Timely Program Ideas

Timely Program Ideas
Department of Congregational Programming
United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism
155 Fifth Avenue,
New York, NY 10010
212-533-7800 ext 2620

TPI 18: Dress Up Jewish - A Project for Clergy and Religious Committee

Clothing

Clothing is very important. For many it makes a statement about what is important to them, for many it is a mode of self expression, for many it is the way to "buck the system" and for many it is a way of relating to oneself. Since the time of Adam and Eve, clothing has been important for covering up some parts of our body. No matter what we say with our mouths, the clothing that we wear and the way that we wear it speaks for itself. It is the way that we present ourselves to the world.

Studies have shown that people are more productive in the work place when they are wearing clothing in which they feel comfortable. To that end corporate America is changing its dress code. Firms that have always required a suite and tie for their male employees are now permitting open collars. "Dress Down Friday" has expanded to the rest of the week.

But is it true that clothing can change a person's attitude?

“Mitzvah”

Judaism has made a great contribution to the apparel industry as well. Tzitzit, (Numbers 15:39) the fringes that are required on any garment that has four corners, like the Tallit, are a remarkable innovation. Tefillin, phylacteries, (Exodus 13:1-10, 11-16; Deuteronomy 6:4-9, 11:13-21) and Kipah, (Teshuvot Mahashal number 72) follow suit as well. Seemingly, without any utilitarian purpose, they possess great power. When we place the tallit around us, we utter the blessing I'hit-a-tef ba-tzitzit, "May we be enveloped by the fringes."

The fringes that we place on the corners of our garments seemingly have no purpose. What use could there be for strings hanging off of our clothing? Nothing. You cannot tie your keys to them so that you will not misplace them. They are merely a subtle reminder. Let's be honest, clothing will not make or break a person. A person with a weak work ethic is not going to be motivated to accomplish a great deal because he has put on a suit. A person who lacks the inspiration necessary to strive towards great heights will not suddenly become driven because he is now wearing a new sports jacket. Clothing can only act as a reminder. The experiment of the corporate world works because of the entire environment -- the dress code is merely one aspect of it. Tallit, tefillin and kipah will only add to your life if they are part of an entire environment that believes those ritual objects have value.

Wearing a kipah reminds a Jew that God is above me, because I already believe in God. Wearing tzitzit reminds a Jew of the abundance of mitzvot that I am commanded to do because I feel those obligations.

Try it, You'll Like it

These three mitzvot, though they have been traditionally fulfilled by men are not exclusively reserved for men. Women may choose to don these garments as well. The Synagogue must serve as a vehicle of outreach. We must understand that all three of these garments whether donned by men or by women can be extremely awkward. They are difficult to put on and they rarely stay in place. Therefore, we must create an inviting atmosphere that offers people the opportunity to try it without fear of looking strange.

Programs Ideas

There are a number of ways that you can promote this mitzvah in your Congregation. The key to any of these programs will be in investing people as aids in the process. If each person committed to putting on tallit, tefillin and kipah will teach one person then your group will immediately double. As well, when a person teaches someone else they solidify the skill for themselves.

Programming is only as effective as the group that is empowered to accomplish those goals.

So get a lot of people involved in this project and generate the ideas for implementing them. Here are a few examples of programs that you might want to try.

• Make a Video - Produce a video that people can take out of your synagogue library, showing people how to put on tefillin and tallit. People might feel more comfortable trying this out in the comfort of their own homes. People could also use the video as a refresher course, if they are embarrassed to come in and ask for help. You could then publicize the availability of the video through the synagogue bulletin. A "how to" and 'why to" fulfill the mitzvah of tefillin video has been produced by the Federation of Jewish Mens Clubs. Contact Rabbi Charles Simon, 212-7498100.
• Workshops - Offer sessions for people who would like to learn how to put on a tallit and tefillin in a non-threatening environment. On a Sunday morning one-half hour before Minyan. Over the course of two or three sessions teach how to put on tallit and tefillin. Explain the symbolism behind them as well as the accompanying Jewish texts.
• Tieing Knots - The knots of the tefillin and the tzitzit are created in a special way. For the Boy Scouts among you, teach them how to tie both tzitzit knots as well as teflllin knots. Produce a core of people who are willing to teach others as well as to act as gabbaim to check to make sure that the tallitot in the Congregation remain Kosher after years of wear.
• Special Minyanim - There are those who may still feel uncomfortable with the idea of wearing these ritual objects but may be prepared to attend a weekday service. It is a good idea to have a Learner’s Minyan for weekly Shaharit Services that will teach people the basics of prayer and how to use the tallit and tefillin properly during the service. The United Synagogue has an excellent publication entitled the Learner's Minyan, free, 212-533-7800 x2205
• Refresher Course - There are many people who learned how to put on tallit and tefillin for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah but have since forgotten. Offer a one-hour refresher session to help them bring their skills up to par.
• Mentor Programs - Many people already know how to put on tallit and tefillin and have been doing so for years. Others, no matter how many times they are shown still need some private tutoring. Pair them up! Each can make a new f riend and they can come to services together.
• Special Sales - Organize through your Synagogue gift shop or through a local Judaica shop special sale of tallitot, tefillin and kipot. This could be done as part of a Hanukkah gift gala, or a Book sale or other events that is going on at the synagogue.
• Special Event - Through the synagogue school invite a sofer, ritual scribe, to come and explain how tefillin are made. Offer parents the opportunity to attend. Give them a chance to have their teflllin checked to make sure they are still kosher. This will spur thoughts on the part of some people to return to traditional observances of this mitzvah and use them.