Custom designed tallitot
I began making general tallitot for both men and women, and then moved on to custom orders, designed to fit the wearer’s personal choices.
Far from a fashion statement, I see a tallit as defining a “space” in which one can dwell, for meditation or prayer. In a custom-designed tallit choices include, but are not limited to :
- customized designs for men and women
- wool, silk or cotton
- kosher wool tzitzit from Israel
- your own colours, size, themes
- atara (neckpiece) text or design
All tallitot are hand made, unique, and individually priced. Each tallit comes in its own matching bag.
Also available
- tablecloths
- baby blankets
- wood carved yad, signs, wall plaques, etc.
About tallit design
While there is much written about the origins and uses of a tallit there is minimal Halacha (law) regarding its appearance.
Each tallit must have four corners with the tzitzit attached. The material used must not be shaatnez (a mix of linen and wool). The tallit can be worn:
- around the shoulders (the more common style)
- as a garment, reaching to the knees in front and behind, with fringing and tzitzit on the corners (similar to a tallit katan, only bigger). This is more popular with men, though some women favour this style as it does not need to be continually adjusted .
In the past, the minhagim (traditions) have influenced the appearance of a tallit. It has usually been white or cream (or black) with stripes of black, blue or silver/gold, woven into wool or silk. In this age, new perspectives are challenging the design boundaries of these minhagim.
Men and women are now looking at more individual expressions for their uniqueness and these new tallitot are designed to reflect their personal choices. As we decorate our homes, so we decorate our “ohel” or tallit, in which we bridge from the 'here' to the 'there', when we pray or meditate. With a custom design, the wearer is also able to choose words, or a verse, that is especially meaningful to them. I do not usually put the traditional blessing on the atara as I feel that one should have that on the tip of their tongue as they don their tallit.
Words that heighten one’s kavannah seem to be more appropriate... or just a beautiful, decorative atara when words are not enough.