Customer Reviews

Talitha Cumi: The Secrets of the Prayer Shawl

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John Francis opens his book "Talit ha Cumi" with the story of one man's disobedience as an introduction to the historical and scriptural origins of the Jewish prayer shawl, the tallit. The garment itself is not what makes the tallit special. The significance is the tzitzit, the fringes on the four corners which are to remind us of God's commandments.

The tallit is described as a religious symbol, a garment, a shroud, a canopy, a cloak. In Jewish tradition it becomes a cloak which envelopes the both physically and spiritually in prayer and celebration. When used in prayer it signifies being wrapped in the Word. The tallit is used in all Jewish life events from circumcision to burial. I found the traditional use of the tallit in Middle Eastern wedding ceremonies of particular interest.

The chapters showing the tallit as symbolic as a mantle, as a little tent, and with wings gave me deeper insights and a new appreciation for many Old and New Testament passages. Detailed instructions for the proper use of the tallit are talked about including suggest scriptures for meditation.

Francis maintains that wearing the tallit today can be relevant. When our heart motives are right we can obtain the full spiritual benefit of this ancient tradition. The shawl provides a private space to isolate you from the outside environment allowing you to focus. Symbolically it strengthens your commitment to prayer.

Christian's today can use the tallit as a reminder of God's commandments, of His constant love for His people, His promises, His protection, and of His healing power.
John Francis introduces profound ancient truths in his book "Talit ha Cumi" to help contemporary Christians practice a life of holiness and experience a deeper more rewarding prayer life.

This book was a quick, simple read about the Jewish prayer shawl. I enjoyed it, but was a little disappointed by the limited depth of the information provided. I missed the detail in the book's description that it only had 68 pages. Since it costs over $9, I would have expected more, but it's my fault for missing the book's length.

It read more like a series of teachings from sermons or church classes than I expected. Still, it had some very useful information. As a previous reviewer mentioned, understanding that people referred to the prayer shawl as "wings" or a "tent" did help me better understand some of the imagery from Old Testament passages. So, I still recommend the book, but caution you to be aware of how short it is.

this is a good book to have if you are sensitive on praying with the prayer shawl. taking it seriously is the first stage to good prayer. Get ready to discover it's truths and the journey to wearing the "Tallit" or prayer shawl.

This is a very short book, but it is filled with good information. Please note that most of the information contained in the book is readily available on various websites. The advantage, at least to me, is the book collects the information into a single source.

Each chapter contains footnotes listing the sources.

The author provides an interesting insight concerning Mark 5: 25-43 and the tallit.

The book is a little short in length and doesn't have a lot of supporting material. Regardless, it is right on point. I used some of the information to help me determine whether or not to obtain my own "prayer closet." Also, it filled in some of the blanks I had when it came to what Christians call a prayer closet. I went to Israel in March 2011 and was able to obtain more information. With that being said, the information was in-line with what I found in my independent study. I would recommend it to a lay person since it's not too detailed but not to a fellow (well-read) minister.

I purchased 4 extra copies of this books to give away. This book explains the prayer shawl or mantel so well. John Francis is an awesome, in-depth teacher, so this book met all of my expectations and everyone I've given one to had the same opinion.

GREAT BOOK IN MY STUDEY OF THE JEWISH FAITH.THIS BOOK HELPED MORE WAYS THEN ONE IN LEARING ABOUT MY OWN PRAYER SHAW.THE BOOK ALSO GAVE ME THE OPENING PRAY FOR USING THIS GREAT ITEM OF PRAYER.