SIGNIFICANCE OF A TALLIS

 

A Tallis or Tallit is a Jewish Prayer Shawl. Tallitot are highly recognizable Jewish Ritual items and represent Moses’s words from G-d: to place fringes (tzizit) on the corners of your garment. When you see these fringes you are to be reminded of all of G-d’s commandments and perform them. You are reminded to remain Holy to your G-d.

 

Historically, Tallit were made from pure wool. Today, there are many material choices for tallitot, though wool remains a primary choice for the traditional Jewish people. The tzizit are the fringes are hand tied in a special order. Their strings and knots are a physical representation of the Torah's 613 do's and don'ts. It works like this: Each letter in the Hebrew alphabet has a corresponding numerical value. The numerical values of the five letters that comprise the Hebrew word tzitzit add up to 600. Add the eight strings and five knots of each tassel, and the total is 613.