My Tallit
By Suzanne Gallant
Torah does not command
The wearing of a tallit,
It only instructs the Israelites
To add fringes to their garments
And to tie knots on them.
Until modern times, in progressive communities
Only men would wear this garment
With its fringes,
They would wear the tzitit, fringes
All the time.
When this woman had an adult
B’nai Mitzvah, I bought one for myself.
And put it on whenever it was right.
I learned the prayer before donning one
Wearing it with pride.
But recently, a rabbi helped to make it
Even more meaningful to me.
How to hold it and swing it up:
“Lift the tallit, swing it high
And make a tent.”
Welcome, greet and feel the Presence
“There you are my God,
I’m here to praise your name
And feel the joy and blessing
Of Shabbat and prayer.