Weaving Mitzvot

By Cory Schneider, WLCJ Archives Chair and Past International President

Hiddur mitzvah was the theme for Women’s League and Torah Fund for 2011-2012. This excerpt from the introduction to the program materials created by the Women’s League Education Department beautifully describes this mitzvah.

“There is a famous story in the Talmud when Rabbi Ishmael, commenting on the verse, “This is my God and I will glorify Him” (from Shirat HaYam, the “Song of the Sea,” Ex. 15:2), asks: “How should we glorify God?” Rabbi Ishmael answers his own question by saying: “I shall prepare before God a beautiful lulav, a beautiful sukkah, beautiful tzitzit, beautiful tefillin, a beautiful shofar, a beautiful Torah scroll.” 

“The concept of hiddur mitzvah — beautifying or embellishing a mitzvah – that derives from this verse in the “Song of the Sea” is considered to be  the source for Jewish aesthetics. With adornment, sacred objects become more precious. A plain challah on the table would be sufficient; a beautiful challah cover enhances its presence.”

“Throughout the ages, Jewish craftsmen and artisans – both men and women – have created all manner of beautifully decorated ritual objects – from the miskhan in the desert, to delicately embroidered Torah mantles, filigreed kiddush cups and illuminated manuscripts.”

“In very practical terms hiddur mitzvah is a way in which each of us can personalize mitzvot through the act of creation and adornment. As we moderns seek new modes of spiritual expression, handcrafts remain a time-honored source of satisfaction.”

One of the ways I have translated this mitzvah into action was to develop a weaving program through my Sisterhood at Neve Shalom Congregation in Metuchen, N.J. with wonderful support from Jennifer Bullock, Sisterhood president and co-chair of the program. I wanted to provide the opportunity for others to experience the satisfaction and beautiful results of hiddur mitzvah. Personally, and most amazingly, it has become a way for me to act out my passion and to share the joys of Judaism with others.  It has become one of the raisons d’être of my life.

Since the program began about eight years ago, we have had more than 300 weavers come to weave Judaica – tallitot, tallit and tefillin bags, challah and matzoh covers, and chuppot. From ages 4 (with help to reach the pedals) to 94, they have used our Loom Room to create beautiful Judaica. Weaving, a very relaxing and “Zen” experience, is a time when so many reflected on their lives, their Judaism, and the relationship between them and the person for whom they are weaving, be it themselves or a loved one.

The comments have been so gratifying! 

“Each time I put on the tallit my mother wove for me it is like being hugged by her.”

“Three generations tied the tzitzit on the tallit I wove for my grandson.  When completed, we all recited the Shehecheyanu. This was such an emotional experience. My heart was filled with love for my family and pride in what I was passing on to my grandson. My father, z’’l, was a very religious man and I couldn’t help thinking how proud he would have been.” 

“As I completed my tallis project on the loom, I realized what an amazing transformation was taking place while I worked. Not only were the threads woven together into a beautiful tallis and tallis bag, but also I grew as a person and as a Jew.  I have learned a lot about myself and about how important fostering the love of Judaism is for me.” 

I am so pleased that Women’s League has now become a partner with our program. Each time someone comes to weave as a referral from Women’s League, we have the opportunity to share this incredible experience with them (and Women’s League also receives a referral fee). Whether you come to weave yourself or have our volunteers weave the item after you have designed it, you will take enormous pride and joy and satisfaction in your performance of hiddur mitzvah. It will be a seminal moment in your life.

Jennifer Bullock and Cory Schneider, Loom Room co-chairs	Marion Mohl and Sheil Sheil is Marion’s granddaughter
Three generations in their woven tallitot: Steven, Jacob & Stanley Schneider	WLCJ Presidents Miller, Simon, Loeb, and Goldich (2023 Convention)

There is also a Women’s League Hiddur Mitzvah Google Group. If you want to join the group, please email Esta Lichtenstein, WLCJ Communications Chair at elichtenstein@wlcj.org to be added.

Shabbat Shalom,

Cory Schneider
WLCJ Archives Chair and Past International President
cschneider@wlcj.org