(Numbers 15) The fringes and prayer shawl

Question: In Numbers 15:38, God commanded the Israelites, “… to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners.” However, in Matthew 23:5, Jesus criticized the Pharisees and scribes, saying, “Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long” (NIV). Are these two verses contradictory? Can tassels be added to garments?

Answer: Regarding the first question, there should be no contradiction. Jesus’ criticism was not directed at the specific commandments themselves but at the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and scribes in their attitudes and actions. In Matthew 23:23, Jesus said they “… have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. …” Jesus emphasized the sincerity of the heart and the comprehensive obedience to God’s commandments, rather than focusing solely on certain outward forms that others could see. In fact, when God established the commandment regarding tassels, there was a hidden warning in Numbers 15:39, “And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the LORD and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined.” The tassels were originally an external ornament, but God deliberately connected them with the intentions and actions. This warning reminds us of the true significance of wearing tassels, which is not merely an external decoration but more about sincere inner devotion and obedience to God’s commandments. Therefore, the seemingly negative and positive evaluations of tassels in the Old and New Testaments are not contradictory. External forms should not replace or hinder the observance of God’s commandments in the heart and actions; instead, they should serve as reminders and catalysts.

Regarding the second question, Jesus Himself likely wore garments with tassels. There were instances where a woman with a flow of blood and many other sick people touched the tassels on His garment and were healed (Matthew 9:20, 14:36). Although the commandment to add tassels to garments was given to the Israelites, it does not mean that non-Jewish Christians cannot add tassels to their garments, as they are disciples of Jesus. Many Christian denominations have clergy members who wear robes or stoles adorned with tassels, as seen in https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_and_fringed_garments. I also have tassels on the prayer shawl I wear during morning prayers. As an external form, wearing a specially designated prayer shawl can help focus the heart towards God during prayer. During the time when Jesus walked the earth as an example for humanity, it is likely that He wore a garment with tassels when He prayed, following the tradition of that time. Here are some Jewish traditions related to this practice:

Before prayer, one should check that the tassels on the garment are intact. During this time, one can recite Psalm 104:1-2: “Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great: You are clothed with honor and majesty, who cover Yourself with light as with a garment, who stretch out the heavens like a curtain.”
After covering oneself with the prayer shawl, it is customary to recite Psalm 36:7-10: “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.”
During morning prayers, one can also hold the tassels of the garment in hand and read Numbers 15:37-41, which contains the commandment regarding tassels (when reaching “… the tassel, that you may look upon it …,” one can genuinely pass the tassels across the eyes and look upon them): ‘Again the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel: Tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a blue thread in the tassels of the corners. And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not follow the harlotry to which your own heart and your own eyes are inclined, and that you may remember and do all My commandments, and be holy for your God. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am the Lord your God.” ’

Last year, I suffered from frozen shoulder, and it was difficult for me to raise my left arm to wear the prayer shawl. However, later the Lord healed me, and I could once again lift my hands to put on the prayer shawl. Each time, I am grateful as Psalm 104:1 says, “Bless the LORD, O my soul...” Often, without times of difficulty, people fail to recognize the value of what they already have. Now, when I read Numbers 15:39, “And you shall have the tassel, that you may look upon it …,” I take a moment to look upon the tassels in the morning light and express gratitude to God for granting me the ability to discern the shape and color of the tassels. The Lord grants us life and physical health, and we should use them to fulfill His commandments and be thankful for the privilege to do so.

Additional Links:

https://hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Synagogue_Blessings/Donning_Tallit/tallit-Blessing.pdf

https://kingdom4jesus.wordpress.com/2013/03/19/聖經中衣裳繸子的含義/

https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/1927061/jewish/Tallit-Prayer-Blessings.htm

https://schechter.edu/is-there-an-obligation-to-kiss-the-tzitzit-responsa-in-a-moment-vol-13-no-3/