Jewish Tallit Information
The Hebrew tallit, or prayer shawl, is traditionally worn by Jewish men during religious services, although in some non-Orthodox congregations, women also wear a tallit. The practice is based on the biblical book of Numbers 13:38-40, which directs Jews to place fringes on their four-cornered garments.
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Types
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The traditional tallit is about the size of a small tablecloth, and is worn with most of the cloth hanging down to the small of the back, with the two front corners laid over the shoulders. Reform and Conservative Jews often wear smaller versions that are worn scarf-like around the neck, hanging in front. Orthodox Jewish men also wear a smaller poncho-like version, under or over the shirt.
Significance
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The fringes at the edges of the tallit are tied in a specific pattern of knots and wraps, that add up to the numerical equivalent of 613, which Jews recognize as the number of commandments in the Torah. Looking at these fringes, a Jew is reminded to observe all of the precepts of Judaism.
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Features
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The traditional tallit is white, with black or blue stripes, although there is considerable room for creativity. Some decorate the tallit with a band of silver at the headpiece, and followers of certain Hasidic traditions even include a single thread of blue in the fringes, which are normally all white.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit talith image by SADIA from Fotolia.com
