Ritual Objects and Dress

Like most of the religious traditions the Jews have a collection of ritual objects that they wear associated with worship. When a devout Jewish adult goes to the synagogue they will wear the following ritual objects, each of which has a tradition associated with it

Tallit: Before beginning to worship or pray the devout Jew will often put on a prayer shawl. The fringes on the shawl remind him of the many commandments (613) of the Torah. He will first cover his head completely with the Tallit and say:

"Even as I cover myself with the Tallit in this world so my soul deserve to be clothed with a beautiful spiritual robe in the world to come"

Kippur or Yarmulke: On their heads the Jew devout Jew always wears the Yarmulke, a small skull cap, which reminds then that they always duty bound to follow the laws of God at all times and in all places.

Phylacteries or Tefillin: Phylacteries are small leather boxes that have long straps attached that are worn on the left forearm and on the forehead. Inside the boxes are passages from the scriptures, including the Shema. The phylactery on the left arm is a reminder to keep God's laws with all your heart, because it is near to the heart; and the one on the forehead remind the Jew to concentrate on the teachings of the Torah with all your full mind. Phylacteries are worn when praying at home or in the synagogue.

The wearing of these objects and their use in prayer come from the scripture.

Deuteronomy chapter 6 : 4 - 9 and Deuteronomy chapter 11 are the relevant verses.

Ritual Objects

There are many ritual objects used in the Jewish home, the Mezuzah, the Menorah, the Magen David, the Havdulah candle, the Kiddush cup, the spice box, the Seder plate. Most of these are used in conjunction with festivals. The three that are different but which would be found in every Jewish home are.

The Menorah	The Mezuzah	The Magen David
The Menorah is the seven branched candlestick which was placed in the temple in Jerusalem, each home has a Menorah to remind them of the temple and of their hope that one day it will be built again. The Menorah of the temple is NOT the same as the 8 branched candlestick used at Hanukkah.	The Mezuzah is a small box fixed to the doorpost on your house, according to the command in scripture. If you look at a Jewish house there will be a small box fixed to the right hand side of the doorpost. Inside the Mezuzah is a small piece of parchment with the words of Deuteronomy 13-21 written upon it. Some Jews will touch the Mezuzah as they enter and leave the house, this remi	The Magen David is the star of David, this is the representation of the state of Israel. It is more a political than a religious statement. The state of Israel was recreated by the United Nations in 1948.