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Weave a One-of-a-Kind Heirloom
You now have the opportunity to weave your own tallit, atarah (crown or neck piece for your tallit), tallit bag, challah cover, matzah cover, or afikomen bag. The space adjacent to the Neil Meeting Room by the sanctuary entrance is now the Kesher Israel Loom Room- come by and take a look! Thank you to the Dr. William and Rosalie Levy Foundation, Kesher Israel Sisterhood, and the Kehillah of Chester County (funded by Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia) for supporting this program.
While you can certainly purchase a tallit or challah cover, designing and weaving your own is incredibly special, marries ritual and creativity, and adds a layer of personal meaning. There is no better gift for yourself or a loved one than one you have made yourself.
The most popular incentive to weave a tallit is for an upcoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah, but they also can be woven as a gift to yourself, for a wedding (think tallit for the bride or groom that could be used as a chuppah), anniversary, special birthday, or for someone who is converting. Maybe you just want one that expresses who you are as a person instead of a generic, purchased tallit.
For more information and to schedule your weaving project, contact shalom@kesher-israel.org.
FAQs
What can I weave? You can weave a tallit, atarah, corners for the tallit, tallit bag, challah cover, matzah cover, or afikomen or tefillin bag.
Who do I contact if I’m interested in learning more? Contact shalom@kesher-israel.org and the weaving instructor will contact you with more information and the fee schedule.
Is there an age limit for weaving? While there is no age limit, the person weaving must be able to reach the treadles on the loom and be able to throw the shuttle from side to side. Anyone twelve and up should be able to weave. A parent or guardian must be present at all times with anyone age eighteen or under who is weaving.
Do I need to be vaccinated? Yes. Depending on changing health protocols, masks may be required as well, regardless of vaccination status.
Do I need to know how to weave before I start? How will I know what to do? No experience is necessary, and you will be taught everything you need to know. If you can tie a shoe and throw a ball from one hand to the other, you can weave. The loom is set up by the weaving instructor and is ready for you to weave on. The weaving instructor will start you off with complete instructions on the loom. She will stay the entire time you are weaving.
How long will the weaving take? Each person weaves at a different pace. After the initial instruction and start-up with the instructor (about 3-4 hours), additional time needed for a tallit is approximately fifteen hours, an atarah one hour, a tallit bag, matzoh cover or challah cover two to three hours, and a tefillin bag one to two hours. Plan on finishing your project during the time assigned to you. If you think you will need more time, let the weaving instructor know before you are scheduled. As we have two looms, you may be sharing the Loom Room with another weaver.
When can I weave? If you are planning on weaving a tallit for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, plan on weaving about six months ahead of the simcha (happy occasion), as weaving the fabric for the tallit is just the first step. The fabric then has to be washed, fringe has to be knotted or twisted, an atarah (neckband) has to be sewn on, and finally, the tzitzit are tied. You don’t want to be rushing at the end to get everything finished!
The Loom Room is available Sunday through Thursday. The Loom Room is closed on Friday, Shabbat and Jewish holidays. For security reasons, you must leave the building by 8:00 p.m. Your weaving schedule is worked out with the weaving instructor.
What kind of yarn will I be weaving with? You will be using 100% cotton. This is the easiest yarn to work with, and appropriate for someone who has never woven before. We also have metallic yarns available to add a little sparkle to your weaving, and the metallics may be doubled with the cotton to add texture.
What do I need to think about when designing the tallit?
What do I need to think about when designing a challah or matzah cover?
How do I figure out the striping design? Instructions are included in the information that will be sent to you, including a work sheet and information on the most pleasing stripe designs (Fibonacci sequence). An inspiration wall as well as yarn color samples are available.
We strongly recommend meeting with the weaving instructor to go over the whole weaving and design process, as well as selecting colors, ahead of time. If you need help with your design, the weaving instructor will be happy to work with you.
If weaving for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, we also recommend getting the pre-teens involved in color selection and design process, so that they feel invested in the process. Of course, every teen is different, and they may not want to be involved beyond choosing colors.
Can I weave with a design in the weave instead of plain weave? The design in the weave is determined by the loom pedals used. Most people who have never woven before use plain weave, but if you feel comfortable keeping track of four treadles instead of two, you may be able to do a simple weave design, such as a twill.
What should I bring to my first weaving session?
Your detailed striping design with colors and heights of stripes.
A check made out to Kesher Israel for the balance due on your project. You may also Venmo Kesher Israel- the information is here – https://www.kesher-israel.org/venmo-qr-code/
If you like to listen to music, bring your I-Pad or phone (and a charger).
A camera or camera phone to record the experience. All of the tools and materials you will need will be supplied (yarn, tape measures, paper, pencils)- just come ready to enjoy this wonderful opportunity!