Totally white tallit: the difference is in the details
The prevailing custom among many Sephardic Jews is to wear an all-white tallit, but many other Jews also choose a solid white tallit with white stripes for aesthetic reasons, whether as a Shabbat tallit, a special tallit for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and holy days. holidays. , or a wedding tallit to be worn under the chuppah (wedding pavilion).
White Tallit Options
Today, some traditional white-on-white tallits feature a textured box weave that helps keep the tallit in place on the shoulders. Often referred to as a “slip tallit”, some examples include the hameoar Y Tashbetz (The name “Tashbetz” is taken from Exodus 28:4, which refers to “a chess work robe.”) This type of fabric is flexible, which makes it soft to the touch and pleasant to wear.
Another option is the Beit Yosef, which is made entirely of wool, including the tie to (neckband) and the corners. While a standard white tallit has white satin stripes, the Beit Yosef has stripes built into the fabric. Signature wool stripes finish the Tallit of Beit Yosef a subtle refinement that sets it apart from other traditional white tallits.
Some Sephardic tallits feature unique net fringes, much like those found on the traditional Yemenite tallit. This can add up to $40 to the price of the tallit. A white tallit known as the Tallit of Malchut It has short net fringes without increasing the price.
Although more expensive, another option is an all-white, hand-woven tallit, which can be made from wool, cotton, or silk. The wool is made with thick yarns that create an earthy, rugged look. Cotton uses finer yarns which allow for greater detail and result in a slightly finer weave. Silk offers even greater detail work and has a high sheen.
Sephardic Tzitzit
If you are Sephardic, or buying for a Sephardic Jew, you will probably want the tzitzit tied according to Sephardic custom, which not all vendors are set up to accommodate.
Today, many people seek out Ptil Tekhelet tzitzit, which cost at least $70. Note that instead of the traditional Ashkenazi or Sephardic tie, they must be tied according to the Rambam, the Arizal, the Vilna Gaon, or the Sefer HaChinuch. .
Tie to
Some people like the simple classic look of the all-white tallit, but want to add a little sparkle by adding an attractive atara (neckband). The price of most atara ranges between $25 and $75, but if you are considering a majestic atara with sterling silver, be prepared to pay between $200 and $400.