Tallit facts for kids

A tallit (pronounced tah-LEET) is a special prayer shawl worn by Jewish men. It's a very important piece of clothing in Jewish tradition, often worn during morning prayers and on special holidays. Jewish boys usually start wearing a tallit when they turn thirteen, which is when they have their Bar Mitzvah and become adults in the Jewish community. Sometimes, Jewish men are even buried in their tallit.

What is a Tallit?

A tallit is a rectangular piece of cloth, usually made of wool, cotton, or silk. It often has stripes, usually blue or black, on the ends. The most important part of the tallit are the special fringes, called tzitzit (pronounced TZEE-tzeet), which are tied to each of its four corners. These fringes are a reminder of the 613 commandments (mitzvot) that Jewish people are asked to follow.

The Tzitzit: A Special Reminder

The tzitzit are made of four strands of thread, which are then doubled over to make eight strands. They are tied in a very specific way, with knots and windings. Each part of the tzitzit has a special meaning and helps Jewish people remember their connection to God and their traditions.

When is a Tallit Worn?

Jewish men typically wear a tallit during morning prayers. It's also worn on special occasions like the Jewish holidays of Yom Kippur and Rosh Hashanah. Some people wear a smaller version called a tallit katan (small tallit) under their clothes all day long. This helps them remember their faith throughout the day.

Why is the Tallit Important?

The tallit is more than just a piece of clothing; it's a symbol of faith and a way to connect with Jewish heritage. Wearing it helps people focus during prayer and feel closer to God. It reminds them of their responsibilities and their place in the Jewish community.

Images for kids

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  A folded tallit

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  An Orthodox Jewish man wearing a wool tallit katan under his vest.

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  A typical tallit bag. The Hebrew embroidery says tallit. Frequently the owner will add additional embroidery with their name.

See also

In Spanish: Talit para niños