Religious Dress Reflection: Phylacteries and Gender Equality in Jewish Religious Practice
Overview
This reflection examines phylacteries (tefillin), small cube-shaped black cases worn by Jewish males as religious dress symbolizing obedience to God's commandments found in Deuteronomy and Exodus. The paper explores the historical significance and design of phylacteries while critically analyzing the gender restrictions that limit their use to males aged 12 and above, questioning whether such restrictions align with modern religious equality.
What this reflection paper covers
- Introduction and definition of phylacteries with multiple spellings and physical description
- Biblical commandments and symbolism of phylacteries as expressions of religious obedience
- Gender inequality discussion focusing on exclusion of females from wearing phylacteries
- Historical context of design dating to 70 CE and call for religious institutions to accept social change
Preview
Name
Instructor
Course
Date
Religious Dress Reflection
Hebraic regalia are numerous, and each with a unique meaning. The associated implications are derivative of biblical commandments to symbolize various precepts that God requires them to remember. One type of these wearables is the phylacteries. It is also referred to as tefillin, and tephillin or tfillin are also correct spellings. Phylacteries are small cube-shaped black cases worn on the forehead and the arm. Notably, one should wear it on the less dominant hand. As a result, a righthanded person would put it on the left hand, and a righthanded individual would wear it on the left arm.
Source: Alamy stock photos
It is astonishing to find out that the phylacteries are the symbolic expression of those who are steadfast in obeying the laws of God. According to Britannica, “Phylacteries are worn in obedience to the commandment found in Deuteronomy (11:18) and Exodus (13:9, 16),” as an emblem that shows that the holders are not only memorizing but also practicing the word of God. However, there is a sense in which the history of the wearable brings forth a discussion about gender equality. Only Jewish males of 12 years and above have permission to wear phylacteries.
Source: Alamy stock photos
As a result, one wonders whether females were not expected to obey God's commandment. Although there are changes in how religious institutions view females, phylacteries remain among the items that females cannot wear openly.