Your Simple Buying Guide to Finding the Perfect Tallit!
The idea of wearing a Tallit dates back to Torah times when the Jewish people were commanded to attach "tzitzit" (fringes or knotted tassels) to the corners of any four-cornered garment. The purpose of this was to remind the Jewish people of the 613 mitzvot (commandments) - the Hebrew word "tzitzit" has the numerical equivalence of 600, and each tassel has 8 strings with 5 knots, which together equals 613.
At the time, huge squares of white material were worn constantly as protection from
the scorching desert sun, folded into scarves and wrapped around the shoulders in the evening when the desert's temperatures drop. When this stopped being normative practice, the Rabbis decreed that a four-cornered tasseled garment must be worn every day, so that the notion of tzitzit wouldn't be lost.
If you close your eyes and imagine what Jewish prayer looks like, the archetypal image that comes to mind is that of an older, bearded man, praying as the sun rises while wrapped in a prayer shawl. These shawls - or Tallitot in Hebrew and Talleisim in Yiddish - are worn by Jewish men (and a growing number of women) during prayer services, and are an iconic and integral part of Jewish clothing and image. Traditionally used in many Jewish milestone events, Tallitot are worn under the chuppah (marriage canopy), throughout the whole of Yom Kippur, and eventually, for burial. In some communities, boys begin wearing a Tallit when they reach Bar Mitzvah; in others, men begin donning the garment at their weddings. In either case, the Tallit is often given as a special gift from the boy's parents or the man's future bride.
Traditional Tallit
Traditionally, Tallitot can be made from wool, cotton, linen, or silk, but most authorities on Jewish law champion wool as the best option. We carry a selection of beautiful traditional tallitot, made from pure, unblended wool, with classic blue or black stripes. This classic design has evolved over the years to include decorative corners and collars in a variety of colors and sizes. Want something a little more contemporary? There are plenty of colorful options as well!
A Tallit's stripes can really play off a person's personality, which gives off a more serious tone.
Modern Tallit
The range of modern Tallitot includes Tallit made of a blend of synthetic fibers, suitable for vegans who avoid animal products like silk and wool. Most are relatively simple Tallitot featuring the traditional blue striped design, but there are also those that feature decorative stripes with stunning patterns like those of Jerusalem, as well as Tallitot with backgrounds in beautiful colors, finishes, and sizes.
Designer Tallit
The designer Tallitot we carry are truly spectacular. Many of these feature hand-painted designs, intricate embroidery, and stunning appliqués in a number of vibrant colors, and our beaded Tallits. Some Tallit designs include stunningly decorated collars and yokes, resulting in absolutely beautiful shawls that will make anyone feel loved! Brightly colored Tallitot are almost always made for someone who enjoys making a statement and standing out among the average. One can choose between a solid white background and let the decorations do the talking or let the colors of Tallit itself impress those around you.
Tallit Bags
If you've chosen the perfect Tallit, you need to pick the perfect bag to store it in too! I have an alluring selection of bags crafted from the best quality materials and featuring some of the most unique artwork in the Judaica world! One can choose between bags that say exactly what's inside or go for something more decorative, like anything from the embroidered selection.
Tallit Clips
Tallitot have a tendency to slip off one's shoulders, which can be annoying to fix constantly when praying, but Tallit Clips will solve that problem right away with style! A subtle way to decorate your Tallit and make it a little more special, Tallit Clips come in all different styles and designs, with many featuring Jewish symbols like these Star of David and the Lion of Judah ones that can perfectly match your Tallit or add something to it.
