The Prayer Shawl (Talis)

. . . The white talis, striped in black and fringed at the corners, is the garment that clothes the man in the folds of his faith. It enfolds him while he prays, perhaps even while he studies the Holy Law, and it is wrapped about him when he is buried. His father's talis was wrapped about him when as a tiny child he was carried to school for the first time, and when for the first time he was "called to Torah"; and he wraps his talis about his own son for the same occasions. Each morning before the his first prayers, he must examine the fringes of his talis to make sure that they are kosher -- that is, ritually fit for use -- that all the knots are in order and none of the tassels is torn. (50) . . .

. . . Before beginning his Sabbath prayers the man covers his head with his talis, so that he is completely enveloped by the great white shawl which falls down to his ankles on all sides, but under no circumstances must be stepped on. As he puts it on, he pronounces the blessing for the talis. Like all the ritual blessings, it begins with the words, "Blessed art Thou, oh Lord our God, King of the Universe. . . ." A minimum of one hundred blessings should be said each day. . . . The blessing for putting on the talis ends, ". . . and who hast commanded us to enwrap ourselves in the fringed garment." (53) . . .

Work Cited