Tying It All Together: Magshimim Makes Their Own Tallitot

Jonah Werbel, Rosh Magshimim, sends this update:

Full summer chanichim in Magshimim had a unique opportunity over intersession – creating their own tallitot!

We began with ice dyeing—a hands-on, colorful process where each camper laid ice on fabric and then sprinkled powdered dye on top. As the ice melted and the dye was absorbed into the fabric, each tallit became an expression of individuality bursting with color.

After the fabric dried and the dye set, we came together again to tie our own tzitzit. For some, it was their first time learning the significance of the knots and strings; for others, it was a chance to take ownership over a ritual object they’ve seen many times before. The transformation from regular pieces of fabric into special ritual garments was striking — chanichim were dedicated to careful perfection and loved working on creating tallitot together. We celebrated everyone’s progress and intention as shouts of “LeShem Mitzvat Tzitzit” (the traditional statement made before tying each knot of the tzitzit) resounded around the Bitan. 

The tallitot we made are more than just pieces of fabric—they’re wearable memories. The design and colors of each tallit are unique, and each camper actively transformed the dyed cloth into a special, meaningful garment. While some chanichim choose to wear their new tallitot during our daily tefillot, some others (who already have a special tallit) chose to donate them back to camp so other chanichim will have the opportunity to wear tzitzit.

It was powerful to watch each camper take this project seriously and joyfully. They didn’t just make tallitot — they wove together art, tradition, and pride in who they are becoming.

Hear from some chanichim directly:

• “It deepened my Jewish experience at camp“ – Asher F.
• “It was really meaningful” – Sam T.
• “Tallis making was like Jewish friendship bracelets” – Zev H.
• “LaShem Mitzvat Tzitzit” – Asher S.
• “This was an experience I will never forget” – Lev L.
• “It was a very powerful experience that helped form a greater connection with Hashem” – Bo G.
• “It was fun” – Coby N.
• “At points, tying the tzitzit was frustrating, but it was also really fun and such a cool new experience” – Eliana Z.
• “It was an interesting experience to learn how to tie tzitzit” – Jamie L.
• “It expanded my Jewish knowledge” – Dylan M.

“Every single check-in said a highlight was the tallis making” – Rafi W. (a madrich in Magshimim, referring to the nightly “check-in” conversations we have with every chanich before bed)

Todah, Jonah, for creating this special intersession experience for your chanichot/im (campers) in Magshimim!!