A Message from Rabbi Brandwein

When the weaving of the prayer shawl (Tallit) is almost complete and the Tallit is ready to be removed from the loom, Rabbi Brandwein is generally invited to the loom with Sandie Hinderliter, the weaver and their family for a brief ceremony at which a blessing is recited. As the Tallit is removed from the loom, Prayers are said asking God's blessings upon the weaver, their family and the weaving instructor-- for their acts of devotion and their commitment to tradition; for rescuing this nearly extinct and sacred craft from oblivion, and for the love which goes into the creation of this prayer shawl and other ritual items. The Holy Name is invoked as we call upon the Lord to grant long life, spiritual fulfillment , prosperity, health and joy to all those involved in the particular project. We are reminded that as we are wrapped in the Tallit; a symbolic token of sacred acts and good deeds; so may our lives be surrounded with righteousness, blessing, goodness and use/wear the Tallit be ever mindful of the commandments and may they receive Divine Guidance and abundance in all of their undertakings. The essence of weaving evokes the braided cord of humanity which connects the Jewish people through time and space: Through this activity we link ourselves to all Jews throughout the world today who use, keep and observe Tallit and Tzitzit. This craft also connects us historically/diachronically-with every Jew that has ever lived throughout the millennium. Weaving and knot tying, embroidering and sewing are all acts which create bonds. These are the sacred connections which tie us to God and to our people.