How to Make a Tallit

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The Tallit, or prayer shawl, is used in Jewish religious ceremonies. The Hebrew Bible, or Torah, contains a commandment to wear tzitzit, or fringes on the corners of ritual garments. It is not the garment itself, but the tzitzit that makes the Tallit special. Tallits are typically made of linen or wool and have a neckband, called an Atarah, which often contains the blessing that you will recite when you put on the Tallit.

Steps

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  1. Traditionally, a Tallit extends from the top of the head to the knees, but some extend only to above the buttocks.
    • Keep in mind that type of Tallit that will be acceptable in your community or congregation.
  2. Tallits are normally made out of linen, wool, cotton or silk.
    • Keep in mind that, according to Jewish law, wool and linen can't be combined.
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  3. Hem the edges of the cloth, making sure to keep the hems small and not noticeable.
  4. Sew the corners.
  5. Suggestions for decorating the Atarah include embroidery, applique, batik (a wax-dyeing technique) or beading.
  6. This can be found online or at Judaica stores.
    • Per the mitzvah (commandment) of tzitzit, the color of the thread must be techelet-blue. This is the color of the sky and symbolizes purity. Nevertheless, in most communities, only white strings are used.
  7. Place the 4 long tzitzit strings in one row and the 12 shorter ones in another.
    • Before inserting that side into the prepared holes, quote the "leshem mitzvot tzitzit", meaning "for the purpose of the commandment of tzitzits."
  9. Make sure that they are as even as possible with the 3 shorter tzitzit ends on the other side. Make a temporary knot on the end where all 4 tzitzit strings meet together.
  10. Tie a double knot near the edge of the cloth near the hole. Wrap the long tzitzit string, or "shamash" around the other three string 7 times, and tie a double knot.
  11. Lastly, wrap it around 13 times and tie a double knot. The Sephardic custom is a 10-5-6-5 series of wraps.
  12. Repeat the process for the other 3.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    I see that sometimes the decorative face is facing inward, and sometimes it faces outward. Is there a rule or custom about this?
    Community Answer
    No, there is no law or rule about this; it's up to one's taste. The decorative face is to make the performance of the commandments as beautiful as possible.
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  • Question
    Must the color of the tzitzis be white with a blue thread?
    Community Answer
    No, it can be just white. It's up to you to decide how you want to look.
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  • Question
    Wear can I buy an atara?
    Community Answer
    Most Judaica stores will carry these, and one can likely buy one online, or have it custom commissioned from a silversmith.
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      Tips

      • Continue to check knots after wearing and re-tie if needed.
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      • After tying, strings may be uneven, and the shamash longer than the other strings. Cutting the strings is acceptable, but be sure not to use a metal blade per the Torah.
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      References

      1. http://www.jewcy.com/religion-and-beliefs/make_your_own_tallit

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