Why might a woman wear a tallit

Many of my framed fiber pieces contain Judaic content. as a woman and an observant Jew, the Torah and the Talmud influence much of my world. This past year I have been working on abstract depictions of the books in the Torah and Tanakh.

An example of a China silk tallit commissioned and worn by a member of Agudath Israel Etz Ahahim in Montgomery Alabama.

For centuries men have understood preparing for prayer with special garments. For a man this is a physical manifestation of his readiness to converse with God. Why shouldn’t a woman allow herself the same readiness that men have accepted as their responsibility and right?

A tallit specially made for a woman can also serve as a head covering. It also eliminates the concern over wearing men’s clothing. Most importantly it allows one to envelope oneself in a personal and holy space perfect for prayer or meditation.

my personal tallit has no collar. It is embroidered with pomegranates and has a beaded edges. I wear it over my head, hide within it or drape it over my shoulders.

Dupioni silk has enough texture to keep the shawl from slipping off the head or shoulders with out the use of clips.

Silk veils eliminate the controversy over women wearing men's clothing. Veil are made from silk chiffon in eith black or white. They can be dyed but dyed pieces sometimes have variations of color on the fabric and is to be expected.

Veil tallitot come with ornate embroidery edges or beading. They go not have and atarah. and are perfect all season elegant solutions to head modesty and the commandment to wear a four side garment with fringes at the corner.

When making a custom tallit Diana begins the process by consulting with the wearer to determine how he or she will use the prayer shawl and discusses color preferences and motifs.

Colors and details chosen by a 13 year old boy becoming Bat Mitzvah; the kopf on the collar tips has special meaning for him , The young man wanted the pleats basted down. Other tallit wearers like the shawl to cover their shoulder like the one below.

this tallit was commised by a young woman who wanted to be cloaked in her silk shawl. While she chose an traditional atarah, chose the color scheme and motif.

She particularly enjoyed that the silver stars spilled out over the color bands as if they had fallen from heaven.

Most people like a lightweight all season fabric; for traditional shawls with an atarah ( collar band) China Silk or lightweight dupioni works well. Some people prefer enveloping shawls; and for these, Diana prefers silk chiffon, silk charmeuse. Design elements are affected by the base fabric chosen. Diana enjoys working closely with the wearer to create a shawl that will have personal meaning and kavanah . The final stage of tying the tzittzit ( ashkenazic or sephardic) can be completed by Diana or by the wearer with demonstration by Diana. Each shawl comes with a zipper case with the wearers initials monogrammed on the bag.

Handmade shawls cost from $100-350 depending on the fabric and detailing requested

Free consultation, price quote when you view color, motif possibilities and fabric samples.

One third non refundable deposit required once design in agreed upon and fabric purchased.