Gartel

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The Gartel is a belt used by Hasidic Jewish males during prayer. "Gartel" is Yiddish for "belt". The word comes from the German "Gürtel".

Jewish law (Shulchan Aruch O.C. 91:2) requires that there is a physical divide between the heart and the genitalia during prayer. It is commonly explained that separating the upper and lower parts of the body manifests a control of the animal instincts of the person by the distinctly human intellect. Hasidic authorities maintain that a regular belt or the waistband of trousers do not suffice to fulfill this requirement, and that a designated sash is to be used. Additionally, donning a gartel is a preparation for prayer, in accordance with the Biblical verse, Amos 4:12. In contrast, Mishnah Berurah (91:5) states that any waistband is adequate for the first requirement, however for the second requirement more is needed, which the gartel fulfills.

Some Hasidic sects such as Skver and Belz wear the gartel all day as part of their regular attire.