Tzitzit are the tasseled fringes or strings attached to the four corners of a tallit or the Jewish prayer shawl. On each corner, four strings are strung through a hole and looped over, so that eight strings remain hanging down. Then a set of twin knots and coils join the first few inches of each corner’s tassel into an individual cord. The rest of the eight threads are then left free to hang down. Tzitzit are worn throughout the day, often under a shirt by all the men and many boys, especially during Saturday morning synagogue service.
Tzitzit are found on all tallit katan and tallit gadol. In Jewish tradition, tzitzit has a rich biblical history behind it, implying spiritual lessons involving God’s character. There are many Jews who want to buy tzitzit but have doubts regarding various things. Read this article to know everything about tzitzit.
Types of Tzitzit
Tzitzit are available in two forms- one that is worn under the shirt is called tallit katan, or small cloak, and the other worn over the shirt is called tallit gadol, or large cloak. In both forms, the cotton or woolen tzitzit are tied onto each corner of a rectangular piece of fabric.
The tallit katan is worn throughout the day in order to keep up with the cited verse of the Torah, which tells the wearer to look at it and recall all the commandments of the LORD and observe them so that the wearer remains refrained from the lustful urge.
The tallit gadol, commonly known as “tallit” is a prayer shawl used by the Jews only during praying. Traditionally, the tallit was worn only by Jewish males after bar mitzvah, but in modern times the tallit is worn by the Jews of both sexes from their time of bat mitzvah, bar mitzvah, or after marriage.
Materials
Tzitzit are made from a wide range of materials such as Silk, Wool, Viscose, and Polyester. Depending on your lifestyle, the climate of the place you live, skin sensitivities, and personal preference, you can pick to wear a tzitzit material of your choice.
What size should I get?
Not sure about the size of the tzitzit you want to take? Simply take your measurements and check out the standard sizes available. All sizes are based on shirt/upper body size and differ in shoulder and length measurements. The sizing recommendations from Galilee Silks are based on over 25 years of experience providing the right size to different tzitzit customers.
Neck Style
The neck style depends on your personal preference. While some men prefer to wear a tzitzit in an undershirt style that shows under their formal shirt in a fine layer, others prefer not to show anything too constricting or high up on their neck. This is when some men may choose to wear v-necktzitzit.
String Size
The tzitzit strings come in two sizes- thick and thin. Selecting the type of string is primarily a matter of aesthetics and personal choice. Among the Modern Orthodox, you will find both types of strings, although thick tzitzit are probably more common. Usually, thick strings offer a tad more durability and last longer with less chance of snapping or tearing than thin strings.
Summing Up
Now that you know everything about tzitzit, consider ordering it online from Galilee Silks. We have a vast collection of high-quality tzitzit made from different fabrics and styles to suit your preference and style. So, no matter if you are looking to buy tzitzit for boys, girls, men, or women, we have got them all for you.
