On Sunday, January 13, 2013, congregants of NHS and guests from the Jewish community at large met in a workshop to learn how to make their own tallitot and tie the tzitzit. This event drew three generations (grandparents, parent, and granddaughter) as well as three two-generational families (mothers and daughters).
A few individuals were able to complete their tallit designs as well as finish all four corners or at least get a few corners done. Over all, it were the kids who benefited most from the workshop.
Moreh Maksim Shilkrot wrote in this February Bulletin, "As I watched the children tie their own tzitzit I was reminded of the Shema, 'Speak to the children of Israel and you shall say to them that they shall make for themselves fringes on the corners of their garments, throughout their generation.' (Numbers 15:38).
How beautiful is it when you can see with your own eyes the passages come to life and the verse be fulfilled? This event would not have been possible without the help of a few individuals. I would like to extend my biggest Yasher Koach to Bill Freedman and David Goldstein who took time from their busy schedules to come three days prior to the event to learn how to tie the tzitzit and then educate others on the mitzvah. Likewise, I would like to thank Isobel Johnston and Rabbi Barnard for being additional helpers for the project. Finally, I would like to thank Debbie Fischer for bringing in the snacks for the event and Kathy Hart for helping to set up and clean up after the event. I could not have done it without all your help!
Thank you so much, Moreh Maksim."
