Tallit Blessing and Meditation: Our Inspirational Scriptures: 1 Pattern yourselves after me [follow my example], as I imitate and follow Christ (the Messiah). 2 I appreciate and commend you because you always remember me in everything and keep firm possession of the traditions (the substance of my instructions), just as I have [verbally] passed them on to you. 3 But I want you to know and realize that Christ is the Head of every man, the head of a woman is her husband, and the Head of Christ is God. 4 Any man who prays or prophesies (teaches, refutes, reproves, admonishes, and comforts) with his head covered dishonors his Head (Christ). 5 And any woman who [publicly] prays or prophesies (teaches, refutes, reproves, admonishes, or comforts) when she is bareheaded dishonors her head (her husband); it is the same as [if her head were] shaved. 6 For if a woman will not wear [a head] covering, then she should cut off her hair too; but if it is disgraceful for a woman to have her head shorn or shaven, let her cover [her head]. 7 For a man ought not to wear anything on his head [in church], for he is the image and [reflected] glory of God [his function of government reflects the majesty of the divine Rule]; but woman is [the expression of] man’s glory (majesty, preeminence). 8 For man was not [created] from woman, but woman from man; 9 Neither was man created on account of or for the benefit of woman, but woman on account of and for the benefit of man. 10 Therefore she should [be subject to his authority and should] have a covering on her head [as a token, a symbol, of her submission to authority, that she may show reverence as do] the angels [and not displease them]. 11 Nevertheless, in [the plan of] the Lord and from His point of view woman is not apart from and independent of man, nor is man aloof from and independent of woman; 12 For as woman was made from man, even so man is also born of woman; and all [whether male or female go forth] from God [as their Author]. 13 Consider for yourselves; is it proper and decent [according to your customs] for a woman to offer prayer to God [publicly] with her head uncovered? 14 Does not the native sense of propriety (experience, common sense, reason) itself teach you that for a man to wear long hair is a dishonor [humiliating and degrading] to him, 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is her ornament and glory? For her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 Now if anyone is disposed to be argumentative and contentious about this, we hold to and recognize no other custom [in worship] than this, nor do the churches of God generally. (1 Corinthians 11:1-16 Amp) The Blessing: Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who hast hallowed us by Thy commandments, and hast commanded us to enwrap ourselves in the fringed garment. The Meditation: I am here enwrapping myself in this fringed robe, in fulfillment of the command of my Creator, as it is written in the Torah, they shall make them a fringe upon the corners of their garments throughout their generations. And even as I cover myself with the tallit in this world, so may my soul deserve to be clothed with a beauteous spiritual robe in the World to Come, in the garden of Eden. As it is written: 37 And the Lord said to Moses, 38 Speak to the Israelites and bid them make fringes or tassels on the corners in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and put upon the fringe of the borders or upon the tassel of each corner a cord of blue. 39 And it shall be to you a fringe or tassel that you may look upon and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, that you may not spy out and follow after [the desires of] your own heart and your own eyes, after which you used to follow and play the harlot [spiritually, if not physically], 40 That you may remember and do all My commandments and be holy to your God. 41 I am the Lord your God, Who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God. Numbers 15:37-41 AMP As it is also written: 12 You shall make yourself tassels on the four corners of your cloak with which you cover yourself. Deuteronomy 22:12 AMP As it is further written: 7 How precious is Your steadfast love, O God! The children of men take refuge and put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. 9 For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light do we see light. Psalm 36:7,9
Posted on: Sat, 01 Nov 2014 17:22:03 +0000