How to Wear the Tallit

The Torah, or the Old Testament commands that a person must wear a tallit in Numbers 15:38:9, "Speak to the people of Israel, and tell them to make tassels on the corners of their garments throughout their generations, and to put a cord of blue on the tassel of each corner. And it shall be a tassel for you to look at and remember all the commandments of the Lord, to do them, not to follow after your own heart and your own eyes, which you are inclined to whore after." To observe this Jewish commandment, the tallit should be put on in a specific way.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Check that the tallit is kosher, with no tears or broken strings, and all knots tied tight.

2. Take eight strings and tie five knots in them on the front left side. This represents the 613 commandments in the Torah. This step is only performed the first time a new tallit is put on.

3. First open the tallit completely, with the design facing outward, holding it above your head and behind your back. While reciting the blessing, "Blessed are you, our God, Creator of time and space, who enriches our lives with holiness, commanding us to wrap ourselves in the tallit."

4. Lay the tallit on your head and grab the two tassels on the left side with your left hand. Then, grab the two tassels on the right side with your right hand.

5. Place the tallit over your eyes but not over your mouth. While reciting the blessing, "Blessed art Thou, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us regarding the tallit."

6. Bring the right side over the left and the left sides bring up over the left also. Your face will be completely covered. Completing with the blessing, "Blessed art Thou, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with his commandments and commanded us to wrap ourselves in the tallit."

7. Fold the corners over each shoulder. Keep the tallit over your head to complete your morning prayers. It can be taken off the top of your head and placed behind your head.

Tips & Warnings

• Memorize the blessings before trying to put on the tallit.

• It cannot be worn like a scarf, because the four tassels must be at all four corners of your body to fulfill the commandment.

Resources

• Jewish Heart: Purchase a Tallit