Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make themselves fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue" (Numbers 15:38 WEB)
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"Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself" (Deuteronomy 22:12)
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"Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself" (Deuteronomy 22:12)
The Tzitzit Should Not be Complicated
The majority of the world’s tzitzit are tied in the Ashkenazi custom, with the next largest tzitzit custom being the Sephardic. However, it may surprise many that there are probably about another twenty tzitzit tying customs, such as the Karaite tying custom that is growing in popularity.
Is there one set way to tie a tzitzit?
No. The Torah only tells us the following:
1. Make tzitzit on the borders (edges) of your garments
2. Put on the tzitzit a ribbon (string) of blue
3. And it shall be a tzitzit that you can look upon to:
-- Remember ALL the commandments of God
-- Do them (the commandments)
-- Not seek after your own heart and your own eyes and go after the things you used to go whoring after.
-- That you remember to do ALL the commandments and be HOLY unto your God.
-- Do this throughout ALL the generations to come.
You can find these commands in Numbers 15:38-40 and Deuteronomy 22:12.
If anyone tells you that the tzitzit has to be tied one way and one way only, it must have the dye of a snail for the blue, or any other regulation or dogma, then you remind that person of Deuteronomy 4:2, which states:
“Ye shall not ADD unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye DIMINISH ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”
However, you will find rabbinic rules and regulations that claim they are interpreting the scriptures, but are basically violating Deuteronomy 4:2, because they are adding additional requirements to the Torah.
This commandment was not meant to be complicated, it wasn’t meant to be micro analyzed and a burden to keep. Yet, the tendency of people with this mindset, who claim to be “teachers of the law” always do what they do best, which is to take the simplicity and beauty of the Torah and turn it into a burden that is complicated to keep. Please, don’t fall into the trap of allowing anyone to put their heavy yoke upon you.
“Desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor whereof they confidently affirm.” (1 Timothy 1:7 ASV)
Definition of a tzitzit according to scriptures: צִיצִת / צִיץ – A floral blossom, a wing like projection / extension, a lock of hair, (בְּצִיצִ֣ת) tassel, fringe[Numbers 15:38 and Ezekiel 8:3]. גְּדִלִים – Twisted threads, rope [similar to a cord onions would hang from] plaited locks [Deuteronomy 22:12].
Based on these scriptural descriptions this is why the tzitzit is braided, tied and knotted. However, there is no method of braiding or tying commanded.
BEWARE: There are certain customs (Gematria) that attach numeric values to Hebrew letters when tying the Tzitzit. This is a custom that is tied to Kabbalah a Jewish mystical numerology which the Torah condemns.
The key is that whatever custom or method of tzitzit tying you use, it should be something that helps or enhances your ability to follow the purpose of the tzitzit, which is a reminder of to follow God’s Torah (commandments) and know that you are to be holy.
Are Your Tzitzit Mixed with Mysticism?
The two most popular Tzitzit tying customs are the Ashkenazi and Sephardic customs. However, are these two customs mixing mysticism with the Torah? With these two Tzitzit tying methods, each twist of the string, knot, or number of strings represent a numeric value to a Hebrew letter.
In the Ashkenazi tying custom, the word "tzitzit" is calculated to equal 600 [Tzaddi = 90, Yod = 10, Tzaddi = 90, Yod = 10 and Tav = 400 which they calculate to be 600. They then add the number of strings (8) + knots on their tying method (5) to total 613, which they claim is the number of commandments in the Torah.
They also tie their tzizit using 7 + 8 + 11 = 26 to equal the tetragrammaton for the name of God using numeric equivalents to the YHWH [Y=10, H=5, W=6, H=5). The last twist of the blue thread is 13, which they claim has the numeric equivalent to echad "is one." Therefore, when you add it all together 7+8+11+13 = 39 [26 +13], they believe the number of twists of the blue string is declaring "YHWH is one."
The Sephardic Tzitzit custom is a little less complicated, but still assigns numeric value to Hebrew words and uses the number of twists of the blue string to spell out the name of God. 10 (Y) + 5 (H) + 6 (W) + (H) 5, or YHWH the tetragrammaton for the name of God.
The problem with this is that it's all based on "Gematria," which is also know as numerology, and is closely associated with Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism). Kabbalah has its origins in ancient Babylonian, Greek and other pagan influences. Kabbalah and its followers (Kabbalists) believe there are hidden codes in the Torah that must be deciphered by using numeric codes correlated with the Hebrew alphabet. Kabbalists also believe if they can decipher these codes they will gain hidden wisdom to release the powers of the universe and improve their destiny.
Here are a few websites you can obtain further information on Gematria.
CAUTION - some of these sites are sharing their belief in numerology and doing so in a positive light, because this is what they believe. Beware and use caution while matching everything they say against God's word which is the real truth.
TheMystica.org
Gematria Wikipedia
Peter's Gematria site
Gematria Encyclopedia.com
The scriptures tell us not to take the practices of the pagan and use their practices to worship Him.
"And that you not inquire after their gods, saying, "How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.You shall not do so to Yahweh your God: for every abomination to Yahweh, which he hates, have they done to their gods "(Deuteronomy 12:30-31 WEB)
"And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathenthat were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them." (2 Kings 17:15 KJV)
Therefore, how can anyone who loves God and follows the Torah want to mix the mysticism of Gematria to make their Tzitzit?
Many who follow the Torah will eagerly rebuke others for Christmas trees, Lent, Halloween, Easter or any number of false customs Christianity has assimilated into its worship of God. However, few in the Torah observance will blink an eye at the false traditions found in Judaism.
I have found that Judaism is equally influenced with paganism as is Christianity and both need to escape from Babylon and return to the pure word of God. I believe this is what Jesus has done when he destroyed the traditions and dogmas of men (Jew and Gentile) so they could come to together as "one new man." (Ephesians 2:15).
Now before you jump to conclusions and think I am denying numeric patterns in scripture, then let me explain that I do believe God uses a pattern to prove His hand in history. We can see the numbers 7, 40, 12 and 70 used often and each have a meaning and symbolism. Even colors and dates of events in the bible have a divine message, but this is far from the mystical numerology found in Gamatria.
Kabbalists believe they can see their past, present and future by reading the Torah and seeing the hidden codes in the scriptures, by assigning numeric values to the Hebrew letters. They believe certain words are good luck or have unique magical powers. The scriptures clearly tell us this is divination.
"There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire,one who uses divination, one who practices sorcery, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer,or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh: and because of these abominations Yahweh your God does drive them out from before you." (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
"It happened, as we were going to prayer, that a certain girl having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by fortune telling." (Acts 16:16 WEB)
Kabbalah defined
Numerology
People are free to choose what method of tying that they want with Tzitzit, but as for me, I will not mix such numerology into the design of my Tzitzit. I also doubt Yeshua (Jesus) would tie His Tzitzit based on numerology either.
In the Ashkenazi tying custom, the word "tzitzit" is calculated to equal 600 [Tzaddi = 90, Yod = 10, Tzaddi = 90, Yod = 10 and Tav = 400 which they calculate to be 600. They then add the number of strings (8) + knots on their tying method (5) to total 613, which they claim is the number of commandments in the Torah.
They also tie their tzizit using 7 + 8 + 11 = 26 to equal the tetragrammaton for the name of God using numeric equivalents to the YHWH [Y=10, H=5, W=6, H=5). The last twist of the blue thread is 13, which they claim has the numeric equivalent to echad "is one." Therefore, when you add it all together 7+8+11+13 = 39 [26 +13], they believe the number of twists of the blue string is declaring "YHWH is one."
The Sephardic Tzitzit custom is a little less complicated, but still assigns numeric value to Hebrew words and uses the number of twists of the blue string to spell out the name of God. 10 (Y) + 5 (H) + 6 (W) + (H) 5, or YHWH the tetragrammaton for the name of God.
The problem with this is that it's all based on "Gematria," which is also know as numerology, and is closely associated with Kabbalah (Jewish mysticism). Kabbalah has its origins in ancient Babylonian, Greek and other pagan influences. Kabbalah and its followers (Kabbalists) believe there are hidden codes in the Torah that must be deciphered by using numeric codes correlated with the Hebrew alphabet. Kabbalists also believe if they can decipher these codes they will gain hidden wisdom to release the powers of the universe and improve their destiny.
Here are a few websites you can obtain further information on Gematria.
CAUTION - some of these sites are sharing their belief in numerology and doing so in a positive light, because this is what they believe. Beware and use caution while matching everything they say against God's word which is the real truth.
TheMystica.org
Gematria Wikipedia
Peter's Gematria site
Gematria Encyclopedia.com
The scriptures tell us not to take the practices of the pagan and use their practices to worship Him.
"And that you not inquire after their gods, saying, "How do these nations serve their gods? I will do likewise.You shall not do so to Yahweh your God: for every abomination to Yahweh, which he hates, have they done to their gods "(Deuteronomy 12:30-31 WEB)
"And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathenthat were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them." (2 Kings 17:15 KJV)
Therefore, how can anyone who loves God and follows the Torah want to mix the mysticism of Gematria to make their Tzitzit?
Many who follow the Torah will eagerly rebuke others for Christmas trees, Lent, Halloween, Easter or any number of false customs Christianity has assimilated into its worship of God. However, few in the Torah observance will blink an eye at the false traditions found in Judaism.
I have found that Judaism is equally influenced with paganism as is Christianity and both need to escape from Babylon and return to the pure word of God. I believe this is what Jesus has done when he destroyed the traditions and dogmas of men (Jew and Gentile) so they could come to together as "one new man." (Ephesians 2:15).
Now before you jump to conclusions and think I am denying numeric patterns in scripture, then let me explain that I do believe God uses a pattern to prove His hand in history. We can see the numbers 7, 40, 12 and 70 used often and each have a meaning and symbolism. Even colors and dates of events in the bible have a divine message, but this is far from the mystical numerology found in Gamatria.
Kabbalists believe they can see their past, present and future by reading the Torah and seeing the hidden codes in the scriptures, by assigning numeric values to the Hebrew letters. They believe certain words are good luck or have unique magical powers. The scriptures clearly tell us this is divination.
"There shall not be found with you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire,one who uses divination, one who practices sorcery, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer,or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh: and because of these abominations Yahweh your God does drive them out from before you." (Deuteronomy 18:10-12)
"It happened, as we were going to prayer, that a certain girl having a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by fortune telling." (Acts 16:16 WEB)
Kabbalah defined
Numerology
People are free to choose what method of tying that they want with Tzitzit, but as for me, I will not mix such numerology into the design of my Tzitzit. I also doubt Yeshua (Jesus) would tie His Tzitzit based on numerology either.
Is a Four Cornered Garment Really Required?
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 Deuteronomy 22:12. Does the Torah really require a four cornered garment for the tzitzit? Let's analyze the Hebrew language and 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).
“Vesture wherewith thou coverest”: (Hebrew) - "kesuth" this suggests an outer garment used as a covering, or garment, that engulfed, or spread over. This would mean it was a garment that went around our body, so a tzizit necklace or bracelet that is out in the market today would not fit the bill of a vesture / clothing (kesuth) as described in scripture.
"Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of theirgarments 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 of Numbers 15:38, I would say this applied to outer edges of the outer garments. Just keep in mind that the majority of the people worked for a living. Long flowing, loose fitting, ornate cloaks would have been impractical for the everyday working person.
Types of Ancient Dress:
1. Ezor - A garment that went around the loins and tied with a belt. There is ancient art work 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 a Ezor type 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 artwork even shows what appears to be tzitzit attached to the sash (belt).
See the pictures [Note: No endorsement of the websites that contain the pictures].
Click Link
2. 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 far as the length of 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.
3. 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 that the upper class would typically wear in lieu of the simlah, made of costly material also having 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 some ornate, four corner, type garments among the upper class, elders and priest with fringes. Is this what the Kingdom of God is all about that only the rich are able to follow Torah? NO. 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, belts and pants that cover us. We could easily attached the tzitzit to these garments, but the problem is 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.
Here are examples of how the word "kanaph" is used in the 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 a skirt that can be folded. This means kanaph is not just the corner of the garment. 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)
In this example from scripture, 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).
From this we see kanaph is again translated as a skirt worn on the outside in order 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. NO 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 uses 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 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 always 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)
From these verses we see that the word kanaph means to thrust outward, go to the extremities, or outer edges. 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: There appears to be NO requirement to wear a four cornered garment. 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 always 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 of 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 other 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 are qualified to wear a tzitzit. If this is true, then why is it 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 rabbi’s is that having no tzitzit on the four cornered ephod of the priest conflicts with the their absolutes that every four cornered garment must have a tzitzit.
Here is another thing to think about:
Tradition demands a 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 be 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. I believe the tallit is a beautiful way to identify us as Torah people, but it should never be taught to be part of the tzitzit commandment. It should also not be taught to be the only garment a tzitzit is permitted to be attached to. Further more, 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 are inventions of the middle and modern ages.
The tallit a middle age invention (click)
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 reminds 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 the points to the Messiah, not the four cornered garment. Wear the tzitzit and evangelize with the tzitzit. The tzitzit is one sign to the world that you follow Torah.
Shalom.
"Thou shalt make thee fringes upon the four quarters of thy vesture, wherewith thou coverest thyself."(Deuteronomy 22:12 KJV).
“Vesture wherewith thou coverest”: (Hebrew) - "kesuth" this suggests an outer garment used as a covering, or garment, that engulfed, or spread over. This would mean it was a garment that went around our body, so a tzizit necklace or bracelet that is out in the market today would not fit the bill of a vesture / clothing (kesuth) as described in scripture.
"Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of theirgarments 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 of Numbers 15:38, I would say this applied to outer edges of the outer garments. Just keep in mind that the majority of the people worked for a living. Long flowing, loose fitting, ornate cloaks would have been impractical for the everyday working person.
Types of Ancient Dress:
1. Ezor - A garment that went around the loins and tied with a belt. There is ancient art work 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 a Ezor type 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 artwork even shows what appears to be tzitzit attached to the sash (belt).
See the pictures [Note: No endorsement of the websites that contain the pictures].
Click Link
2. 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 far as the length of 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.
3. 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 that the upper class would typically wear in lieu of the simlah, made of costly material also having 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 some ornate, four corner, type garments among the upper class, elders and priest with fringes. Is this what the Kingdom of God is all about that only the rich are able to follow Torah? NO. 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, belts and pants that cover us. We could easily attached the tzitzit to these garments, but the problem is 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.
Here are examples of how the word "kanaph" is used in the 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 a skirt that can be folded. This means kanaph is not just the corner of the garment. 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)
In this example from scripture, 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).
From this we see kanaph is again translated as a skirt worn on the outside in order 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. NO 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 uses 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 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 always 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)
From these verses we see that the word kanaph means to thrust outward, go to the extremities, or outer edges. 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: There appears to be NO requirement to wear a four cornered garment. 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 always 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 of 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 other 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 are qualified to wear a tzitzit. If this is true, then why is it 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 rabbi’s is that having no tzitzit on the four cornered ephod of the priest conflicts with the their absolutes that every four cornered garment must have a tzitzit.
Here is another thing to think about:
Tradition demands a 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 be 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. I believe the tallit is a beautiful way to identify us as Torah people, but it should never be taught to be part of the tzitzit commandment. It should also not be taught to be the only garment a tzitzit is permitted to be attached to. Further more, 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 are inventions of the middle and modern ages.
The tallit a middle age invention (click)
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 reminds 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 the points to the Messiah, not the four cornered garment. Wear the tzitzit and evangelize with the tzitzit. The tzitzit is one sign to the world that you follow Torah.
Shalom.
What Is The Red, Purple and Blue Tzitzit All About?
Un-happy with the current Tzitzit tying customs that use numerology (gematria) to determine the number of loops and knots, we decided to cast off this pagan custom from Kabbalah and restore the Tzitzit back to what Yahweh intended --- A reminder for us to observe His Torah and to remind us we are a chosen people, a holy nation and a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).
We noticed throughout the scriptures Yahweh favored the colors blue, red and purple in relation to His people. We see these colors used in the Holy garments of the high priest and within the tabernacle. We believe there are multiple messages in these colors that point to Yeshua (Jesus), that point to who we are as Yahweh's people and what we will become.
For this reason, we designed a Tzitzit that will be an excellent reminder for Yahweh's people:
Colors: Red, Purple and Blue
Knots: 12 - for the 12 foundations (the apostles) of New Jerusalem, the bride of the Lamb (Revelations chapter 21)
Number of Loops: 12 - for the 12 gates (tribes of Israel) of New Jerusalem, the bride of the Lamb (Revelations chapter 21)
Number of times the blue cord twist around a looped section: 7 - for the 7th day that God rested and we now delight in. This sanctified day (Shabbat), which points to a future day of rest, is which we all strive to enter (Hebrews chapter 4).
This Tzitzit looks back to the tabernacle and forward to New Jerusalem. It reminds us to follow Yahweh's Torah to remain holy and never compromise with the world. The Tzitzit also points to the past and future work of Yeshua, so we never forget what He has done for us and what He has prepared for us (John 14:2)
Frequently Asked Question:
Question: I thought Tzitzit could only be made with white and blue cords. How can you use other colors.
Answer: The Torah only states that you must have a cord of blue, but there is no restriction on the use of any other colors as long as your Tzitzit has the blue cord. This Tzitzit uses the blue cord to wrap around the other colors.
We noticed throughout the scriptures Yahweh favored the colors blue, red and purple in relation to His people. We see these colors used in the Holy garments of the high priest and within the tabernacle. We believe there are multiple messages in these colors that point to Yeshua (Jesus), that point to who we are as Yahweh's people and what we will become.
For this reason, we designed a Tzitzit that will be an excellent reminder for Yahweh's people:
Colors: Red, Purple and Blue
Knots: 12 - for the 12 foundations (the apostles) of New Jerusalem, the bride of the Lamb (Revelations chapter 21)
Number of Loops: 12 - for the 12 gates (tribes of Israel) of New Jerusalem, the bride of the Lamb (Revelations chapter 21)
Number of times the blue cord twist around a looped section: 7 - for the 7th day that God rested and we now delight in. This sanctified day (Shabbat), which points to a future day of rest, is which we all strive to enter (Hebrews chapter 4).
This Tzitzit looks back to the tabernacle and forward to New Jerusalem. It reminds us to follow Yahweh's Torah to remain holy and never compromise with the world. The Tzitzit also points to the past and future work of Yeshua, so we never forget what He has done for us and what He has prepared for us (John 14:2)
Frequently Asked Question:
Question: I thought Tzitzit could only be made with white and blue cords. How can you use other colors.
Answer: The Torah only states that you must have a cord of blue, but there is no restriction on the use of any other colors as long as your Tzitzit has the blue cord. This Tzitzit uses the blue cord to wrap around the other colors.
