If My Talit Could Talk …?
by Dina Shtull (Author)
Fringe Ideas Press brings you this story of a young person’s struggle to find meaning in an age-old tradition. Usable as a teaching resource, the book’s model of creative thinking is intended for anyone who wonders why something is the way it is and pursues, or encourages others to pursue, an adventure of the mind to find out.
Daydreaming in the synagogue, a young teen notices details in the design of his prayer shawl (in Hebrew, talit), particularly in the regard to the knotted cords that hang from its edges. Dozing off, and having just returned from a camping trip, he dreams that he is an ancient Israelite erecting a tent that will protect his family from a desert storm. His dream leads to the discovery of remarkable similarities between the tent of his ancestors and his talit. But his discovery leads to further questions and discoveries that are contrary to what he had been taught and what had been taught for generations before him. Ultimately, the process of seeking new answers brings him closer to his past and more connected to this ritual garment.
We would love to hear from you!
What do you think the talit is saying – and to whom?
If My Talit Could Talk…? is a great resource and a great starter! It can help generate discussions and lessons for a classroom or private students. It can remind us of family stories to share with children, grandchildren, or significant others. It can open up conversations with congregants about the many facets of the ritual garment.
Click on the Contact tab above to share your starters. What lessons, stories, discussions, or activities did the book help you experience with others? What is the talit saying to you?
With your permission, we will share your submissions on this website to create a treasury of ideas that will help fill in the blank after the words If My Talit Could Talk….?