JFJ Forums

The commandment is:

Numbers 15:

[38] Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue:

So why is it that the European Jews do not wear the ribband of blue.  Furthermore, it states that the children of Israel should wear this, not just the men - everyone.  Why is it that the women do not acknowledge this.

Lastly, why do the men wear yamakah's?  Isn't that a Catholic tradition?  I know the priests were commanded to wear mitres; I believe Abraham wore a mitre.  Why the opposite?

Just a few quick answers to your questions.

Generally, the blue thread is no longer there because the blue die was no longer able to be made. There is a 'snail' which was used to make the blue die which had disappeared. I heard recently the 'snail' is making a come back in Israel.

In Judaism, a woman is required to 'keep' the negative commandments while the 'positive' are optional, due to her duties etc. Another issue with some of the commandments is that there is a period of time a woman can't keep some because she is ritually unclean. Some woman do wear fringes, especially during prayer, but it is not considered a requirement.

You are right the Cohanim/priests wore head coverings. The yarmulke/kippah is a relatively recent addition to show respect and keep in mind that God is above us. I would say the yarmulke is talmudic/Rabbinical which says not to walk more then 4 cubits with your head uncovered. Many Orthodox Jews wear the yarmulke all day and it is for all men, not just Rabbi's. (Some women wear a yarmulke also). I don't believe the origin is from the Catholic church.          

       But Jan,
One can buy blue thread, blue yarn, blue string, blue needlepoint thread in any arts and crafts store.