So, I’m learning a new job that will have me doing some classroom instruction. Typically, I can be anywhere in western SC with a class that will last four days or so. Yesterday, as I shadow my trainer, I began with a class of 12, just north of Greenwood.
This morning, while setting up, I asked if there were any questions and a hand immediately went up. The late 20’s lady hesitantly said, “Uhm, what, uhm, are those string things you have on your side?”
I smiled, inside and out, and took three minutes to quickly explain my background, what my tzitziot are, what they mean and where I get that from Scripture (Numbers 15:37-41). At least seven of the students were very interested with one even asking to look more closely and ask follow on questions.
There is a debate that has gone on for a long, long time as to whether this command is a private or corporate command. I.e., do I tuck them in and let them remind only me, or, as a peculiar people, do I wear them out as a reminder to others to keep the commandments and as a witness to who I am as a keeper of the Commandments. Personally, I have always worn them out and been convicted of such. I do not intent to fuel the debate so much as say, “If they had been tucked in, would I have had opportunity to give a witness to the veracity of the Torah and walking as the Messiah?”
Shalom!!
