. I would have to ask at this point, if someone uses intimidation and insult to influence a woman’s righteous desire to follow Yahweh, is that loving your neighbor? Additionally, all this creating different reasons based on false teachings of why a woman shouldn’t or can’t wear tzitzit creates an air of confusion. Yahweh is not a god of confusion. (1 Corinthians 14:33)
-- Women Do Not Need to Follow “Time-Bound" Commandments --
Now that we have determined that it is indeed a commandment and not just advice to wear tzitzit, the next thing to bring up is exactly why women are often told that they are not to wear them, especially since it is a commandment from Yahweh. Much of this teaching tends to come from Jewish tradition and often the Talmud is used as the source. The balance of the people who teach that women are not allowed simply seem to want to perpetuate old traditions rather than study the word fully to find what it says.
Those who follow the Jewish traditions and/or Talmudic teachings say that one reason why women do not have to follow this commandment is that it falls into the category of commands controlled by “time.” It is claimed that these “time-bound" commandments were designed to be a help that “frees” women from the pressures of following Yahweh’s commandments which they might find “difficult” to follow in their role as mother, wife and homemaker.
The most common time-bound commandments women are not required to follow (according to rabbinic teaching) would be:
- Morning prayers because it might interfere with her household responsibilities.
- Residing in the Sukkah (during Feast of Tabernacles)
- Raising the lulav during Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles)
- Listening to the shofar on Yom Teruah.
- Wearing tzitzit or teflin
As we said, these are the most common time-bound commandments, but according to rabbinic authorities there are additional commandments women do not have to follow which may be added. These can vary from Jewish order to Jewish order, community to community, or in some cases, from family to family. Generally, the five listed are fairly standard in Jewish tradition, but sects, orders or families may choose to add certain others that are based on rabbinic teachings, traditions and local rabbinic decisions.
To add to the confusion, rabbinic authorities claim that there ARE a few time-bound “commandments” that women are NOT exempt from. These would include lighting the Sabbath candles (tradition - not scripture), setting the table & lighting the Hanukkah Candles (tradition - not scripture), and all the mitzvoth (rabbinic commands) of Purim (traditions - not scripture). You will notice here that we placed quotation marks around the word commandments. This is because none of these rabbinic traditions are commandments from Yahweh. He has not commanded his people to light Sabbath candles, Hanukkah candles or to do any commandments (mitzvot) for Purim.
In fact, Hanukkah and Purim are not even commanded feast days in scripture.
Just a quick note here on Purim to squelch any conflict on this topic. Some may argue that Purim is commanded, but it is clear in scripture it was decreed in Esther 9, specifically 27-32 (WEB) by the Jews, Mordecai and Esther, not by Yahweh:
The Jews established, and imposed on themselves, and on their descendants, and on all those who joined themselves to them, so that it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to what was written, and according to its appointed time, every year; and that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memory of them perish from their seed.
Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority to confirm this second letter of Purim. He sent letters to all the Jews, to the hundred twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, to confirm these days of Purim in their appointed times, as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had decreed, and as they had imposed upon themselves and their descendants, in the matter of the fastings and their cry. The commandment of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.
Returning to the topic of time-bound commandments which women are not obligated to follow, there is clearly a lot of flexibility or cherry-picking when it comes to the roles of women in certain cultures. It should make one wonder why certain “time-bound” actions are exemptions for women while others are required of them. These required ones are often much MORE time-bound than those women are exempted from. Think about it for a moment:
1) a woman, wife, and mother will not need to reside in the Sukkah, but she will need to ensure every meal preparation is completed for the Feast days and High Holy Days of Sukkot before sunset (time-binding). In addition, she will need to make certain the children are prepared for the feast as well asensuring all the cleaning and decorating are done.
2) The woman does not need to wear tzitzit or say morning prayers, but she must prepare for and honor the Shabbat with a large prepared meal for the entire family and sometimes guests, as well as have enough food preparedfor the next day’s meals. She must ensure tables are set, children showered, dressed and ready, the house fully cleaned, candles will be lit, and many other traditional requirements.
Many of these traditions will include such things as completing the rabbinic rules which fit into the Jewish 39 Categories of forbidden activity for Sabbaths and High Holy Days. Rules such as making sure toilet paper is pre-torn, light switches are turned on and taped so they cannot be turned off, and many other excessively meticulous rules that must be accomplished by the wife and mother, but she cannot wear tzitzit. Oddly, I have even seen a chat room where a wife questioned the rabbi about honoring the Shabbat with rest versus making guacamole for her husband during the Shabbat. The rabbi told the wife that she SHOULD violate the Sabbath and prepare the guacamole, (a labor-intensive snack), in spite of it being a day of rest. He believed that honoring the husband’s request for his favorite snack (a rabbinic decision) far outweighed Yahweh’s commandment to keep the day of rest, which is scriptural.
What do the scriptures tell women about not having to keep time-bound commandments? Nothing!! Are there commandments specific to men and some specific to women? Yes, but those are specific to natural differences between men and women, such as menstrual and childbirth commandments for women and some commandments which are specific to the offices which only men can hold.
As you can see, it brings to question, whose requirements and teachings should women follow - the traditions and teachings of men or Yahweh’s commandments? Of course, our house will follow the commandments of Yahweh over any man-made rule (tradition).
Joshua 24:15b “. . .but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.”
-- Addressing the Claim That The Commandment In Numbers Is To Only “The SONS of Israel” --
Another common teaching we often hear is that women and girls are told that they cannot wear tzitzit because the verses that command tassels are addressed only to the “SONS of Israel,” not to females. This teaching is not just in Jewish or Messianic communities, but is also frequently taught in many Christian Torah observant assemblies. This is because many English translations or individual interpretations state specifically “sons of Israel”, and not “children of Israel” or “Israel” as a whole. When one of these translations is used to teach from, the decision is made that women are forbidden to wear tzitzit. The commandment, they are told, is only for males.
What are we to do when this conflict comes up? Start digging in the scriptures again, and test the theory.
The verse again is Numbers 15:38 and the word in question is “bə·nê” - Strong’s #1121
This word is used more than 1000 times in the scriptures and has been translated as sons, children or Israel. In comparison to other uses of the word, it would be best to choose times when it was used in similar situations as in Numbers 15:38. Doing so is fairly easy because it is used throughout the book of Numbers and Leviticus whenever Yahweh has said to Moses, “Speak to the (“bə·nê”) of Israel,” and is then followed by a record of a commandment.
These commandments include Feast days, Sabbaths and the clean beasts which are considered food. Is anyone ready to declare that all of these commands were only given to the SONS of Israel and not to women? The consequence of teaching this would be that only males must eat biblically clean, while women are free to eat pigs, shellfish, buzzards, and any other unclean meat they choose to eat. Or that only men must honor the Sabbath and keep it Holy, not women. Are you prepared to accept the responsibility for teaching that women are absolved from following these commandments from Yahweh? Of course not. So why, then, would they say that women are not commanded to wear tzitzit and therefore it's forbidden?
It is our conclusion, based on the use of the word “Ben” (“bə·nê”Strong’s #1121) in the context of scripture, that these commandments are ALL given to ALL the children of Israel. This includes men, children AND women. It should also be clear that unless you are ready to accept the consequences of teaching women they also do not need to follow the commands for Sabbaths, feast days, and clean foods, then you should accept that the tzitzit command includes women.
-- The Masculine Word Fallacy --
Another teaching that crops up often in conversation about women and tzitzit in regard to the English translations is that the word “ben” is masculine. As a masculine noun, some say the word “ben” only refers to males, or to a group that includes 1 male and possibly many females. Because of this, many will profess that Moses was addressing men only in the tzitzit commandment, but in other commandments the same noun was used as a default masculine because the group included both males and females.
This is a nice theory, but there is no evidence to substantiate this “men only” rule at all. To presume the commandment is only given to males because of linguistics and grammar would need to default to what was explained in the first several paragraphs of this section. In other words, we would need to presume that ALL commandments using the same masculine word (“bə·nê” Strong’s #1121) are a default masculine and all were given only to men.
The conclusion of this theory would also have to be that women would be absolved of following all commandments containing a default masculine. Which would include, again, commandments that these same people will state women are clearly to follow.
Our conclusion is based on the context of scripture and how the word is used in the totality of scripture. Word study is a great tool, but context is one key to understanding the message. We can’t use those studies to randomly choose when a commandment applies to men and when it applies to women based on a single word that contains numerous meanings (children, sons, daughters, Israel, etc.). Keep in mind that there are no gender-neutral pronouns in Hebrew. Therefore, sons will often be used as the default word for sons and daughters, men and women, a crowd or a nation. We do this in English when we use the term “mankind” to mean all of humanity.
-- Tzitzit Are “Men’s Clothing” therefore women cannot wear them --
Deuteronomy 22:5 states “A woman shall not wear men's clothing, neither shall a man put on women's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh your God.”
This may actually be one of the easiest teachings to refute. It is common to hear teachers say because they believe the verse about tzitzit says “sons” of Israel, a woman wearing them is not only breaking the commandment for only men to wear tassels but also breaking Deuteronomy 22:5. This would be false because it has already been shown that Numbers 15 shows the tzitzit commandment was given to both men and women. Therefore, there is nothing to even discuss regarding Deuteronomy 22:5 because tassels are not men’s clothing.
In addition, the word in Deuteronomy 22:5, translated into the English “garment” is more appropriately translated as “mantle” or “wrapper” (wrapped garment). Tzitzit do not qualify as a mantle or wrapper or as actual clothing, further eliminating this argument against women wearing tzitzit.
All of these teachings are man-made dogma and can easily be shown to be false. We need to be cautious that these traditions don’t get in the way of the word of Yahweh, in the way of His commandments; otherwise as we have been warned, we make the word of Yahweh of no effect. (Mark 7:13)
-- Where Do These Tzitzit Traditions Come From? --
We have addressed the logical reasoning and scriptural proof for dispelling these teachings, but where do these false doctrines actually come from? Many have been traced to teachings from the Talmud and are not from the Torah or anywhere in the Bible.
In the second century (100-199 AD), renowned rabbi Yehudah published writings of oral history and copies of written works which became known as the Mishnah. Parts of these records are the written records of Rabbi Shimon, also known as Simeon Bar Yochai, or Rashbi, as well as oral stories and records of his that were written down by others in an effort to preserve his oral teachings. Rashbi led an interesting life, according to legend, and was reported to have lived in a cave for several years along with his son in an effort to hide from the Romans.
Part of the Mishnah, which is now contained in the Talmud, includes a section where Rabbi Shimon introduces the theory of absolving women from what he names “time-bound” commandments, which wearing tzitzit is one. (See Kiddushin 1:7) As we
showed before, these recorded oral teachings claim there are also several other “time-bound” commandments which women are not required to follow.
There is something else in this section of the Talmud that discusses tzitzit which is interesting. The section is known as menachot 43a. It is not only an introduction of women not needing to fulfill certain commandments, but it is also the record of where other rabbis disagreed with Rashbi on this topic. They attempted to stand firm on the teachings that had been taught since the Torah was recorded, yet Rashbi was insistent that some commands were solely for men, while others were optional for women. This portion is where the example of Rabbi Judah, another famous rabbi, is brought up which defends the woman’s right to follow the commandment.
Rabbi Judah was well known for stitching fringes to the aprons of the women in his household in fulfillment of the commandment for tzitzit. He believed, as did the other rabbis, that a woman was to abide by Yahweh’s commandments, just as a man should. The other rabbis who argued with Rashbi are even recorded as stating “The rabbis taught: (Caps added for emphasis) ALL are obligated in the laws of tzitzit: priests, Levites, Israelites, converts, women and slaves." Notice the Talmud (around approx. 200 AD) said: "ALL are obligated in the laws of tzitzit." Rabbi's are recorded as fighting FOR the right of everyone to wear their tzitzit, including women. So up until around 200 AD women were taught it was as much THEIR commandment as it was men's, and that they were "obligated" to follow it.
This is not something that you will hear taught in many Torah observant circles, whether Christian, Hebrew Roots, Messianic, or Jewish. In fact, what is most often taught is that the Talmud allegedly contains information that explains that women should follow the time-bound rules of following only those commandments set for women by Rashbi. These include the teaching that women are not to wear tzitzit because they are for MEN ONLY and that it is sinful because it would be an example of women wearing men’s clothing. Yet none of this took place until AFTER the second century, as recorded in the Talmud. After Rashbis time, it seems to have become the common tradition to teach women that they are not required to do any of these commandments and that these commandments, like the tzitzit, are unnecessary for women.
Over time, the teachings have become stricter, especially amongst certain sects and societies. Women weren’t just “not obligated” to wear tzitzit, but they became strictly forbidden. Sadly, I have interviewed women who feel embarrassed if they want to wear them, especially in public. They are very concerned about offending someone of Jewish ancestry or Jewish faith if they do wear tzitzit. Women have even expressed that they have been called “arrogant" by what many call “eminent authorities,” or have been labeled “contrary”, sinful, and are even seen as attempting to appear “overly pious.” These accusations have caused women to be further discouraged in following one of Yahweh’s commandment because of intimidation through insults based on false teachings and man-made traditions.
This is not how Yahweh intended his teachings to spread forth. He did not give his commandments to be a burden or a factor used to control, belittle or embarrass women, or anyone, for that matter. I would have to ask at this point, if someone uses intimidation and insult to influence a woman’s righteous desire to follow Yahweh, is that loving your neighbor? Additionally, all this creating different reasons based on false teachings of why a woman shouldn’t or can’t wear tzitzit creates an air of confusion. Yahweh is not a god of confusion. (1 Corinthians 14:33)
- Part Six -
Additional Reasons Women Give for Not Wearing Tzitzit
We have shown through scripture, what the truth is regarding women following the commandment to wear tzitzit. We have shown that there are no traditional teachings that can be justified by scripture that should keep women from wearing theirs, but there are additional personal reasons women have given, too. Below are just a few which we have chosen to discuss and clarify for you through this teaching.
Reason 1 - “I get nothing from them.” The question to ask yourself is, “what am I expecting to get from them?” Exodus 20:12 KJV is clear that Yahweh issues a commandment: “Honor thy father and thy mother:” and then a promise to His people: “that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee”. Here is an example of where you can “get something from” following that specific commandment of Yahweh's. He promises to bless His people to be “long upon the land” that he has given to them when they honor their parents.
There are also countless other promises Yahweh makes with His people throughout The Word. A huge example of His loving commitment to his people when they follow His commandments is recorded in Deuteronomy 28:1-14:
“It shall happen, if you shall listen diligently to the voice of Yahweh your God, to observe to do all his commandments which I command you this day, that Yahweh your God will set you on high above all the nations of the earth: and all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you shall listen to the voice of Yahweh your God. You shall be blessed in the city, and you shall be blessed in the field. You shall be blessed in the fruit of your body, the fruit of your ground, the fruit of your animals, the increase of your livestock, and the young of your flock. Your basket and your kneading trough shall be blessed. You shall be blessed when you come in, and you shall be blessed when you go out. Yahweh will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be struck before you. They will come out against you one way, and will flee before you seven ways. Yahweh will command the blessing on you in your barns, and in all that you put your hand to; and he will bless you in the land which Yahweh your God gives you. Yahweh will establish you for a holy people to himself, as he has sworn to you; if you shall keep the commandments of Yahweh your God, and walk in his ways. All the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of Yahweh; and they shall be afraid of you. Yahweh will make you plenteous for good, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers to give you. Yahweh will open to you his good treasure in the sky, to give the rain of your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand: and you shall lend to many nations, and you shall not borrow. Yahweh will make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath; if you shall listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God, which I command you this day, to observe and to do [them], and shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.”
WOW! I tried to highlight all of them but came so close to highlighting the entire 14 verses that I did leave a few out. But you can see here are plenty of promises there which you will be able to “get from” listening diligently to Yahweh.
Throughout scripture there are even examples of when his people went astray and He removed his blessings from them. For example, in the book of Judges, we can see examples of the people being faithful and blessed, but we also see when they wander off from His teachings and commandments. When they do this, they are repeatedly left to the will and wishes of those enemies that came against them.
A great example of this is Judges 2:18-21 WEB, “When Yahweh raised them up judges, then Yahweh was with the judge and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it grieved Yahweh because of their groaning by reason of those who oppressed them and troubled them. But it happened, when the judge was dead, that they turned back, and dealt more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down to them; they didn't cease from their doings, nor from their stubborn way. The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel; and he said, "Because this nation have transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers and have not listened to my voice; I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations that Joshua left when he died;”
So, you see, Yahweh makes promises that are often contingent upon us following his commandments. Tzitzit, though, is not one of those specifically listed as a commandment with a promise. The Book Of Numbers does not say you will “get” anything from wearing tzitzit, and in fact, merely says to wear them so that we remember His commandments, and to teach them throughout your generations.
Can you get something from wearing tzitzit? Yes, and you can tell this from the verses shared from Deuteronomy 28. Tzitzit are a commandment which are used as a reminder of all His other commandments, and if we remember them, we are likely to follow them. When we listen to Yahweh and follow his commandments, there are promises that we can receive with this obedience and diligence. If you are not getting something from remembering and following His commandments, it might be time for a spiritual check-up to see what you are missing.
That being said, here are some thought-provoking questions to ask yourselves:
~Should we follow the commandment for tzitzit with an entitlement attitude that we will be given something specific in return? ~Should we approach them with an attitude of “I will follow this but what do I get for it, Yahweh?” Do you love your children only to get something out of it? Should we love God only to “get something out of it?” Would that be an attitude of true love or one of self-centeredness? Which would be the right path to take?
Reason 2 - “Men, especially Jewish men, get upset when I wear them because tzitzit are not for women.” I would hope that after reading all the evidence presented to you in this ebook, that you are now ready to make a more educated decision on who can and cannot wear tzitzit. I would pray that you would now feel comfortable enough with your knowledge in the truth regarding the tzitzit that you will be able to defend your choice to follow Yahweh’s commandments.
I would like to suggest, too, that this might be a good time to do a personal check-up of your spirituality. What other commandments are you not following because people will get upset with you, or because it’s too “embarrassing" for you?
Aside from being women, there is also the case where certain Jews will say that NONE of the commandments are for “you”, man or woman because you are the goyim (gentile). “You” are only to follow the Noachide Laws, which are the Seven Laws of Noah. It is taught that you will be a righteous gentile if you obey just those laws and that the balance of Yahweh’s commandments are not for you to follow. Yet in the last days, Jew and Gentile are to be one in Messiah, grafted in together to the Olive Tree.
So, some will ask you, “why are you following ANY of the commandments from the Torah or why are you mentioning God’s name? All of these are for the Jews, not Gentiles.” You can’t base your life on trying not to offend, or trying to please Jewish people because your job is not to make them pleased. It is prophesied we are to provoke them to “jealousy” because we are embracing Torah and Messiah, just as Yahweh would like for them to do (Romans 11:13-14). This is one of the reasons the former gentiles are grafted into the tree of Israel.
Women who wear tzitzit will hopefully provoke the Jewish people into jealousy, not out of pride for doing so, but prayerfully, to get them to re-examine their own traditions from a scriptural perspective. Our prayer should always be that this is not so they can go further into their man-made traditions and teachings, but to encourage them to re-embrace the Torah correctly and to fully embrace Messiah, after giving up their man-made traditions.
Reason 3 - “My husband wears tzitzit, so I don’t need to.” This would be akin to saying, “My husband follows the Ten Commandments so I don’t need to." Or “My husband eats clean meats, so I don’t need to." This might seem silly for a moment but how about the one that might get many women’s attention: My husband abides by the “thou shalt not commit adultery" commandment so I don’t need to. Would you commit adultery just because your husband remains faithful?
Right now someone is probably saying, “That sounds ridiculous!” You might even believe tzitzit isn’t even a fair comparison to adultery,
but are you sure?
Ask yourself, would you even consider saying, “I don’t have to follow a certain commandment because someone else does it for me?" Insert any commandment you want in there: Gossip, lying, cheating, stealing, murder. Wouldn’t that be the same as saying, “So go ahead! Gossip, lie, cheat, steal, murder, commit adultery all you want! Because someone else is following the commandments for you!” And yet, even Jesus' example shows his teaching of "go and sin no more" (John 8:11).
It is our heartfelt prayer that you would not believe those things. We would hope that you would see how wrong it is, yet some women don’t think twice about using this very excuse when it comes to the commandment for tzitzit. There are women who will actually say: “I don’t need to, because someone else does it for me" about tzitzit – a commandment from Yahweh, while at the same time burdening themselves with over-whelming man-made rules and traditions that they feel obligated to follow, such as head-coverings. This elevates men and their decisions above Yahweh.
Oddly, this is the same flawed argument that many denominations give when they say, “Jesus did it all, so I don’t have to.” Do you really want to go down that road? Think about it, what will you say to Yahweh in the end, when you are before him in judgment? “But Yahweh, my husband obeyed all those commandments, so I didn’t have to!!!” Do you really want to test that excuse and see how it works with Abba? Or in doing so do you run the risk of hearing those painful words from Matthew 7:23 KJV, “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.”
Reason 4 - “I don’t want to be a stumbling block for others, so I don’t wear them.” You could use this excuse for any of Yahweh’s commands if you put your mind to it. You could say, “I don’t want to honor the feast days because I don’t want to be a stumbling block for those who don’t observe them." Or how about the Sabbath (Shabbat), could you imagine yourself saying, “I can’t follow the Sabbath because all my family doesn’t honor the Sabbath, and I don’t want to be a stumbling block for them.” Where will you draw the line with your principle? You will need to decide at which commandment from Yahweh you stop saying “I don’t want to obey this commandment or that commandment because I don’t want to be a stumbling block for others.”
When it is put into that perspective, are you starting to see the pattern of excuses and the slippery slope? It is more common to see people willing to follow the “important” commandments or the most well-known ones, like love your neighbor, the Ten Commandments, or even Feast days and Shabbat, but it is also common to see some who just don’t see tzitzit as a commandment with any validity, value, or importance.
Wouldn’t it have more influence on those who question you if you are a statement of righteousness by obeying all His commandments we are scripturally capable of following?
A practical example might be when you are a woman wearing tzitzit, and you walk into a room full of men who believe you should not be wearing them. They may question you, and claim you are disobeying Yahweh. You now will be able to refute what they say and defend yourself. Prepare yourself in advance so that you are comfortable with your knowledge - Read, study, and be able to defend your responsibility to follow Yahweh’s commandments and your scriptural right to wear them. If someone continues to say you cannot wear them, ask them to show you where in scripture and why women are forbidden.
With the information we have already covered, you will hopefully be knowledgeable enough to state His truths on the subject. If it is new information not covered in this e-book or something you are unfamiliar with, simply thank them for the information and tell them you will study it. You can also stress that for now you intend to stand by what you have studied yourself, which you believe is in proper obedience to Yahweh.
Make sure that you fully understand exactly what is meant, too, about being a stumbling block. Scriptural example to take into consideration can be found in Matthew 16:23 where Peter acted as a stumbling block to Yeshua - and Yeshua rebuked Satan because of Peter’s actions. Yeshua told Peter his thoughts were not of Yahweh, but of men. By not following the commandment to wear tzitzit, are you following the thoughts of Yahweh or the pressures of men? Where, then, is the stumbling block? Haven’t you just allowed those men to become YOUR stumbling block when they attempt influencing you to disobey the scriptures? Haven’t you also become their stumbling block by not sharing the scriptural truth? Irony.
Look at Matthew 18:7 “Wo to the world because of the temptations to sin.”
A person who is the stumbling block is the person who is tempting people to sin. In wearing your tzitzit, are you tempting someone to sin? Or are you obeying Yahweh and provoking them to follow His commandments correctly? These are things to seriously take into consideration while you study the scriptures and teachings that we have presented to you.
Reason 1 - “I get nothing from them.” The question to ask yourself is, “what am I expecting to get from them?” Exodus 20:12 KJV is clear that Yahweh issues a commandment: “Honor thy father and thy mother:” and then a promise to His people: “that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee”. Here is an example of where you can “get something from” following that specific commandment of Yahweh's. He promises to bless His people to be “long upon the land” that he has given to them when they honor their parents.
There are also countless other promises Yahweh makes with His people throughout The Word. A huge example of His loving commitment to his people when they follow His commandments is recorded in Deuteronomy 28:1-14:
“It shall happen, if you shall listen diligently to the voice of Yahweh your God, to observe to do all his commandments which I command you this day, that Yahweh your God will set you on high above all the nations of the earth: and all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you shall listen to the voice of Yahweh your God. You shall be blessed in the city, and you shall be blessed in the field. You shall be blessed in the fruit of your body, the fruit of your ground, the fruit of your animals, the increase of your livestock, and the young of your flock. Your basket and your kneading trough shall be blessed. You shall be blessed when you come in, and you shall be blessed when you go out. Yahweh will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be struck before you. They will come out against you one way, and will flee before you seven ways. Yahweh will command the blessing on you in your barns, and in all that you put your hand to; and he will bless you in the land which Yahweh your God gives you. Yahweh will establish you for a holy people to himself, as he has sworn to you; if you shall keep the commandments of Yahweh your God, and walk in his ways. All the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of Yahweh; and they shall be afraid of you. Yahweh will make you plenteous for good, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, in the land which Yahweh swore to your fathers to give you. Yahweh will open to you his good treasure in the sky, to give the rain of your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand: and you shall lend to many nations, and you shall not borrow. Yahweh will make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath; if you shall listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God, which I command you this day, to observe and to do [them], and shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.”
WOW! I tried to highlight all of them but came so close to highlighting the entire 14 verses that I did leave a few out. But you can see here are plenty of promises there which you will be able to “get from” listening diligently to Yahweh.
Throughout scripture there are even examples of when his people went astray and He removed his blessings from them. For example, in the book of Judges, we can see examples of the people being faithful and blessed, but we also see when they wander off from His teachings and commandments. When they do this, they are repeatedly left to the will and wishes of those enemies that came against them.
A great example of this is Judges 2:18-21 WEB, “When Yahweh raised them up judges, then Yahweh was with the judge and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it grieved Yahweh because of their groaning by reason of those who oppressed them and troubled them. But it happened, when the judge was dead, that they turned back, and dealt more corruptly than their fathers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down to them; they didn't cease from their doings, nor from their stubborn way. The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel; and he said, "Because this nation have transgressed my covenant which I commanded their fathers and have not listened to my voice; I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations that Joshua left when he died;”
So, you see, Yahweh makes promises that are often contingent upon us following his commandments. Tzitzit, though, is not one of those specifically listed as a commandment with a promise. The Book Of Numbers does not say you will “get” anything from wearing tzitzit, and in fact, merely says to wear them so that we remember His commandments, and to teach them throughout your generations.
Can you get something from wearing tzitzit? Yes, and you can tell this from the verses shared from Deuteronomy 28. Tzitzit are a commandment which are used as a reminder of all His other commandments, and if we remember them, we are likely to follow them. When we listen to Yahweh and follow his commandments, there are promises that we can receive with this obedience and diligence. If you are not getting something from remembering and following His commandments, it might be time for a spiritual check-up to see what you are missing.
That being said, here are some thought-provoking questions to ask yourselves:
~Should we follow the commandment for tzitzit with an entitlement attitude that we will be given something specific in return? ~Should we approach them with an attitude of “I will follow this but what do I get for it, Yahweh?” Do you love your children only to get something out of it? Should we love God only to “get something out of it?” Would that be an attitude of true love or one of self-centeredness? Which would be the right path to take?
Reason 2 - “Men, especially Jewish men, get upset when I wear them because tzitzit are not for women.” I would hope that after reading all the evidence presented to you in this ebook, that you are now ready to make a more educated decision on who can and cannot wear tzitzit. I would pray that you would now feel comfortable enough with your knowledge in the truth regarding the tzitzit that you will be able to defend your choice to follow Yahweh’s commandments.
I would like to suggest, too, that this might be a good time to do a personal check-up of your spirituality. What other commandments are you not following because people will get upset with you, or because it’s too “embarrassing" for you?
Aside from being women, there is also the case where certain Jews will say that NONE of the commandments are for “you”, man or woman because you are the goyim (gentile). “You” are only to follow the Noachide Laws, which are the Seven Laws of Noah. It is taught that you will be a righteous gentile if you obey just those laws and that the balance of Yahweh’s commandments are not for you to follow. Yet in the last days, Jew and Gentile are to be one in Messiah, grafted in together to the Olive Tree.
So, some will ask you, “why are you following ANY of the commandments from the Torah or why are you mentioning God’s name? All of these are for the Jews, not Gentiles.” You can’t base your life on trying not to offend, or trying to please Jewish people because your job is not to make them pleased. It is prophesied we are to provoke them to “jealousy” because we are embracing Torah and Messiah, just as Yahweh would like for them to do (Romans 11:13-14). This is one of the reasons the former gentiles are grafted into the tree of Israel.
Women who wear tzitzit will hopefully provoke the Jewish people into jealousy, not out of pride for doing so, but prayerfully, to get them to re-examine their own traditions from a scriptural perspective. Our prayer should always be that this is not so they can go further into their man-made traditions and teachings, but to encourage them to re-embrace the Torah correctly and to fully embrace Messiah, after giving up their man-made traditions.
Reason 3 - “My husband wears tzitzit, so I don’t need to.” This would be akin to saying, “My husband follows the Ten Commandments so I don’t need to." Or “My husband eats clean meats, so I don’t need to." This might seem silly for a moment but how about the one that might get many women’s attention: My husband abides by the “thou shalt not commit adultery" commandment so I don’t need to. Would you commit adultery just because your husband remains faithful?
Right now someone is probably saying, “That sounds ridiculous!” You might even believe tzitzit isn’t even a fair comparison to adultery,
but are you sure?
Ask yourself, would you even consider saying, “I don’t have to follow a certain commandment because someone else does it for me?" Insert any commandment you want in there: Gossip, lying, cheating, stealing, murder. Wouldn’t that be the same as saying, “So go ahead! Gossip, lie, cheat, steal, murder, commit adultery all you want! Because someone else is following the commandments for you!” And yet, even Jesus' example shows his teaching of "go and sin no more" (John 8:11).
It is our heartfelt prayer that you would not believe those things. We would hope that you would see how wrong it is, yet some women don’t think twice about using this very excuse when it comes to the commandment for tzitzit. There are women who will actually say: “I don’t need to, because someone else does it for me" about tzitzit – a commandment from Yahweh, while at the same time burdening themselves with over-whelming man-made rules and traditions that they feel obligated to follow, such as head-coverings. This elevates men and their decisions above Yahweh.
Oddly, this is the same flawed argument that many denominations give when they say, “Jesus did it all, so I don’t have to.” Do you really want to go down that road? Think about it, what will you say to Yahweh in the end, when you are before him in judgment? “But Yahweh, my husband obeyed all those commandments, so I didn’t have to!!!” Do you really want to test that excuse and see how it works with Abba? Or in doing so do you run the risk of hearing those painful words from Matthew 7:23 KJV, “Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness.”
Reason 4 - “I don’t want to be a stumbling block for others, so I don’t wear them.” You could use this excuse for any of Yahweh’s commands if you put your mind to it. You could say, “I don’t want to honor the feast days because I don’t want to be a stumbling block for those who don’t observe them." Or how about the Sabbath (Shabbat), could you imagine yourself saying, “I can’t follow the Sabbath because all my family doesn’t honor the Sabbath, and I don’t want to be a stumbling block for them.” Where will you draw the line with your principle? You will need to decide at which commandment from Yahweh you stop saying “I don’t want to obey this commandment or that commandment because I don’t want to be a stumbling block for others.”
When it is put into that perspective, are you starting to see the pattern of excuses and the slippery slope? It is more common to see people willing to follow the “important” commandments or the most well-known ones, like love your neighbor, the Ten Commandments, or even Feast days and Shabbat, but it is also common to see some who just don’t see tzitzit as a commandment with any validity, value, or importance.
Wouldn’t it have more influence on those who question you if you are a statement of righteousness by obeying all His commandments we are scripturally capable of following?
A practical example might be when you are a woman wearing tzitzit, and you walk into a room full of men who believe you should not be wearing them. They may question you, and claim you are disobeying Yahweh. You now will be able to refute what they say and defend yourself. Prepare yourself in advance so that you are comfortable with your knowledge - Read, study, and be able to defend your responsibility to follow Yahweh’s commandments and your scriptural right to wear them. If someone continues to say you cannot wear them, ask them to show you where in scripture and why women are forbidden.
With the information we have already covered, you will hopefully be knowledgeable enough to state His truths on the subject. If it is new information not covered in this e-book or something you are unfamiliar with, simply thank them for the information and tell them you will study it. You can also stress that for now you intend to stand by what you have studied yourself, which you believe is in proper obedience to Yahweh.
Make sure that you fully understand exactly what is meant, too, about being a stumbling block. Scriptural example to take into consideration can be found in Matthew 16:23 where Peter acted as a stumbling block to Yeshua - and Yeshua rebuked Satan because of Peter’s actions. Yeshua told Peter his thoughts were not of Yahweh, but of men. By not following the commandment to wear tzitzit, are you following the thoughts of Yahweh or the pressures of men? Where, then, is the stumbling block? Haven’t you just allowed those men to become YOUR stumbling block when they attempt influencing you to disobey the scriptures? Haven’t you also become their stumbling block by not sharing the scriptural truth? Irony.
Look at Matthew 18:7 “Wo to the world because of the temptations to sin.”
A person who is the stumbling block is the person who is tempting people to sin. In wearing your tzitzit, are you tempting someone to sin? Or are you obeying Yahweh and provoking them to follow His commandments correctly? These are things to seriously take into consideration while you study the scriptures and teachings that we have presented to you.
- Part Seven -
Is a Four Cornered Garment Required?
Although the purpose of this e-book is to address the topic of women wearing tzitzit, we know that the topic will also arise as to how to wear the tzitzit. Many believe that they must be worn on:
THE FOUR-CORNERED GARMENT
Whenever the Tzitzit is mentioned you will also have people that insert the need for a "four-cornered garment," to fulfill the command to wear Tzitzit. Their source text is the one verse found in Deuteronomy 22:12. However, does the Torah actually require a four-cornered garment for the Tzitzit? Let's analyze the Hebrew language in this verse and the customs to find the truth.
"Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself." (Deuteronomy 22:12 KJV).
The wording in this verse, “Vesture wherewith thou coverest,” uses the word in Hebrew: "kesuth"
This word in the sentence suggests an outer garment used as a covering that engulfed, wrapped around or spread over the body. An example we would like to bring up of something available today would be a Tzizit necklace or bracelet. By the scriptural description of something worn around the body, these would not qualify as a vesture/clothing (kesuth) as described in Deuteronomy.
"Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue" (Numbers 15:38) [NOTE: No mention of four corners]
Garments: (Hebrew) - "Beged" and it means a garment, robe, raiment, or clothing of any kind.
Jesus criticized the religious elders for wearing these long flowing robes and long Tzitzit attached to their robes because they tried to appear superior to the everyday person (Mark 12:38 and Luke 6:29).
Considering the words kesuth (Deuteronomy 22:12) and beged (Numbers 15:38), a likely conclusion would be that the tzitzit were placed on the edges of the outer garments. Just keep in mind that the majority of the people worked for a living so long flowing, loose-fitting ornate cloaks would have been impractical for the everyday working person.
Types of Ancient Dress:
. Ezor - A garment that went around the loins and tied with a belt. There is ancient artwork on the tombs of Seti I and the Medinet Habu temple, depicting what appears to be Hebrew people wearing Tzitzit (typically red and blue) type fringes, on an Ezor style garment. While the Ezor could be a rectangular four-cornered garment that wrapped around the loins, the location of the Tzitzit according to the ancient artwork shows the Tzitzit on areas other than the four outer corners of the garment. Some pieces of art even show what appears to be Tzitzit attached to the sash (belt) which encircles the body.
. Kethoneth - This is a linen undergarment (tunic) that replaced the ezor. It was close to the skin and similar to a modern t-shirt. The length typically went to the knees, but could have gone as low as the ankles. This garment was produced by taking a rectangular garment and folding it in half, and then sewing it closed leaving openings for the head and arms. There was another garment called a “sadhin” that could also have been worn as an undergarment with sleeves and worn under the kethoneth. This could be made to be a four-cornered garment, but because it was sewn on the sides, and holes for the head and arms, I doubt this was worn as a four-cornered garment.
. Simlah and the meil - An outer garment of either wool or linen, but never mixed (Deuteronomy 22:11). The simlah had an open front and openings for the arms. The garment could also be folded to carry items. The meil was a cloak made of a costly material that the upper class would typically wear in lieu of the simlah. The meil also had sleeves. This garment was designed like a cloak and later became a much more flowing garment similar to the garments found in Greece.
If you look at fashion from the period of the Exodus until the second temple destruction you will find very few if any “four-cornered garments”. From the rebuilding of the temple (Exodus from Babylon) until the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D., you will again find few “four-cornered garments” among the working class, but there are some ornate, four corner, style garments with fringes among the upper class, elders and priests. Is this what the Kingdom of God is all about? Would Yahweh command that only the rich are able to follow Torah? Of course not. The Kingdom of God is not about respecting one person over another.
Today, our dress does not utilize a cloak, or robe as they did in ancient times. Our outer garments consist of jackets, dresses, shirts, t-shirts, belts and pants that cover us. We could easily attach the Tzitzit to these garments, but the problem is how rabbinic tradition tells us we can't attach the Tzitzit to any garment other than a “four-cornered garment”. What do we do since most of our clothing is not designed as a four-cornered garment?
For the rabbi's, that means we need to have a specially made garment called a "Tallit Katan" so that Tzitzit can be attached and worn. Does Torah really require a four-cornered garment for the Tzitzit?
Deuteronomy 22:12 - is the only scripture that states: "four quarters" which is (arba - four) + (kanaph - wings, extremity), and that chapter is not specifically talking about the Tzitzit, but simply listing various commandments for the Children of Israel to remember.
To clarify, Here are other examples of how the word "kanaph," used in Deuteronomy 22, is used in other scriptures to describe garments:
"If one bear holy flesh in the skirt [fold] of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No." (Haggai 2:12 KJV)
Here kanaph is translated as a skirt that can be folded. This means kanaph is not just the corner of the garment as some do believe. While not impossible to fold just a corner of a garment to carry meat, it would be very difficult for someone to carry meat solely in the corner of their garments. Rabbi's will have us believe that "kanaph" only refers to corners. However, Haggai 2:12 would suggest that a person lifted up the “outer edges” [kanaph] of their full garment and folded the garment to create a pocket sufficient to carry something.
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." (Ruth 3:9 KJV)
Here Ruth was asking to be covered by the skirt (kanaph) of Boaz, which was a symbol of marriage (Deuteronomy 22:30 and Ezekiel 22:30). This again shows that kanaph means more than just the small corner of a garment. Ruth wanted Boaz to extend his garment outward like a wing and wrap, or hug her not just hand her a small corner of his garment. This shows that kanaph means the extended part of our garment or outer circumference of what we wear.
Another scripture related to clothing:
"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt (kanaph) of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you." (Zechariah 8:23 KJV).
Here kanaph is again translated as a skirt worn on the outside for men to "take hold." Many say this passage is a prophecy for the end times and relates to those who are searching for answers seeking out the Torah observant. First, the people need to identify you as Torah observant, by noticing your Tzitzit and finally your Tzitzit must be on the outer portion of your clothes. NOT HIDDEN TZITZIT.
As with the above-listed passages, kanaph is also translated "skirt" in all of the following passages: Deuteronomy 27:20; 1 Samuel 15:27, 24:5; Jeremiah 2:34; and Ezekiel 5:3.
Since the scriptures use kanaph as a skirt, should we now wear four skirts in order to follow Deuteronomy 22:12? Of course not, but there are so many that use this logic to demand obedience to the other definition of kanaph (corner), and use the definition of a corner to demand a four-cornered garment.
What is the biblical definition of a "skirt" - Kanaph? A skirt would be the extremities, the outer areas, the border, the edge of our clothes. This also relates to the concept of a wing that is stretched outward, which is what the word kanaph also represents. Corners are typically on the outer portions of your clothing, but the term “skirt" is not an exclusive definition of corners since it means any border of a garment.
Let’s look at other scriptural references to get an even clearer understanding of the word “Kanaph.”
Other examples of kanaph used in scriptures:
"From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous." (Isaiah 24:16 KJV)
"...unto the ends of the earth." (Job 37:3 KJV)
"And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." (Isaiah 11:12 KJV)
"Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land." (Ezekiel 7:2 KJV)
"And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate" (Daniel 9:27 KJV)
Here we see that the word kanaph means to thrust outward, go to the extremities, or outer edges, regions. We even see that the "four corners of the earth" or “four corners of the land" do not mean the literal four corners, but describe the outer extremities of the earth and land. Therefore, should we continue to consider the "four corners of our garments" to mean a literal four-cornered garment in order to attach the Tzitzit?
Answer: We conclude there is NO requirement to wear a four-cornered garment based on these scriptural references. Even in Numbers 15:38 the word "kanaph" is used to instruct us where to place the Tzitzit, but there is no mention at all of a FOUR (Arba) CORNER (kanaph) GARMENT. However, Tzitzit is mentioned in both Numbers 15:38 and Deuteronomy 22:12, which tells me the emphasis is on wearing the Tzitzit with a cord of blue and not the type of garment one should wear the Tzitzit on.
In my opinion, the added description "four corners" in Deuteronomy is to make sure the Tzitzit are on the outer edges of our clothing, at four locations and not bunched up at one location on our clothing, or worn in the center of the clothing. So, why four? Because as we can see in Isaiah 11:12 and Ezekiel 7:2, the four points represents the extremities, or going outward like the points of a compass (North, South, East and West) so that the Tzitzit would circumscribe the garment. However, this doesn't require a specific four-cornered garment to accomplish. Attaching the Tzitzit to four points of a belt, shirt, jacket or another modern garment would also fulfill the command as much as wearing a Tallit would.
Here is something to think about:
Rabbi's will insist that all four-cornered garments must have a Tzitzit and that only a four-cornered garment qualifies for wearing of Tzitzit. If this is true, then why it is that Yahweh did not require four Tzitzits on the four-cornered (Exodus 39:4) Ephod worn as a covering for the high priest? What about the priest who also wore a linen Ephod (1 Samuel 22:18)? Why no Tzitzit?
However, the high priest did have cords of blue strung from the breastplate to his sash (belt) [Exodus 28:28], worn around his waist on the outside of the ephod, not the four-cornered garment itself. The priestly garment was a holy garment (Exodus 28:2) and it flourished with the same color blue that the nation of Israel wore on their Tzitzit, which linked the priesthood to the people and showing them they truly are a “Kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6).
The problem for modern rabbis is that having no Tzitzit on the four-cornered ephod of the priest conflicts with the absolutes that every four-cornered garment must have Tzitzit.
Here is another thing to think about:
Tradition demands Tzitzit be worn on every four-cornered garment and if fashion customs change the rabbi's demand a four corner garment must be made for the Tzitzit and worn as a t-shirt (tallit katan). They also demand during prayer that a tallit is worn. However, the tallit worn today is not necessarily from ancient origins, but more of a rabbinic invention from the middle ages.
While we may think it has ancient origins, the Rabbi’s readily admit they invented the modern tallit, because they wanted people to wear four-cornered garments based on their interpretation of Deuteronomy 22:12. I have no doubts that there are mantles and robes that are similar to the modern tallit in ancient times, and I believe the tallit is a beautiful way to identify as Torah people. However, it should never be taught to be the only garment a Tzitzit is permitted to be attached to. Furthermore, we should never be legalistic about the use of the tallit demanding that people wear one or use it for prayer. Especially, knowing the tallit and tallit katan is an invention of the middle and modern ages.
The Key to it all:
Yahweh has given us a beautiful gift in the Tzitzit. The Tzitzit is a daily reminder that we are to follow Yahweh’s teachings (Torah), make His commands part of our life, and see Yeshua (Jesus) in the Tzitzit. How is Yeshua (Jesus) in the Tzitzit? The blue cord could remind us that through Yeshua (Jesus) God fulfilled His desire and plan to make us “chosen people” a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).
This is why we need to wear the Tzitzit (make it visible) and share (teach) the message of the Tzitzit so that we can point the world to Yeshua (Jesus). With the Tzitzit, we can show the love God has for His people and His desire for us to live as a holy, kingly, priesthood by giving us His teachings (Torah) and exceedingly great and precious promises.
Put the emphasis on the Tzitzit, because it’s the Tzitzit which points to the Messiah, not the four-cornered garment. Wear the Tzitzit and evangelize with the Tzitzit. The Tzitzit is your sign to the world that you follow Torah.
THE FOUR-CORNERED GARMENT
Whenever the Tzitzit is mentioned you will also have people that insert the need for a "four-cornered garment," to fulfill the command to wear Tzitzit. Their source text is the one verse found in Deuteronomy 22:12. However, does the Torah actually require a four-cornered garment for the Tzitzit? Let's analyze the Hebrew language in this verse and the customs to find the truth.
"Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself." (Deuteronomy 22:12 KJV).
The wording in this verse, “Vesture wherewith thou coverest,” uses the word in Hebrew: "kesuth"
This word in the sentence suggests an outer garment used as a covering that engulfed, wrapped around or spread over the body. An example we would like to bring up of something available today would be a Tzizit necklace or bracelet. By the scriptural description of something worn around the body, these would not qualify as a vesture/clothing (kesuth) as described in Deuteronomy.
"Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue" (Numbers 15:38) [NOTE: No mention of four corners]
Garments: (Hebrew) - "Beged" and it means a garment, robe, raiment, or clothing of any kind.
Jesus criticized the religious elders for wearing these long flowing robes and long Tzitzit attached to their robes because they tried to appear superior to the everyday person (Mark 12:38 and Luke 6:29).
Considering the words kesuth (Deuteronomy 22:12) and beged (Numbers 15:38), a likely conclusion would be that the tzitzit were placed on the edges of the outer garments. Just keep in mind that the majority of the people worked for a living so long flowing, loose-fitting ornate cloaks would have been impractical for the everyday working person.
Types of Ancient Dress:
. Ezor - A garment that went around the loins and tied with a belt. There is ancient artwork on the tombs of Seti I and the Medinet Habu temple, depicting what appears to be Hebrew people wearing Tzitzit (typically red and blue) type fringes, on an Ezor style garment. While the Ezor could be a rectangular four-cornered garment that wrapped around the loins, the location of the Tzitzit according to the ancient artwork shows the Tzitzit on areas other than the four outer corners of the garment. Some pieces of art even show what appears to be Tzitzit attached to the sash (belt) which encircles the body.
. Kethoneth - This is a linen undergarment (tunic) that replaced the ezor. It was close to the skin and similar to a modern t-shirt. The length typically went to the knees, but could have gone as low as the ankles. This garment was produced by taking a rectangular garment and folding it in half, and then sewing it closed leaving openings for the head and arms. There was another garment called a “sadhin” that could also have been worn as an undergarment with sleeves and worn under the kethoneth. This could be made to be a four-cornered garment, but because it was sewn on the sides, and holes for the head and arms, I doubt this was worn as a four-cornered garment.
. Simlah and the meil - An outer garment of either wool or linen, but never mixed (Deuteronomy 22:11). The simlah had an open front and openings for the arms. The garment could also be folded to carry items. The meil was a cloak made of a costly material that the upper class would typically wear in lieu of the simlah. The meil also had sleeves. This garment was designed like a cloak and later became a much more flowing garment similar to the garments found in Greece.
If you look at fashion from the period of the Exodus until the second temple destruction you will find very few if any “four-cornered garments”. From the rebuilding of the temple (Exodus from Babylon) until the destruction of the temple in 70 A.D., you will again find few “four-cornered garments” among the working class, but there are some ornate, four corner, style garments with fringes among the upper class, elders and priests. Is this what the Kingdom of God is all about? Would Yahweh command that only the rich are able to follow Torah? Of course not. The Kingdom of God is not about respecting one person over another.
Today, our dress does not utilize a cloak, or robe as they did in ancient times. Our outer garments consist of jackets, dresses, shirts, t-shirts, belts and pants that cover us. We could easily attach the Tzitzit to these garments, but the problem is how rabbinic tradition tells us we can't attach the Tzitzit to any garment other than a “four-cornered garment”. What do we do since most of our clothing is not designed as a four-cornered garment?
For the rabbi's, that means we need to have a specially made garment called a "Tallit Katan" so that Tzitzit can be attached and worn. Does Torah really require a four-cornered garment for the Tzitzit?
Deuteronomy 22:12 - is the only scripture that states: "four quarters" which is (arba - four) + (kanaph - wings, extremity), and that chapter is not specifically talking about the Tzitzit, but simply listing various commandments for the Children of Israel to remember.
To clarify, Here are other examples of how the word "kanaph," used in Deuteronomy 22, is used in other scriptures to describe garments:
"If one bear holy flesh in the skirt [fold] of his garment, and with his skirt do touch bread, or pottage, or wine, or oil, or any meat, shall it be holy? And the priests answered and said, No." (Haggai 2:12 KJV)
Here kanaph is translated as a skirt that can be folded. This means kanaph is not just the corner of the garment as some do believe. While not impossible to fold just a corner of a garment to carry meat, it would be very difficult for someone to carry meat solely in the corner of their garments. Rabbi's will have us believe that "kanaph" only refers to corners. However, Haggai 2:12 would suggest that a person lifted up the “outer edges” [kanaph] of their full garment and folded the garment to create a pocket sufficient to carry something.
"And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman." (Ruth 3:9 KJV)
Here Ruth was asking to be covered by the skirt (kanaph) of Boaz, which was a symbol of marriage (Deuteronomy 22:30 and Ezekiel 22:30). This again shows that kanaph means more than just the small corner of a garment. Ruth wanted Boaz to extend his garment outward like a wing and wrap, or hug her not just hand her a small corner of his garment. This shows that kanaph means the extended part of our garment or outer circumference of what we wear.
Another scripture related to clothing:
"Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt (kanaph) of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you." (Zechariah 8:23 KJV).
Here kanaph is again translated as a skirt worn on the outside for men to "take hold." Many say this passage is a prophecy for the end times and relates to those who are searching for answers seeking out the Torah observant. First, the people need to identify you as Torah observant, by noticing your Tzitzit and finally your Tzitzit must be on the outer portion of your clothes. NOT HIDDEN TZITZIT.
As with the above-listed passages, kanaph is also translated "skirt" in all of the following passages: Deuteronomy 27:20; 1 Samuel 15:27, 24:5; Jeremiah 2:34; and Ezekiel 5:3.
Since the scriptures use kanaph as a skirt, should we now wear four skirts in order to follow Deuteronomy 22:12? Of course not, but there are so many that use this logic to demand obedience to the other definition of kanaph (corner), and use the definition of a corner to demand a four-cornered garment.
What is the biblical definition of a "skirt" - Kanaph? A skirt would be the extremities, the outer areas, the border, the edge of our clothes. This also relates to the concept of a wing that is stretched outward, which is what the word kanaph also represents. Corners are typically on the outer portions of your clothing, but the term “skirt" is not an exclusive definition of corners since it means any border of a garment.
Let’s look at other scriptural references to get an even clearer understanding of the word “Kanaph.”
Other examples of kanaph used in scriptures:
"From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs, even glory to the righteous." (Isaiah 24:16 KJV)
"...unto the ends of the earth." (Job 37:3 KJV)
"And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth." (Isaiah 11:12 KJV)
"Also, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD unto the land of Israel; An end, the end is come upon the four corners of the land." (Ezekiel 7:2 KJV)
"And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate" (Daniel 9:27 KJV)
Here we see that the word kanaph means to thrust outward, go to the extremities, or outer edges, regions. We even see that the "four corners of the earth" or “four corners of the land" do not mean the literal four corners, but describe the outer extremities of the earth and land. Therefore, should we continue to consider the "four corners of our garments" to mean a literal four-cornered garment in order to attach the Tzitzit?
Answer: We conclude there is NO requirement to wear a four-cornered garment based on these scriptural references. Even in Numbers 15:38 the word "kanaph" is used to instruct us where to place the Tzitzit, but there is no mention at all of a FOUR (Arba) CORNER (kanaph) GARMENT. However, Tzitzit is mentioned in both Numbers 15:38 and Deuteronomy 22:12, which tells me the emphasis is on wearing the Tzitzit with a cord of blue and not the type of garment one should wear the Tzitzit on.
In my opinion, the added description "four corners" in Deuteronomy is to make sure the Tzitzit are on the outer edges of our clothing, at four locations and not bunched up at one location on our clothing, or worn in the center of the clothing. So, why four? Because as we can see in Isaiah 11:12 and Ezekiel 7:2, the four points represents the extremities, or going outward like the points of a compass (North, South, East and West) so that the Tzitzit would circumscribe the garment. However, this doesn't require a specific four-cornered garment to accomplish. Attaching the Tzitzit to four points of a belt, shirt, jacket or another modern garment would also fulfill the command as much as wearing a Tallit would.
Here is something to think about:
Rabbi's will insist that all four-cornered garments must have a Tzitzit and that only a four-cornered garment qualifies for wearing of Tzitzit. If this is true, then why it is that Yahweh did not require four Tzitzits on the four-cornered (Exodus 39:4) Ephod worn as a covering for the high priest? What about the priest who also wore a linen Ephod (1 Samuel 22:18)? Why no Tzitzit?
However, the high priest did have cords of blue strung from the breastplate to his sash (belt) [Exodus 28:28], worn around his waist on the outside of the ephod, not the four-cornered garment itself. The priestly garment was a holy garment (Exodus 28:2) and it flourished with the same color blue that the nation of Israel wore on their Tzitzit, which linked the priesthood to the people and showing them they truly are a “Kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6).
The problem for modern rabbis is that having no Tzitzit on the four-cornered ephod of the priest conflicts with the absolutes that every four-cornered garment must have Tzitzit.
Here is another thing to think about:
Tradition demands Tzitzit be worn on every four-cornered garment and if fashion customs change the rabbi's demand a four corner garment must be made for the Tzitzit and worn as a t-shirt (tallit katan). They also demand during prayer that a tallit is worn. However, the tallit worn today is not necessarily from ancient origins, but more of a rabbinic invention from the middle ages.
While we may think it has ancient origins, the Rabbi’s readily admit they invented the modern tallit, because they wanted people to wear four-cornered garments based on their interpretation of Deuteronomy 22:12. I have no doubts that there are mantles and robes that are similar to the modern tallit in ancient times, and I believe the tallit is a beautiful way to identify as Torah people. However, it should never be taught to be the only garment a Tzitzit is permitted to be attached to. Furthermore, we should never be legalistic about the use of the tallit demanding that people wear one or use it for prayer. Especially, knowing the tallit and tallit katan is an invention of the middle and modern ages.
The Key to it all:
Yahweh has given us a beautiful gift in the Tzitzit. The Tzitzit is a daily reminder that we are to follow Yahweh’s teachings (Torah), make His commands part of our life, and see Yeshua (Jesus) in the Tzitzit. How is Yeshua (Jesus) in the Tzitzit? The blue cord could remind us that through Yeshua (Jesus) God fulfilled His desire and plan to make us “chosen people” a “royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9).
This is why we need to wear the Tzitzit (make it visible) and share (teach) the message of the Tzitzit so that we can point the world to Yeshua (Jesus). With the Tzitzit, we can show the love God has for His people and His desire for us to live as a holy, kingly, priesthood by giving us His teachings (Torah) and exceedingly great and precious promises.
Put the emphasis on the Tzitzit, because it’s the Tzitzit which points to the Messiah, not the four-cornered garment. Wear the Tzitzit and evangelize with the Tzitzit. The Tzitzit is your sign to the world that you follow Torah.
- Conclusion -
This is the part where I often feel a little defensive because after reading everything presented, inevitably, this is where someone will attack the ministry for being “anti" something because we will teach against man-made traditions. Let this be said clearly: we are simply anti-manmade tradition. It can be ANYONE’s man-made traditions. Therefore, if we speak against man-made dogma, or teachings, we are aware we will often be accused of being anti-somebody. I guess you could say we are just anti-indoctrination by the people that have the wrong doctrine.
Tradition can be a good thing, and some traditions are fun. They can have emotional connections, and can be a wonderful part of our memories and families as we carry on life's beautiful moments or experiences from our great-grandparents, grandparents, parents and evenpass them on to our own children. A family reunion or weekly dinner at Gramma’s are examples of these kinds of traditions. Where tradition becomes a problem is when it is attached to the Word of Yahweh, made a requirement or commandment when it is not one, or when we make that tradition something that must be worshipped and idolized. This last one might be the worst of the three because it clearly violates commandments and elevates the items above God.
We discuss some tough topics that often make waves with those people who still want to cling to man’s teachings, and who are not willing to commit to following Yahweh’s teachings and commands. It is our heartfelt prayer that all will be able to put aside their personal feelings and simply address tzitzit from the scriptural basis with which it has been presented. If women still feel that they should not wear tzitzit, I would hope they would ask themselves the questions we presented throughout the book, and then pray diligently for an answer.
What other commands will you pick and choose to follow or not follow? Shabbat, clean foods, feast days? When you say some should and some shouldn’t wear tzitzit you are opening the opportunity to pick and choose, or “cherry pick” which commandments to follow and which not to follow. This can be fluid and flexible based on whatever reason we choose on any given day. Are you willing to tell other women that they don’t need to follow Yahweh’s commandments? Are you going to teach your children that women are exempt from certain commandments based on traditions that were created by men? Will you accept the responsibility for teaching them those excuses?
The commandment says tzitzit are to remind us of Yahweh’s commands. Are you now saying that women don’t NEED to be reminded of His commandments? Have women reached a level of perfection or holiness that would imply that they are beyond the need of being reminded to not commit adultery? To not be reminded to honor their parents, especially as those parents become elderly? To not have any other gods before Yahweh?? To not be reminded about lying, cheating, stealing, or any of Yahweh’s other commandments? There is still so much more that needs to be learned, especially since so much has been changed, mistranslated, or misread over the centuries.
Some will still get creative with justification by still saying things like we quoted earlier, “It’s okay. I don’t need to wear tzitzit because I can just look at my husband’s to remind me of the commandments.” But will you always be in the presence of your husband’s tzitzit? No, you will not. How will your husband’s tzitzit remind you to keep working toward the holiness Yahweh wishes for you to achieve?
Women can be easily led astray in these modern times with television, romance novels, magazines, and even social media. We were warned of this in 2 Timothy 3:6 WEB “For some of these are people who creep into houses, and take captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, . .” This shows that women are vulnerable and are not exempt from the sins and temptations of these modern times. Shouldn’t this serve as a warning to them? Shouldn’t they desire and seek after the blessing of looking upon their own tzitzit to remind them to stay right and true to the commandments of Yahweh?
It’s pretty simple:
Tzitzit are a commandment. All the children of Israel should follow Yahweh’s commandments. Women are of the children of Israel. Therefore, women are allowed to wear tzitzit. No excuses.
Now, go, make or buy your tassels, remember Yahweh’s commandments, and be an example to others.
Blessings and Shalom!!!!
Resources:
(1) 30 snails to create one set of Tekhelet strings for tzitzit
http://tekhelet.com/program/faq/
(2) “According to the historian B. Caseau, "10,000 shellfish would produce 1 gram of dyestuff, and that would only dye the hem of a garment in a deep colour" (Bagnall, 5673). These numbers are supported by the quantity of discarded shells which, at Sidon for example, created a mountain 40 metres high. Such figures also explain why the dye was worth more than its weight in gold.” https://www.ancient.eu/Tyrian_Purple/
(3) “. . .in one of the Roman price edicts of 301 AD, one pound of purple dye is valued at 150,000 denarii or 3 lbs of gold, which comes at around a whopping $19,000 in present-day value. Additionally, a pound of pre-dyed wool was equal to the cost of one pound of gold."
https://www.realmofhistory.com/2017/07/06/6-most-expensive-products-facts-ancient/
Tradition can be a good thing, and some traditions are fun. They can have emotional connections, and can be a wonderful part of our memories and families as we carry on life's beautiful moments or experiences from our great-grandparents, grandparents, parents and evenpass them on to our own children. A family reunion or weekly dinner at Gramma’s are examples of these kinds of traditions. Where tradition becomes a problem is when it is attached to the Word of Yahweh, made a requirement or commandment when it is not one, or when we make that tradition something that must be worshipped and idolized. This last one might be the worst of the three because it clearly violates commandments and elevates the items above God.
We discuss some tough topics that often make waves with those people who still want to cling to man’s teachings, and who are not willing to commit to following Yahweh’s teachings and commands. It is our heartfelt prayer that all will be able to put aside their personal feelings and simply address tzitzit from the scriptural basis with which it has been presented. If women still feel that they should not wear tzitzit, I would hope they would ask themselves the questions we presented throughout the book, and then pray diligently for an answer.
What other commands will you pick and choose to follow or not follow? Shabbat, clean foods, feast days? When you say some should and some shouldn’t wear tzitzit you are opening the opportunity to pick and choose, or “cherry pick” which commandments to follow and which not to follow. This can be fluid and flexible based on whatever reason we choose on any given day. Are you willing to tell other women that they don’t need to follow Yahweh’s commandments? Are you going to teach your children that women are exempt from certain commandments based on traditions that were created by men? Will you accept the responsibility for teaching them those excuses?
The commandment says tzitzit are to remind us of Yahweh’s commands. Are you now saying that women don’t NEED to be reminded of His commandments? Have women reached a level of perfection or holiness that would imply that they are beyond the need of being reminded to not commit adultery? To not be reminded to honor their parents, especially as those parents become elderly? To not have any other gods before Yahweh?? To not be reminded about lying, cheating, stealing, or any of Yahweh’s other commandments? There is still so much more that needs to be learned, especially since so much has been changed, mistranslated, or misread over the centuries.
Some will still get creative with justification by still saying things like we quoted earlier, “It’s okay. I don’t need to wear tzitzit because I can just look at my husband’s to remind me of the commandments.” But will you always be in the presence of your husband’s tzitzit? No, you will not. How will your husband’s tzitzit remind you to keep working toward the holiness Yahweh wishes for you to achieve?
Women can be easily led astray in these modern times with television, romance novels, magazines, and even social media. We were warned of this in 2 Timothy 3:6 WEB “For some of these are people who creep into houses, and take captive gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, . .” This shows that women are vulnerable and are not exempt from the sins and temptations of these modern times. Shouldn’t this serve as a warning to them? Shouldn’t they desire and seek after the blessing of looking upon their own tzitzit to remind them to stay right and true to the commandments of Yahweh?
It’s pretty simple:
Tzitzit are a commandment. All the children of Israel should follow Yahweh’s commandments. Women are of the children of Israel. Therefore, women are allowed to wear tzitzit. No excuses.
Now, go, make or buy your tassels, remember Yahweh’s commandments, and be an example to others.
Blessings and Shalom!!!!
Resources:
(1) 30 snails to create one set of Tekhelet strings for tzitzit
http://tekhelet.com/program/faq/
(2) “According to the historian B. Caseau, "10,000 shellfish would produce 1 gram of dyestuff, and that would only dye the hem of a garment in a deep colour" (Bagnall, 5673). These numbers are supported by the quantity of discarded shells which, at Sidon for example, created a mountain 40 metres high. Such figures also explain why the dye was worth more than its weight in gold.” https://www.ancient.eu/Tyrian_Purple/
(3) “. . .in one of the Roman price edicts of 301 AD, one pound of purple dye is valued at 150,000 denarii or 3 lbs of gold, which comes at around a whopping $19,000 in present-day value. Additionally, a pound of pre-dyed wool was equal to the cost of one pound of gold."
https://www.realmofhistory.com/2017/07/06/6-most-expensive-products-facts-ancient/
