Kippot and Tzitziyot

When I first came to the realization that as believers, we are to keep Torah, one of the first commandments I learned about that I didn't know before was that of tzitzit--the fringes YHWH commanded His people to wear on their garments (Numbers 15):

38 “Speak to the children of Yisra’ĕl, and you shall say to them to make tzitziyot [plural of tzitzit] on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue cord in the tzitzit of the corners. 39 “And it shall be to you for a tzitzit, and you shall see it, and shall remember all the commands of YHWH and shall do them, and not search after your own heart and your own eyes after which you went whoring, 40 so that you remember, and shall do all My commands, and be set-apart unto your Elohim. 41 “I am YHWH your Elohim, who brought you out of the land of Mitsrayim, to be your Elohim. I am YHWH your Elohim.”

What I couldn't figure out was why so few people in the Messianic movement who desire to follow Torah don't seem to wear them! I think I found the answer. Consider the following:

"A simple example of the inconsistency which exists in Judaism is the contradiction between the kippot and the tzitzit.  The kippah, or yarmulke, is a trademark of Judaism and the Pope.  Nowhere in the Torah will you find a commandment concerning the kippot, yet most of Judaism zealously adheres to this tradition.

"To the contrary, tzitzit, which are tassels with a blue thread are commanded to be worn on two separate occasions in the Torah.  (Bemidbar 15:38-39, Devarim 22:12).  Now, as of the writing of this book ["Restoration" by Todd Bennett], I think it is safe to say that most of Judaism does not obey the commandments concerning the tzitzit and if they do, the majority do not place a blue thread in the tzitzit.  There are technical and traditional reasons why they do not include the blue thread but the point is significant: most obey a tradition and not a commandment.  Thus Judaism, as much as it would like to claim to be the gatekeeper to the Torah and the exclusive faith for all who desire to obey the Torah, has its own set of problems and is in serious need of restoration.  We have not even broached the subjects of kabbalism and mysticism which have inflitrated Judasim along with other pagan rooted customs and traditions." – p. 228

People closely follow whoever is leading them and it appears to me that many in the Messianic movement might be a little too tightly connected to Rabbinic Judaism. I have nothing against rabbis (the ones I've met are delightful people!), but when tradition trumps the commandments of Torah, it seems to me there is a problem.

What I have found most interesting is that in the Messianic congregations I've been exposed to, the rabbis* always wear kippas, but I personally have not seen any wear tzitzit other than their prayer shawls during the Shabbat or other services. Perhaps there is an explanation I am unaware of? (I suppose some may tuck them into their clothing, but that is contrary to the commandment which says they are to be seen.)

In one congregation, a discussion about whether or not the Name of YHWH should be used came up and the rabbi let it be known that not only was His Name not to be used, but no discussion of this topic was allowed either. I couldn't really figure out why until I "connected the dots" to Rabbinic Judaism. As Todd Bennett mentioned in one of his books, some in the Messianic movement would rather keep the traditions of men than the clear commandments of YHWH! This is the very thing Yahushua spoke out against that brought the wrath of some of the Pharisees. When I questionned these things, I was asked if I had "always questionned authority." That depends. If the authority is a police officer, a judge, my parents, my boss, etc., then no, I do not question authority. However, if the "authority" is teaching something that appears to be contrary to the Scriptures, then yes, I most certainly do. There MUST be room for discussion. When there isn't, then for me at least, it's time to move on. We are, after all, commanded to be like the Bereans and see if the things we are being taught (e.g. "traditions") are in agreement with the Word or not. If they are not, then we are not to follow them. It really does not matter if it is a Christian tradition or a Jewish tradition, and there are plenty in both camps.

Daniel Gruber has written an interesting book on the influence of the rabbis: Rabbi Akiba's Messiah: The Origins of Rabbinic Authority. I found it to be interesting and informative. What I would say is simply this: Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees!

*I am reminded of Matthew 23:8-10:

8 “But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi,’ for One is your Teacher, the Messiah, and you are all brothers. 9 “And do not call anyone on earth your father, for One is your Father, He who is in the heavens. 10 “Neither be called leaders, for One is your Leader, the Messiah.

For an interesting discussion of what the word "Rabbi" means (as well as many other verses), download the FREE book: “Was the New Testament Really Written in Greek?:  A Concise Compendium of the Many Internal and External Evidences of Aramaic Peshitta Primacy.” The literal meaning of "Rabbi" is "My great one." No wonder we are not to call anyone except Messiah Rabbi! (RAB=great; I=my)

I would like to add one more little comment here because recently somone near to me took great delight in accusing me of breaking this commandment when I referred to someone as "the rabbi" at a particular congregation. If you are going to beat someone over the head with a portion of Scripture, please make sure you at least quote it correctly. The verses above are not saying "don't call someone your rabbi," but rather, "don't YOU take that title for yourself." In other words, don't be puffed up by your position. Yahushua is our Great Rabbi and He alone is deserving of the title. I am certainly not judging those who like to use titles. That is between them and Abba.

* * *

A Little Jewish Humor

One Shabbat a man spilled grape juice on his talit. The very next day he brought it to the cleaners. When the time came to pick it up, he was stunned see the bill for $50.

"Fifty dollars!" he shouted. "To clean one little talit?"

"Do you have any idea how long it took me to get out all those little knots!" the dry-cleaner replied.

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