CCAR RESPONSA
New American Reform Responsa
11. Tallit at an Interfaith Service
QUESTION: May a tallitbe worn generally on other interfaith religious occasions when Christian religious leaders appear in their vestments? (Rabbi E. L. Sapinsley, Bluefield WV)
ANSWER: The origins of the tallit and the times when it was originally worn are no longer clear. Some scholars speculate that this was the daily garment worn by all Jews and designated them specifically as Jews (See the previous responsa). In the Talmud we learn of the tallit worn by scholars (Men 41a, Shab 147a; B B 57b, 98a, etc.). In later tradition the tallit came to be worn by adult males during morning services, by those participating in the Torah service and at the Kol Nidrei service on Yom Kippur. Those who led services always wore a tallit (Shulhan Arukh Orah Hayim, 8-24). The Zohar gave a special status to the tallit and felt that it brought the worshipper closer to God particularly as it created a feeling of awe (ZoharToledot p 141a).
In many of our Reform congregations the tallit is not generally used by the congregation, but is worn by the rabbi or cantor who leads the services. There is nothing in the tradition which deals with the wearing of the tallit outside the synagogue, although it seems that in the Talmudic and Gaonic period scholars wore the tallit as a kind of an academic robe throughout the day (Siddur Rav Amram Gaon p 2a). Furthermore, we should note that a tallit qatan is worn by all traditional Jews throughout the day, although it is generally invisible. In an earlier age the tallit qatan was worn above the other normal garments.
For us as Reform Jews the tallit has become a vestment of the rabbi or leader of the religious service. It is not mandatory but customary. In other words, prayers recited even by the leader of the congregation without a tallitare considered valid.
Although the tzitzit of a tallit are considered to possess a degree of holiness and should therefore be treated reverently when discarded if they are frayed, the garment is not sacred in any way. Nothing would preclude wearing it outside of a specific Jewish setting. A tallitmay therefore be worn during interfaith occasions if it is felt that this will add to the dignity of the occasion. It is, however, in no way necessary.
May 1988
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