Artist to share history and design of sacred Tallit

   New York fabric artisan Sarah Jacobs will share her knowledge of the history and ritual associated with wearing and designing a tallit, the prayer shawl worn by Jews since ancient times, Sunday, Nov. 4, 1:30-4:30 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m., at the Princeton Jewish Center, 435 Nassau St., Princeton.
   In the past, a tallit was seen primarily in traditional combinations of blue and white, and was rarely made by the wearer. Ms. Jacobs, daughter of a rabbi, will inspire workshop participants to explore new possibilities in color, design and fabric that meet the requirements for a personally meaningful yet kosher tallit.
   As one area resident who consulted with her when designing her own tallit for her adult bat mitzvah put it, "what I loved about working with Sarah is that she encouraged me to incorporate fabrics that had special meaning to me, including a piece of my son’s baby blanket. I might not have thought to do it, or thought I could do it, without her help."
   The first session on Nov. 4 will cover the history of the tallit, as well as a demonstration of techniques. Ms. Jacobs strongly encourages participants to wait on the purchase of materials until after this session. The second session on Nov. 18 will be hands on, with supervision and assistance from Ms. Jacobs. Participants should bring their chosen materials. Sewing machines will be made available as needed.
   The fee for both sessions is $18. To register in advance, send a check to The Jewish Center, 435 Nassau St., Princeton, NJ 08540, Attn: Tallit Making.
   For more information or directions, call (609) 921-0100.