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Ritual Objects
Alvin Stern
This month we will discuss proper respect for various ritual objects. The most
important item Jews have is our Torah and we show the most respect for it. When
the Ark is opened or the Torah is being carried around the room, we stand; whenever
possible, we kiss the Torah scroll. This can be accomplished in several ways
either directly kissing the Torah mantle, or using an object as an intermediary
(such as Siddur, Tallit or Gelillah band). We do this as the scroll is carried
and also when we approach the open scroll for an Aliyah. If, G-d forbid, we
drop a Torah, we either fast for 40 days (eating only at night) or contribute
the value of a new Torah to Tzedukkah.
Other ritual objects that we treat with respect are Siddurim, Chumashim and
Machzorim. These books all contain Hashem - G-d's name. If we drop one of these
books on the floor, we kiss it. Many people kiss the book when they are finished
using it. We put on Tefillin (phylacteries) while standing, making sure that
the leather straps don't touch the floor; when we are through using them, we
place them in a special bag until the next time we use them. A Tallit often
has the Bracha on the Attara (decorative band at the shoulder) and therefore
should not touch the floor. Even the Tzitzit should not touch the floor.
Any ritual object with G-d's name (Siddur, Chumash, Tallit, or Tefillin) should
never be taken into the bathroom or left lying around in a manner not befitting
such an object. Therefore, at TBS, we have installed a Tallit rack and shelf
outside the main bathroom. When you are finished using a sacred book, please
return it to the pews or book racks neatly.
Some objects that we associate with "holiness" really have no such
special attribute. A Kippah is simply a piece of material that we wear. Since
it does not have G-d's name on it, it can be worn into the bathroom. Of course,
it still feels wrong to find a discarded Kippah in the parking lot! Other ritual
objects such as a Shofar, Shabbat Menorah, Hanukkiah...a gain do not have G-d's
name on them, but they inspire us emotionally and are usually seen as examples
of Hiddur Mitzvah - the act of adding beauty to performing a Mitzvah. Therefore,
we should treat these as "objects d'art."
Finally, our tradition teaches us that once we elevate something to a higher
level by reciting a Bracha over it, we may no longer treat it as a mundane object.
As a good example of this practice, when reciting Kiddush over a glass of wine
and not being able to finish all of the wine, we don't just pour it out, but
rather add a few drops to the cup (transforming it into a new cup of wine over
which a Bracha has not been recited) and then pour the wine out.
All these examples demonstrate how our Jewish tradition has sought to teach
us the level of respect we should show inanimate objects; if we are so careful
about showing respect, how much more must we be careful to respect our fellow
human beings. In our everyday lives we have so many opportunities to practice
this concern for others. |
