Tallit Bags Guide
The Tallit is one of the most noticeable Judaica when entering a synagogue as almost all of the men present are wearing one. They are generally stored in a fancy bag that is known as a Tallit Bag. The Tallit Bag is usually large in size, can be made from a wide range of materials and feature any number of designs.
Materials
Tallit Bags come in a wide range of sizes and materials. The outer edge of the Tallit Bag is most frequently made from velvet but may also made from silk, leather or another type of cloth. Velvet Tallit Bags usually are black, red, green or some shade of blue. They typically have a zipper closure that runs across the top edge.
Tallit Bags may also be made from leather or faux leather. Those Tallit Bags are sometimes decorated with metal plaques that contain different types of engravings and can be shaped like a small briefcase. The interior of these Tallit Bags, like those that are made of velvet, are generally feature a soft cloth such as silk or linen. Cotton and linen may be used, but typically are not used together because of a biblical prohibition on wearing such items.
Tallit Bags may also be purchased together with a plastic or nylon case that protects the Tallit Bag from damage caused by water, food, drink and other items that can damage Judaica.
Decorations
Tallit Bags can feature almost any design imaginable. One thing all Tallit Bags share is the word “Tallit”, which is embroidered on the front of the bag in a color that matches the featured design or in simple gold or silver thread.
On velvet Tallit Bags, the most common designs are floral patterns, depictions of the Holy City of Jerusalem in full color, silver or gold and names. The Seven Species, Tree of Life and the Twelve Tribes of Israel are also popular designs. Velvet Tallit Bags may also be studded with small silver plates akin to those found on a silver Atara, the upper edge of the Tallit. The designs on velvet Tallit Bags can be monotone or in full-color.
Tallit Bags can also feature Hebrew text relating to the wearing of the Tallit and if they come with a matching Tefillin Bag, have text on that bag relating to Tefillin. In addition, some Tallit Bag manufacturers such as Yair Emanuel offer sets that include a matching Kippah with the two bags.
Leather Tallit Bags generally feature two very different types of decorations. Leather Tallit Bags that are shaped like a briefcase typically have metal plaques on the sides that are engraved with images of Jerusalem together with Stars of David. Those which are not shaped like a briefcase typically feature leather pieces that are embossed with images of Jerusalem together with Hebrew text.
Personalization
Tallit Bags can be personalized in numerous ways, the most popular of which is having the Hebrew name of the wearer embroidered into the font of the bag in colorful thread.
For More Information
For more information on Tallit Bags, Tallitot, Tallit Clips, or any other Judaica items, feel free to contact our Judacia experts with any questions or concerns.