Shalom Family,
As I understand it, the tassels (Tzitzit) was a commandment following an incident in which a man was gathering fire wood on the Sabbath. (Numbers 15:32-41) This seems to be that if someone was to work on the Sabbath they would see the tassels, as they lean or stretch etc, and remember to cease from work, is that right? The heart intention of this mitzvah seems to be to remember His Torah and obey it.
If this is the case, are they needed for the Natsarim today? Most of us in here will be observing the Sabbath, as we are led by the Spirit. Most of us also meditate, and dwell our hearts upon Torah. Therefore, what is the purpose of the Tzitzit today? Which one of us are going to forget Him or His Torah during the week or forget the Sabbath?
Love & Shalom
The Tzitzit is something new to me as well. I have bought some and haven't decided what to do with them just yet. Half the time I'm wearing clothes I can't attach them to anything so I'm not sure. I thought about wearing a bracelet as a reminder.
I think generally most people in the Torah community subscribe to the notion if we can keep any of the 613 laws, we should try to do so. I can understand this line of thinking in that our goal or objective or priority is to honor Yah and follow His ways, as much as we can. There are also mixed opinions on whether someone should get surgery to be circumcised. It's a big deal so you kind of want to know if that's what Yah really wants. I think about adultery and how a woman or man cannot be with another after or if their adulterous wife is with another man that they are commanded not to take them back.
People post Messiah's sacrifice fall into sin and repent and ask for forgiveness, much of the time remarrying or meeting a new partner to marry. So many stories that Yah has seemed to have blessed those who turned their lives around with loving relationships, new marriages. So the question of relativity and eternal laws is a very important one. Did Yahushua's blood sacrifice change what is expected or allowed in any way? Can adulterers be forgiven and remarry their spouses, or marry another, and Yah is in full support? Where does one draw the line?
The eternal laws are the number one priority and the others we should be discussing among our brothers and sisters, and most definitely taking them to prayer. If we are keeping His 10 commandments and feast days (as they will be eternally practiced) and we seek Him for answers, answers will come. He is faithful to provide His children with guidance.
You asked, which one of us would forget Him or His Torah during the week or forget the Sabbath. I think in that regard, the Tzitzit makes sense. People get busy and distracted and the enemy is trying to pull people away night and day. Any reminder as to what, why and how we're supposed to be doing things here, to stay on the narrow path, seems pretty smart. I'm just not sure about His expectations of us. I would love to hear what others think about these questions.
Shalom @Carly
Thanks for your thoughts on the matter.
See, I feel that wearing the Tzitzit as a bracelet is a great idea – if the idea is that we are meant to see it and meditate on His Torah. But, strictly be the Word, that would be a violation…
This is why I feel that this Mitzvah can be followed by the spirit. For what matters more? Having literal tassels on the four corners of a garment? Or constantly meditating on His Word and Torah? For us today, it would be hard to forget Him for a moment. But I suppose if someone could, then the Tzitzit would be beneficial for them.
But the Tzitzit also reminds me how in Torah it says to talk about the Torah as your rise, go about your day, and when you lay down – to write them on your doorposts and gates and as frontlets between your eyes and on your hand. These things are surely symbolic to say “Always think on Torah, in whatever you think, say and do”. For if a disciple today has Tzitzit, does he also literally do all the aforementioned? Mezuzahs and Tefillin are traditional out-workings of this idea, but what about the Natsarim today? Therefore, I’m thinking the Tzitzit might be redundant for those who live in His Word, day-by-day. But please correct me if I’m missing something!
You raised a good point Carly, because although my first marriage ended in divorce (when I was a young believer) my second marriage feels as though it has been greatly blessed, yes even from the wedding day itself. I don’t understand it and I can’t give you Scripture saying its right though! Nevertheless, my life and walk with Yahweh has improved massively in recent years whilst married to my second wife. All I can think is that He has been incredibly merciful to me. And perhaps because when I divorced my first wife I had no intention of marrying again or another – which seems to be what Yahushua was saying by studying the context and syntax of the passage that He warns against it. That said, I don’t recommend anyone should jump to divorce! It’s a source of much pain and shame and we shouldn’t rely on His mercy if we plan for failure.
Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts
Love & Shalom
Well I think Yeshua wore Tzitzit. And I don't think he needed any reminding to focus on the Torah. He also rebuked the Pharisees for wearing them extra long, to be seen by men. He wasn't telling them not to wear them. (Matthew 23:1-5) And He said they neglected the weightier matters of the Torah, but don't neglect to do them along with the others. (Matthew 23:23)
So this is one reason why I like to wear small Tzitzit very short on the hem of my skirt. So they barely hang down outside my skirt, for I think they are a reminder for me, not others. I put them on the lining or slip or belt loops or whatnot, depending on what I am wearing. I use different colored safety pins to attach them.
I also like how the tassels or fringe of the garment is associated with healing, by faith in Yeshua. (Matthew 14:35-36) YAH was also very specific on how He wanted His tabernacle built and in what the priests wore. So I try to wear the Tzitzit as I abide in Him by the Spirit, and Him in me, as His temple.
Psalm 36:7 "How precious is Your lovingkindness, O YAH! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings."
https://www.psalm11918.org/Articles/What-Scripture-Says-About/Tzitzit.html
Shalom
I love your response. It is our heart towards Yeshua not the technicalities. We wear them because we love Him and want to follow His example. Blessings.
Tzephan Yahu I made some tzitzit and I sewed them onto the team of my dresses. That is the usual way I wear them. I have crocheted shawls or scarves and sewn them at the corners. (I have attached them to purchased scarves as well). They helped me during trying situations, first by reminding me of His Presence. They also caused me to pause and think of how does scripture say to deal with this situation. I feel as if I am catching hold of the team of His garment.
For me, I have felt that wearing them is a continuous reminder of His commandments. They are a visual reminder that is with you all day, AND they are a sort of “Mark” as it were to the world, that you are doing those things that are His, proving you to be His. It also helps to keep you ever mindful to be a good representative of The Most High in everything you do, as to bring Him glory and not shame.