takhrikhim

religious dress

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "takhrikhim" refers to graveclothes worn in Judaism, emphasizing repentance and atonement, particularly on Yom Kippur. This practice is also adopted by the ḥazzan (cantor) and hosts at the Passover seder. Religious dress in Judaism, as in other traditions, can be highly symbolic and used for ritualistic purposes. For instance, the tallit (prayer shawl) has fringes that remind the wearer of God's commandments. Observant Jews also wear a kippah (skullcap) to maintain constant awareness of God's presence. These garments, along with others like tefillin (phylacteries) and tzitzit (fringes), are worn in obedience to biblical commandments and have evolved in their usage over time, sometimes for reasons of secrecy or personal devotion.12

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religious dress
Later religious dress
…the kittel being interpreted as takhrikhim, or graveclothes, which are worn to aid the worshipper’s mood of repentance, a practice also adopted by the ḥazzan (cantor) on two other occasions and by the host at the seder (meal) on Passover (a feast celebrating the Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt…
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…the kittel being interpreted as takhrikhim, or graveclothes, which are worn to aid the worshipper’s mood of repentance, a practice also adopted by the ḥazzan (cantor) on two other occasions and by the host at the seder (meal) on Passover (a feast celebrating the Exodus of the Hebrews from Egypt…
Read More