| The Tallit also pronounced as Tallis, is a special prayer | | | | Tallit. |
| shawl worn by Jews when they recite their morning | | | | Unity in differences |
| prayers. It can also be worn during the Jewish | | | | When praying amidst a congregation, the Tallit helps |
| holidays as well as during Sabbath. | | | | neutralize any exterior differences. Thus, while people |
| How does the Tallit look like? | | | | of different financial status and ethnicities pray, there |
| The Tallit is a special shawl that has knotted fringes | | | | is no difference between them because all the |
| on four corners. These fringes are known as tzitzit. It | | | | people wear Tallits. |
| is also known as arba kanfot. As per Biblical | | | | Colors and materials |
| commandments, the tzitzit is supposed to contain | | | | The modern Tallit comes in several colors, black and |
| blue thread. | | | | blue being the most popular. The black Tallit is used |
| Ancient traditions | | | | for mourning while the blue one looks like the Israeli |
| As per traditional Jewish customs, the Tallit is gifted | | | | flag. Other colors can represent various aspects or |
| by a father to his son or teacher to student. Most | | | | things. Materials commonly used in the Traditional Tallit |
| synagogues have plenty of such Tallit shawsl for the | | | | include silk, wool, linen, acrylon etc. |
| Jewish devotees. | | | | Things to ensure while wearing |
| Personal devotional space | | | | If you are a woman and wish to wear the Tallit |
| The modern Tallit is still worn by every Jewish | | | | there are a few things you need to keep in mind |
| devotee. As per the custom of the Jews, the Tallit | | | | namely: |
| should never be worn on the skin directly. It should | | | | - Neckband held at either end |
| always be worn over some clothing. In fact, the | | | | - Fringes are correct and held in place |
| word Tallit is derived from two words namely Tal | | | | - Repeat the blessing |
| and Ith. Tal means tent and ith means little. Hence, | | | | - Place the Tallit over your head. Bring the neckband |
| the Tallit is a small tent, which can be worn to create | | | | as near the mouth as possible |
| a personal space to express one’s devotion. | | | | - Bring the Tallit across the shoulders |
| Men and women wearing Tallit | | | | While wearing a Tallit it is essential that you say the |
| Traditionally, it is mostly men who wear the Tallit as | | | | blessing or prayer. In this manner, you heighten the |
| women are not obligated to wear it. However, | | | | awareness of wearing this religious garment. While |
| authorities such as the Rambam, Isaac ibn Ghiyyat | | | | putting on the Tallit you need to hold one end of the |
| permit women to wear the Tallit. Jewish women are | | | | garment at either end of your collar. The Hewbrew |
| exempt from the Jewish commandment | | | | words on the Tallit need to be towards you and be |
| performance and hence wearing the Tallit can be | | | | placed so their right side is upwards. You can kiss all |
| considered as an act of arrogance. However, in | | | | the ends of the collar or atarah during this point. |
| today’s times, women can wear the modern | | | | |