Those of you men or women who wear protective clothing, aprons, or uniforms know that these not only identify you within a certain profession but assist you in your form of trade. A waitress wears an apron. A chef wears a kind of apron-like garb. A tradesman wears a tool belt or heavy apron. A policeman wears a uniform and belt. You would never do your job without wearing your special garb. They are an extension of sorts of who you are and what you do.

Likewise, a prayer shawl has a similar purpose. Years ago, women in particular, would don a “prayer shawl” in order to meditate or spend alone time with God. Jewish men (and today some women too) wear what’s called a “tallit” –a kind of prayer shawl that indicates that he or she is in worship or prayer mode while wearing it.

The Jewish tal…