N15-19: Did Yeshua wear TZITZIT?

Let’s address the question of how exactly the TZITZIT were worn.

In the beginning they were simply attached to the everyday common garments that everyone wore at the hem level.

This means the TZITZIYOT extended down quite low and as a result I imagine they got stepped on, became soiled and even in some cases completely tore off of the hems of the garment they were attached to.

In order to prevent these unfortunate mishaps from occurring, a separate garment was created.

Maybe you’ve heard of it.

It’s called a TALLITH.

I actually picked one up on my trip to Israel last August.

It’s basically a rectangular piece of cloth with a head-hole in the middle that when worn extends slightly below the waist on both the back and front.

The TZITZIT are attached to the four corners of the TALLITH.

Actually, the one I purchased already had TZITZIT attached to it.

It has the appearance and feel of an undershirt but it’s not really an undershirt.

It’s more like a middle garment, something worn over the undershirt that has direct contact with the body.

However, the TALLITH I just described later on evolved into a separate garment we now know as a prayer shawl.

In the same fashion, the TZITZIT were attached to the four corners of the prayer shawl.

Nowadays, the type and style of TALLITH used varies depending on the sect.

Some folks wear them exposed while others wear them tucked inside their outer garments.

One important thing to remember is that when you say the word “TALLITH” to a Jewish person, he may be thinking of either the middle undershirt-looking garment I just described or he may be thinking of the later developed “prayer shawl” I talked about.

It would depend on the background and traditions that person grew up in.

Now this may seem like the stupidest question ever asked in the history of mankind but did Yeshua ever wear a TALLITH and TZITZIT.

And of course the answer is a resounding OF COURSE HE DID!!!

He was a super Jew who probably had a huge “S” or “ש” plastered on his TALLITH.

Here are two passages from the BRIT HADASHAH (New Testament) where it is made clear that Yeshua wore TZITZIT.

Understand however that obviously gentile translations of the Bible will instead of TZITZIT use the word “fringe” or “tassels“.

“A woman who had had a hemorrhage for twelve years approached him from behind and touched the tzitzit on his robe. For she said to herself, “If I can only touch his robe, I will be healed.”  Yeshua turned, saw her and said, “Courage, daughter! Your trust has healed you.” And she was instantly healed.”-Matthew 9:20-22

And this passage…

“Having made the crossing, they landed at Ginosar.  When the people of the place recognized him, they sent word throughout the neighborhood and brought him everyone who was ill.  They begged him that the sick people might only touch the tzitzit on his robe, and all who touched it were completely healed.”-Matthew 14:34-36

What I find awesome about these passages is remember how I mentioned that in ancient times the TZITZIT represented the royal authority one held as king or ruler.

Well, I find it awesome that we can see divine authority and power to heal that was represented in the TZITZIT Yeshua wore.

Before I close, one final point.

Did women wear TZITZIT?

The answer is yes.

The practice was not limited to men, even going back to Yeshua’s time.

The practice of females wearing TZITZIT varies from one Jewish sect to another and in general is the woman’s personal choice but it is done.