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Question
Prayer shaw or tallith, are they worn by men and women? The reference in Numbers 15:37-41 appears to address the Priesthood.
Answer
You've raised a very interesting question on which there are several opinions. See Jacob Milgrom's commentary on the Jewish Publication Society 5 volume edition of the Five Books of Moses/Torah.
What may have begun as a priestly and/or a royal perogative became, over the course of time, a standard for Jewish men. Today in most liberal congregations - men are expected to wear a tallit and women may have the option or even be expected to wear a tallit. In orthodox congregations only men wear the tallit.
Best Wishes,
Rabbi Barry Dov Lerner
Foundation for Family Education (FFFE)
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