Know everything about the Talit
(Also talet or taled), mantle of prayer that the Jews use in the religious ceremonies. Know everything about the Talit in Judaism and in Israel. In the Talmudic period, the term talit (possibly from the Greek stole) meant any sheet or mantle, including that used for prayer, because it had fringes on the limbs or nipples, in fulfillment of biblical law (Num. 15, 38), intended to remind the Israelites of the divine commandments.
The talit is usually rectangular. When it is made of silk, serve to cover the back and arms, extending it extended to the wide side. The pious prefer the talit of wool that is sometimes cast over the head and should reach below the knees, with the narrow part above. Usually, a decorated strip adorns the part corresponding to the neck or the head.
The four limbs are reinforced with square pieces of cloth and perforated in the middle, for the nipples (tzitzit). During the prayers it is customary to wear the partially folded talit, with the upper tips cast over the shoulder (Wis. 147 a, Men 41 a). Only men (over 13 years old) wear talit during daytime prayers, except on Yom Kippur, where it is used for a few minutes before the entrance of the night.
The officiant uses it for all ceremonies, except on the morning of Tisha be-Av. (Day of fasting). In some congregations, those who mourn are used to recite the Kaddish.
Originally, the nipples (tzitzit) were worn on dresses. That custom disappeared in the s. XIII, but the one of the mantle of prayer subsisted, whereas the lozenges were fixed in a garment called talit icatán (or small talit). The talit that is used in the synagogue usually has black or blue stripes of different widths.
A special blessing (concerning the tzitzit) is pronounced upon putting it on, and the pious kiss it in a sign of reverence, before using it. It is also customary to touch the Torah with the talit, when he takes the scroll in procession, and kiss the talit afterwards. At present it is customary in many places to use the small talit (silk), folded.
The use of talit is interpreted in the sense that it is one of the spirit of sanctity, and that this garment reflects the fundamental equality of all men before God. It is used to cover the bride and groom at the wedding ceremony. It is very interesting to Know everything about the Talit in Judaism and in Israel.