Tallit

PRIESTLY BLESSING -BIRCAT CHOHANIM AT THE WESTERN WALL HOL HAMOED SUCCOT derived

Prayer Shawl

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טלית מקופלת

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tallit knotting2

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A Tallit (Hebrew: טַלִּית , plural: tallitot) is a fringed garment traditionally worn as a prayer shawl by Jews. The tallit is typically made from wool, cotton, or silk and is worn over the outer clothes during the morning prayers (Shacharit) and on the Sabbath and Jewish holidays. The tallit has special twined and knotted fringes known as tzitzit attached to its four corners.

History

The origin of the tallit can be traced back to the Torah, where the commandment to attach fringes to the corners of garments is found in the Book of Numbers (15:38-39) and the Book of Deuteronomy (22:12). The tallit has evolved over time, with variations in size, material, and design reflecting different Jewish communities and traditions.

Design and Components

The tallit is typically rectangular in shape and features four corners, each with a set of tzitzit. The tzitzit are made according to specific guidelines outlined in the Torah and Talmud. The tallit may also have an atarah (decorative collar) at the top, often embroidered with a blessing or other religious text.

Tzitzit

The tzitzit are the most important part of the tallit, as they fulfill the biblical commandment. They are made from wool or other materials and are tied in a specific pattern of knots and windings. The purpose of the tzitzit is to remind the wearer of the commandments of the Torah.

Atarah

The atarah is a decorative band sewn along the top edge of the tallit. It often features intricate embroidery, including the blessing recited when donning the tallit: "Baruch atah Adonai Eloheinu Melech ha'olam, asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hitatef b'tzitzit" (Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to wrap ourselves in tzitzit).

Types of Tallit

There are several types of tallitot, each with unique characteristics:

• Tallit Gadol: The large prayer shawl worn during morning prayers and on special occasions.
• Tallit Katan: A smaller garment worn under or over clothing throughout the day, also known as tzitzit.

Usage

The tallit is traditionally worn during morning prayers, the Sabbath, and Jewish holidays. It is also worn during significant life events such as Bar Mitzvahs, weddings, and funerals. The tallit is draped over the shoulders and wrapped around the body, with the tzitzit hanging down.

Symbolism

The tallit serves as a physical reminder of the commandments and the wearer's connection to God. The tzitzit, in particular, symbolize the 613 commandments of the Torah. The act of wearing the tallit is a demonstration of faith and devotion.

Related Pages

• Judaism
• Tzitzit
• Shacharit
• Sabbath
• Jewish holidays
• Bar Mitzvah
• Torah
• Talmud