Traditional Wool Tallis with Black and Gold Stripes, Sizes 18 to 70

Gold stripes on black is the loudest of the traditional pairings and by some distance the most requested for a bar mitzvah. Gold picks up light in a way silver does not, and against a black ground it keeps its brightness from the back of the shul rather than fading into the pattern.

Eight sizes are cut, with the measurements given rather than guessed at: 18 by 72, 24 by 72 and 36 by 72 are the narrow shoulder widths; 45 is 43 by 64; 50 is 47 by 67; 55 is 51 by 72; 60 is 55 by 75; and 70 is 59 by 80. A bar mitzvah bochur is usually in the 18 or the 24, which sits on the shoulders without swallowing him, and moves up to a 50 or 55 by the time he is a chosson.

That progression is why families order the small size without hesitating over it. Everyone understands it will be replaced, and the black and gold gets bought a second time in an adult width some years later.

• Material: Wool
• Talis Size: Size 18 (18''x72''), Size 24 (24''x72''), Size 36 (36''x72''), Size 45 (43''x64''), Size 50 (47''x67''), Size 55 (51''x72'', Size 60 (55''x75'', Size 70 (59''x 80'')

Sold by Judaica Square, Lakewood NJ. Free shipping on orders over $75. Returns within 15 days.