15. The Tallis Status Symbol and its Implications for Single Men - Feat. Rabbi Noah Marlowe

In many Ashkenazi communities, a tallis gadol has become a symbol of adulthood, putting many single, male adults in a jarring position when they see men far younger than themselves donning a tallis purely by dint of marriage. The challenge becomes compounded for a single Rabbi who finds himself leading a congregation and - as the most religious figure in the room - appears to be missing an essential part of the ceremonial garb. In this episode, R. Noah Marlowe breaks down a responsum of R. Chaim Dovid HaLevi (Aseh Lecha Rav 3:1) to determine whether there is room for new interpretations. Sources here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W5C7ZeOykqEaSagGdhtEBL6IUEQIXsPG8gHQcwCV9K8/edit