Tallit: Beyond the Here and Now

A tallis (also called "tallit" or "tallis gadol") is a prayer shawl traditionally made of wool. Its most significant feature are the tzitzis (knotted fringes) attached to each of the four corners (Numbers 15:38), to remind us that those things which exist beyond the ken of what is visible and present also have reality.

During the daily Shacharis Service (the morning prayer service), as well as on Shabbos and holidays, tallitot are worn by all of the congregants. (Among Ashkenazim, most young men do not start wearing a tallit until they are married.) During all other prayers the chazzan generally dons a tallit. At a brit ceremony the baby's father and the mohel (ritual circumcisor) wear a tallit. At Sephardic weddings the groom typically wears a tallis.

The traditional tallit is white with black stripes, but today innumerable variations can be found in many congregations. Leib's Tallit Shop offers a wide selection of tallitot, from traditional black-on-white wool to modern designs and unique handloom designs in a variety of colors.