For many, the tallit often referred to as a prayer shawl is one of the iconic symbols of [Judaism]. The purpose of the tallit, however is often misunderstood.  The principal purpose or function of the tallit is to serve as the the four corners from which to hang the tzitzit (the fringes) in compliance with the Torah’s prescription in Bamidbar (Numbers. 15:37-40).

The rise of the [Bar Mitzvah]Bar Mitzvah and of Bat Mitzvah’s in the 20th century have added to the tallit’s designation as a Jewish garment of great significance. In certain communities, it is used by men after marriage only.

In Kabbalistic circles, the tallit is a special garment for the service of G-d, intended, in connection with tefillin, to inspire awe and reverence for G-d at prayer (Zohar, Exod. Toledot, p. 141a). The importance of these symbols in Kabbalistic circles can be seen by the song sung on Shabbat known as the Shir HaKavod (the Song of Glory) which ascribes G-d the wearing of Tefillin which in turn connotes G-d’s own dedication to prayer and hence the tallit.

In traditional circles, the tallit is worn by all Jewis males at the morning prayer on weekdays, Sabbaths, and holidays. The tallit is also worn by the hazzan (cantor) at every prayer while before the Ark; and by the reader of the scroll of the Law when on the Bimah (platform). With the rise of the various Progressive Jewish movements (e.g. Jewish Renewal, Reconstructionist, Conservative, etc.), the use of the tallit among women has been adopted.

The tallit is often spread over as a  canopy wedding ceremonies. The ṭallit, which can be spread out like a sheet, is most often woven of wool or silk. Traditionally colors such as  white, with black or blue stripes at the ends was and remains common. Woolen tallits remain preferable for most traditional and Orthodox circles.

The most important part of the Tallit is the Tzitzit which according to Bet Shammai (House of Shammai) consisted of four threads of white wool and four threads of blue, but according to Bet Hillel (House of Shammai) of two threads of each (Men. 41b). The "tallit kaṭan,"(small tallit)  is worn today among more traditional Jewish men as an undergarment.

The blue cord  was entwined in the Tzitzir (fringes). R. Meïr asked, "Why blue?" The answer was, "Because this color resembles the sea, the sea resembles the sky, and the sky resembles the "Chair of Glory," of which it is said, "Under His feet . . . a sapphire stone" (Men. 43b).