Klarinet Archive - Posting 000878.txt from 2001/09

From: Audrey Travis <vsofan@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] OK...this is just silly stuff
Date: Fri, 28 Sep 2001 10:52:38 -0400

Oliver, the "block" a Bar Mitzvah boy wears on his head is not a metaphor.
It's part of what is called "tefillin" (pronounced tefeelin, with accent on
the second syllable). Inside the part worn on the head are important Jewish
prayers. All Jewish men who attend morning prayer services whether at home or
in the synagogue wear them. The action stems from a direct Biblical
commandment (Deuteronomy 6) for Jewish men to "bind them as a frontlet before
thine eyes". If you read that whole chapter, (some of which is basically a
contract between G-d and Man) there are a series of commandments from G-d
detailing ways to remember, not only on a daily basis, but a minute by minute
basis (the fringes worn under garments with fringes sticking out) of how to
live a life of morals and ethics, based on good relations with your fellow
man, and good relations between men and G-d.

BTW, the Bar Mitzvah (Son of the Commandments) wears one at his Bar Mitzvah
for the first time in his life, as he comes of age and is recognized as a
Jewish Man.

Best wishes,
Audrey

Oliver Seely wrote:

> Well, if it is proposed as a metaphor, maybe it's like the block one sees
> being worn on the forehead during a bar mitzvah. What is it anyway, a good
> luck charm?

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