Why do we present a Talit to Bar Mitzvah boys?
A Talit is presented to a boy at the time of his Bar Mitzvah because it is one of the outward signs that his status in the Jewish community as an adult has taken place as he turns thirteen years of age and a day old. In most Conservative congregation, even young ladies have been encouraged to wear a Talit to symbolize here coming of age as well. A Talit is worn for the purpose of holding fringes on the corners of the garment. In the Bible, in the book of Numbers 15:37-41, the children of Israel are instructed by Moses to place fringes on the corners of their garments so that they may look upon these fringes and be reminded of all of God’s commandments and to observe them. These fringes are also a reminder for our eyes not to be led astray and worship other gods. How do the fringes help us to remember to do what is right? They work in much the same way that a thread tied around a finger helps us to remember to do something. By looking at it, a certain memory or thought is triggered in o
