Jewish tradition recognizes the tallit as a prayer shawl with fringed edges, commonly made of wool (or sometimes silk). Each corner features twined and knotted fringes known as tzitzit which add an element of decorative fringed-ness.
In some Jewish communities, a tallit is given as a present from fathers or father-in-laws to their sons or from teachers to students as a gift. Today, tallits can be seen worn by both men and boys from Orthodox as well as non-Orthodox Reform movements as well as women who belong to some denominations.
what is tallit used for?
Tallit is a Jewish prayer shawl similar to a kippah that can be worn during synagogue services; however, its wear is not mandatory for worshipers. Additionally, tallits are worn during wedding ceremonies and Simchat Torah (Festival of Trumpets).
Tallit is derived from an Aramaic root T-L-L Tll which means "cover or cloak." First mentioned in the Bible around 3,200 years ago, initially it consisted of blankets or sheets with fringes on each corner; over time however it evolved into the garment we wear today.
Traditional head coverings were usually constructed out of linen or wool; however, recent decades have witnessed an acceptance of wearing silk as well. This is due to silk not violating shatnez, the rule prohibiting mixing two different species of fibers together.
Tallit can be divided into two main categories, the tallit katan (commonly known by its Hebrew name "tzitzit") that can be worn over or under clothing and frequently refered to by its Hebrew name tzitzit; and the tallit gadol, which is worn only during morning prayers – however it must be made of wool or cotton material and have its special twined fringes known as tzitzit attached at each corner.
Each fringe, or tzitzit, contains eight threads tied in five knots that add up to 613 (the numerical value of Hebrew word for fringe). These represent God's commandments found in the Torah as well as serving as a symbolic reminder for Jews to live their daily lives according to mitzvot (commandments) set before them.
Jewish men buried are traditionally dressed in tallit, and may place an atarah (crown) upon them before burial to signify that they fulfilled all their obligations to God. Once removed, this symbolises that their lives had ended successfully.
Atarahs are often decorated with messages that hold special meaning for those wearing tallit. Blessings to donning or donning not required! Additionally, an atarah can feature quotes from sacred texts like Torah.
how to wear a tallit?
Tallits are prayer shawls worn by both Jewish men and women during daily morning prayers and on Jewish holidays, including High Holidays. A tallit contains four corners with knotted or twined fringes known as tzitzit that serve to remind its wearer about God's commands and His name.
Tzitzit are small tassel-like ornaments tied onto each corner of each hem of a tallit. Tzitzit are part of one of God's commandments given to the Jews during their exodus from Egypt as an indicator that they do not worship pagan gods but only one true God: their God of Israel. Tzitzit tieing symbolizes this devotion.
Tzitzit were designed to serve as a constant reminder of God's commandments to His people, and were originally made from linen or wool. Today silk can also be used as long as its strings that tie onto its fringes are specifically manufactured for this mitzvah and approved by rabbis.
Once worn exclusively in white, tallit designs now increasingly incorporate blue or green tzitzit. A tallit can either be striped or solid; its choice depends entirely upon each individual.
Traditional striped tallitots come in classic colors like black, white or blue (as well as other more contemporary hues), while lurex stripes feature alternate silver and gold threads for an eye-catching design that makes you stand out in a crowd. Modern tallitots also have unique weave designs to help them stand out more dramatically from others.
Some tzitzit are embellished with an eye-catching Jerusalem design, an iconic emblem representing Israel. These tallit gadol are popular at wedding ceremonies or other events where Torah scrolls are being paraded.
Tallitot are essential religious rituals that can provide lifelong spiritual growth and fulfilment. With so many types of tallittot available on the market, finding one that meets your specific needs may prove challenging. But look no further than Talitania's Carmel Tallit Prayer Shawl for traditional stripes: manufactured in Israel using pure virgin ewe's wool it features beautiful light blue stripes interspersed with sparkling silver thread for an exquisite addition to your prayer wardrobe!
What does the blue on the tallit mean?
Judaism associates blue with numerous meanings. It often represents heaven, or the realm that holds God, while it also signifies royalty and His power over Israel's people.
As part of our Shema prayer (Numbers 15:37-41) we are instructed to attach to the fringe of each corner of our garments a thread of blue dye known as tekhelet, representing an ancient Jewish custom used to produce tallit gadol garments.
The blue of the tekhelet was similar to that of Israel's flag; however, its symbolic value made it even more expensive and had many symbolic meanings.
Protecting and covering sacred vessels was another use for it; specifically the menorah, Ark of Covenant and Tabernacle table were made out of it.
Although blue is significant to Judaism for various reasons, one of its primary meanings in Israel today is as an icon of royalty; particularly important when wearing tallit shawls from biblical times which are highly prized pieces of clothing.
Many rabbis and scholars of that era talked about the power of blue. Some even described it as the color of God's Glory, recalling sapphire jewels or even dark evening skies in their descriptions of its colors.
As such, today the Tekhelet is still used to tie tzitzit onto four corners of a tallit shawl and represent God's authority over His people. Additionally, its symbolism reminds us all to sanctify ourselves with God's presence and be holy.
One reason the color blue holds so much significance to Judaism is due to its rarity; only few sources exist that supply this costly dye.
why buy a galilee silks blue tallit?
blue tallit are an effective way of showing your Jewish faith, whether that means purchasing it for yourself or gifting one as part of an heirloom quality silk tallit. With its subtle pomegranate motif and delicate black and white stripes, this elegant gift comes complete with matching kippah and tallit bag – the ideal present!
Galilee Silks, situated in northern Israel, is a leading Judaica textile designer. Their studio boasts over 20 fabric specialists who work together on creating one-of-a-kind Judaica products.
This luxurious silk tallit features a stylish slate blue, white and shimmering silver stripe design with matching corner reinforcement. Additionally, its attarah has been hand-stitched from pure silk thread to complete its traditional blessing for tallit.
It's not hard to understand why this tallit has become such a hit among Jews worldwide – its beautiful design and vibrant hue add a splash of style and classiness to any outfit!
At Galilee Silks, you'll discover an expansive selection of tallit designs to meet all of your individual requirements – and save money when shopping! Plus, each time you make a purchase you could even save more!
Galilee Silks offers exquisite hand painted silk tallit designs that combine elegance and symmetry in an exquisite piece that you'll be proud to own and wear! Their hand painted designs offer something truly exceptional for those seeking quality silk tallits.
Galilee Silks has long been recognized as an industry leader when it comes to hand dyeing raw white silk by hand and creating unique Judaica textile products, fashion items, and silk accessories. Based in northern Israel, they have earned themselves a stellar reputation as makers of some of the highest-grade silk products available on the market today.
