How to Wear a Tallit: Complete Prayer Shawl Guide

A tallit is a four-cornered prayer shawl with tzitzit (fringes) on each corner. The Torah commands: 'Make for yourselves tzitzit on the corners of your garments' (Numbers 15:38). The tallit gadol (large tallit) is worn during morning prayers. It serves as a spiritual garment that helps create a sacred space for prayer and reminds us of all the commandments.

The tallit gadol is worn during Shacharit (morning prayers) on weekdays, Shabbat, and holidays. It is not worn at Mincha or Maariv, except on Yom Kippur when it is worn all day. Many communities have the custom that only married men wear a tallit gadol, while unmarried men wear a tallit katan (small tallit) under their clothes. Customs vary by community.

Before putting on the tallit, check that the tzitzit (fringes) are intact. Each corner should have eight strings (four folded through the hole). The strings should not be tangled or knotted incorrectly. If a string is torn, consult with a rabbi as the tallit may need repair. Separate any tangled strings before wrapping.

1) Open the tallit and hold it with the atarah (crown/collar) facing you. 2) Recite the blessing 'L'hitatef b'tzitzit' (to wrap oneself in tzitzit). 3) Kiss the end of the atarah. 4) Swing the tallit over your head and wrap it around your shoulders momentarily, covering your head. 5) After a brief pause, let it rest on your shoulders. The custom of wrapping over the head is based on Sephardic tradition, though practices vary.

During prayer, the tallit should rest comfortably on your shoulders. Many keep the tzitzit visible in front. During certain prayers like the Priestly Blessing, the tallit is pulled over the head. When called to the Torah, some wrap the tallit over their head while reciting the blessings. The tallit should be treated with respect as a sacred object.

After prayers, fold the tallit respectfully. Many fold it so the atarah remains on top for easy donning next time. Store the tallit in a tallit bag. If the tallit falls on the floor, many have the custom to kiss it when picking it up. Keep the tallit clean and have the tzitzit checked periodically to ensure they remain kosher.