What are Judaica Prayer Shawls/Tallits?
We pride ourselves in making high quality Judaica prayer shawls/Tallits. However, we often find that many people do not know the meaning and history of these shawls. So, it seems helpful to provide a bit of an introduction to our products.
What are Judaica Prayer Shawls/Tallits?
In Judaism, the prayer shawl, sometimes referred to as a Tallit, is a visible symbol of the word of God and was often used as a symbol of positional power that was transferred from person to person when the position changed. In fact, the term “passing the mantle” comes from this tradition.
Judaica prayer shawls are made of wool, cotton, or silk. They were typically colored in crimson, purple, and royal blue as outlined in the Torah. However, there are also a number of other versions. Blood red with white and black stripes was popular with the Levitical Tribe, which symbolized Moses’ garment as a member of the tribe of Levi.
What is the Historical Significance of Judaica Prayer Shawls?
Judaica prayer shawls/Tallit’s can be traced all the way back to the Hebrew Bible. The book of Numbers specifically discusses the use of these prayer coverings, instructing Israelites to attach fringes to the corners of their shawls. The purpose of these fringes is to serve as a visual reminder of God’s commandments and to remind people to perform them. In other words, Tallit’s can be seen as a visual reminder to obey the religious law and reject selfish desires.
Today, the traditions around the use of Judaica prayer shawls vary dramatically. Some boys begin wearing them after their bar mitzvah. In some communities, Judaica prayer shawls are worn starting at the time of marriage. The importance of the garment as a rite of passage makes it quite traditional for people to gift Judaica prayer shawls/Tallit’s to their sons, sons-in-law, or even students. Many temples have Tallit’s available for the public to use; however, many people prefer owning their own.
Who Wears a Judaica Prayer Shawl?
As you know, there are significant differences in how different people worship. Thus, it is not surprising that there are also differences in who wears a Judaica prayer shawl. Traditionally, men wear a Judaica prayer shawl during morning services.
In many non-Orthodox congregations, many women will choose to wear a shawl/Tallit as wear. However, it is not a requirement for women to wear one and in many Orthodox congregations, it is not allowed.
Why Should I Buy a Judaica Prayer Shawl?
There are many reasons to purchase a Judaica prayer shawl. Many people opt to purchase them as special gifts for important people in their life. After all, Judaica prayer shawls/Tallit’s are an excellent way to bond around the Jewish faith.
They can be given as a gift for any occasion but are often purchased for very specific and sentimental occasions. Of course, there is never a bad occasion for which to purchase a Tallit. In fact, many people opt to purchase one for themselves even.
Also, its important to note that if you’re interested in private label shawls/Tallit’s in which you can come up with your own design we can manufacture them, giving a very customized feel.
With having one of the largest selections of Judaica items and being the number one retailer of religious products from the Holy Land, it’s no surprise why more people choose 3 Arches USA as there go to when it comes to prayer shawls/Tallits.
To place your order for a prayer shawl/tallit, please call us or click on the link below.
Click here for our collection of Judaica Products.
Biblical Sources Cited
Numbers 15:38-40
Exodus 28: 1-5
