Daily Prayers

Siddur (book of prayers)

The Jewish Siddur (prayer book) provides a beautiful guideline for daily prayers based firmly upon scripture, with additional prayers drawn from ancient Jewish tradition and writings. Sar Shalom encourages every man and woman to have and use a siddur, and we have copies available for purchase in our gift shop. If not purchasing from Sar Shalom, we recommend the “Ahskenz” version of the Artscroll Siddur.  (Note: separate editions are available for men and women.)

Tzitzit (tassles)

In scripture, G-d commands his people to create for themselves tzitzit (tassles) with a thread of techellet (specific blue color), and put them on the corners of their garment so they will remember and observe all G-d’s mitzvot in Torah. (From ancient times, Judaism has recognized 613 specific commandments, with additional associated observances.)

There may be some arguable points in scripture, and even a few commandments that we are unable to follow right now (such as those dealing specifically with the tabernacle or temple.) However, the commandment of tzitzit is absolutely, crystal clear: Anyone who proclaims faith in the G-d of Avraham, Yitzhak , and Ya’akov – especially men – should wear tzitzit every day, just as Messiah most certainly did!

It is the custom of some within the growing Hebrew roots movement (i.e. “messianic Jews”) to set aside the commandment of tzitzit as being “too Jewish.” This is quite simply an unscriptural and anti-Semitic position, and must be rejected. The mitzvot of tzitzit is not a matter of being “Jewish” it is a matter of following G-d Word.

Others in the Messianic community suggest the commandment may be observed in whatever way an individual prefers, such as tying tzitzit to the belt-loops of jeans. Sar Shalom believes that the most important step in walking in obedience to Torah, is simply to get on the path and start doing it. On the other hand, we believe certain mitzvot are weightier than others and worthy of more careful attention. In that regard we agree with normative Judaism that tzitzit should be “permanently attached to a garment” as described below.

Tallit Katan

To honor and observe the mitzvah of tzizit, observant Jewish men wear a white undergarment with tzitzit attached to the four corners, known as a Tallit Kattan (small tallit.) There are two main styles. One is a rectangular garment (with a hole in the middle for the head to go through) draped over the shoulders so the large flat panels are toward the front and back of the torso. The other garment is more like a t-shirt. Both have kosher tzitzit tied to the lower corners, and the tallit is typically worn all day, everyday, so that we are continually reminded to keep the commandments of G-d.

Before performing a mitzvah, we are to recite a blessing, thanking G‑d for sanctifying us with His commandments. Therefore we recite the following blessing before putting on the tzitzit (tallit kattan) each morning:

Baruch atta Ado-noy Elo-hai-nu Melech ha’olam asher kid-sha-nu b’mitz-vo-tav v’tzi-vanu al mitzvat tzitzit.

(Blessed are you, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us concerning the mitzvah of tzitzit.)

One who wears a tallit while praying need not recite the blessing over tzitzit again. He need only recite the blessing over the tallit, keeping in mind that this blessing covers his tzitzit as well.

Tallit Gadol

Before beginning the morning prayers (and before donning the tefillin) we wrap ourselves with the tallit gadol (large tallit) and remember the verse that says,

The ideal way to perform the mitzvah of tzitzit is by completely draping oneself in the fringed garment, which is accomplished through donning the tallit gadol. A slightly different blessing is recited when putting on the tallit gadol than the tallit katan:

Baruch atta Ado-noy Elo-hai-nu Melech ha’olam asher kid-sha-nu b’mitz-vo-tav v’tzi-vanu l’hit-atef b’tzitzit.

(Blessed are you, Lord our G‑d, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments, and commanded us to wrap ourselves with tzitzit.)

Laying Tefillin

In scripture, HaShem provides us very specific instructions for keeping his Word – Torah – constantly before us; when we arise, all through the day, and when we retire. The commandment of tzitzit is one specific mitzvah. Another is as follows…

For thousands of years, faithful Jewish men – including Yeshua our Messiah – have followed this mitzvah as literally as possible, through the wearing of tefillin (pronounced tef-i-lin, or tef-ee-lin.) There are two parts of tefillin: one for the head and one for the arm, just as HaShem says in His Word. Both are constructed entirely of kosher material (natural leather, gut string, etc.) and have specific scriptures, hand written by a certified Jewish scribe, sealed inside of them.

Blessing before laying the Hand (arm) Tefillin:

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam asher kidishanu b’mitz’votav v’tzivanu l’hani’ach t’filin

(Blessed are you, Lord, our God, sovereign of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to put on tefillin.)

Blessing before laying the Head Tefillin:

Barukh atah Adonai, Eloheinu, melekh ha’olam asher kidishanu b’mitz’votav v’tzivanu al mitzvat t’filin. Barukh Sheim k’vod mal’khuto l’olam va’ed.

(Blessed are you, Lord, our God, king of the universe, Who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us about the mitzvah of tefillin. Blessed be the Name of His glorious kingdom for ever and ever.)

Notes on Praying with Tefillin

The full and proper procedures for praying with tzitzit, tallit katan / gadol, and for “laying tefillin” are difficult to explain in print, and are best understood through face-to-face instruction and explanation. If you’d like to know more about purchasing and praying as our people have done for thousands upon thousands of years, please use the Contact Us page to notify Rabbi of your interest.