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Blessing a Garment
Jews do not believe in the blessing of their garments and ornaments by their Rabbi, or any other religious teacher or master. This is significantly different from other religions, particularly Christianity, which practices the blessing of items from those related to their religious practice to other items and material possessions. That belief applies to the use of the tallit or prayer shawl, as well. The tallitot are not blessed by a Rabbi, or other religious leader, therefore, you may buy your tallit anywhere. The Jewish People, however, do say prayers over their own items. This is a sign of respect to the the item that the prayer is being said over and in the completion of the commandment for which the item is being used. This practice is usually included in a mitzvah, or good deed. Although it is the tzitzit, or fringes, and not the tallit itself, that the Jewish People are required to wear, their importance became entwined when the prayer shawl stopped being worn on the outside of the clothing all day long. The blessings are said each time someone uses the tallit. First, you take the tallit from the tallit bag, unfold it carefully, and recite a blessing which acknowledges HaShem, who sanctifies His people with the commandments and blesses them regarding the use of the tzitzit. Next, you kiss the left and then the right side of the Atarah, or neck band, and put the tallit over your head for a moment of prayer and meditation; and recite a prayer acknowledging HaShem, who sanctifies His people with the commandments, and blesses them regarding the wrapping of one’s self in the tzitzit. There are other rules regarding the tzitzit, and the prayers which are said after putting on the tzitzit, but they depend on any number of factors, which you should discuss with someone in your congregation whose style of prayer you respect. Know that your Austin Custom Tallit is Kosher; and at any time we will be happy to check and see that it remains that way.
LaHitra'ot! (We'll see you soon)
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