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"Thou shalt make thee twisted cords upon the four corners of thy coverings, wherewith thou coverest thyself". (Deuteronomy 22:12) The tallit is the traditional prayer shawl worn either after the age of Bar or Bat Mitzvah, or in some Orthodox communities, worn only by married men. Ritual fringes of the tallit, called tzitzit, are attached to each of the four corners in accordance with biblical law. The wearer will look at these these fringes of the tallit, and recall all of the commandments and observe them. Traditionally the tallit is white with black stripes, or blue stripes, made most often of wool, but alot of contemporary tallits are made from silk or cotton. In recent times, tallits have become more varried in color, symbolism or aesthetic preference. On the High Holy Days, it is traditional to wear a white tallit, symbolizing purity. The collar of the tallit, called atarah, usually is inscibed with the blessing recited as one adorns the tallit. Some jews wrap themselves in their tallit as they pray. A tallit is a special part of a Jewish persons life. The tallit should be comfortable, it is not a fashion accessory. The tallit will be worn throughout life, being part of the Jewish life cycle. (Bar/Bat Mitzvah, camp, college, High Holidays, wedding, Brit Milah, and death) |
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