Tzitzit on Shawls

385. Positive Oral Law– Num. 15:38 and they shall make themselves fringes This was in reference to the prayer shawl worn by the observant Jews of Y’Shua’s day and today. They were wound in such a manner as to remind the Jews of the 613 Commandments. Each tzitzit consisted of five double knots and eight threads, a total of thirteen elements. The number added to six hundred, the Hebraic America value of the word tzitzit points to the 613 commandments of the Torah.
I will include part of my study here on the Prayer Shawl:
The original tzitzit was comprised of several white cords (threads) entwined by a cord of blue. It has been said that he cord of blue was included because blue is the color of the sea, the sea resembles the sky, and the sky resembles the Throne of Glory. The blue cord of the tzitzit was to be a reminder that G-d fills His creation and is present everywhere.
Originally the tzitzit was attached to the outer garment of a man’s everyday clothing so they were always visible, and the command was observed for centuries. However, it is believed that some time after the destruction of the second Temple in 70 A.D. this observance was changed due to the oppressive rule of the Roman authorities. It is thought that the Jews stopped placing these tzitzit on their clothing in an attempt to draw less attention to themselves and blend in with the people around them. It is most likely that the Jews of this time, not wishing to completely forsake the command of he fringed garments, began to make for themselves tallitot, or in Yiddish talesim (meaning gown or cloak. These were square or rectangular pieces of woven cloth, usually wool, that had the tzitzit attached to their corners. These cloaks were worn at times of prayer and worship as is the custom of to day. It is for this reason that the tallit word today has acquired the name ‘prayer shawl’. It is also believed that the cord of blue entwining the tzitzit was done away with at this time for the Romans observed blue to be a color reserved for royalty.
Today the prayer shawl can be made of cotton or silk also. Jews who are most strict in their observance still prefer it made of half-bleached lamb’s wool from the Holy Land.
The size may vary, the priest wear a large enough one to cover the greater portion of the body. The most widely accepted tallit is one with black stripes in remembrance of the destruction of the first and second Temples.
At the top of the tallit is a neck band (Atarah – crown or diadem). This generally have scripture verses or intricate designs embroidered on them. The tzitzit alone give the tallit its purpose, meaning and worth – remember G-d’s Laws. When the tallit is used as a burial garment, the tzitzit are removed or cut to signify that the commandments of the Torah are no longer binding on the one who has died.
Back then you would not think of reading G-d’s word with out having a prayer shawl on. A prayer shawl is often draped over the head in an attempt to reduce distraction for this was their portable prayer closet. One had a prayer tallit and a different one for worship.
Tying Tzitzit is a Jewish art, a form of macramé. A hole is carefully made and reinforced in each corner of the tallit. Through each hole, four strands are inserted: three short strands and one long strand. The longer stranded is called the shammash and this is the one which is used for winding around the others. To tie the Tzitzit, line up the four stands so that the three of equal length are doubled evenly, and the four strand is lined up at one end with the other seven ends. With four strands in one hand, and the other four in the other, make a double knot at the edge of the fabric. Then take the shammash and wind it around the other seven strands seven times in a spiral motion. Make a second double knot, with four strands in one hand and four strands in the other. Then wind the shammash around the seven strands eight times and make another double knot. Wind the shammash around eleven times and make a double knot. Finally, wind the shammash thirteen times around the remaining seven strands and make one final double knot. When done correctly, the Tzitzit will have 7-8-11-13 winds between the double knots.