This H&M Scarf Looks Suspiciously Like a Tallit
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
H&M seems to be lacking a Jewish eye on their design team.
that a scarf being sold for a mere $17.99 is eerily similar to the tallit, the traditional Jewish prayer shawl. The scarf even has tzitzit-like knots, ressembling the knotted fringe at the bottom of the tallit. H&M is also selling a matching poncho (in case customers are feeling especially offensive?). Needless to say, the Internet is not happy.
Dear Fashion: Please step off other ppl’s ritual items (or symbols of liberation, really.) https://t.co/NGZ6jYqp48 pic.twitter.com/bXIQuX1JRx
— Rav Danya Ruttenberg (@TheRaDR) January 6, 2016
@JewishTweets @YeahThatsKosher $18 is about the right price for a tallit just one penny off. Oh and wow just wow.
— Karma Mechanic (@bweesdad) January 6, 2016
Yo @hm this is exceedingly uncool. https://t.co/CjkTKMGuuj
— Sara Taylor Woods (@sarataylorwoods) January 6, 2016
@hm SHAME ON YOU using a sacred Jewish symbol this way? https://t.co/g4vR9fZas1
— Elli TheKingOfB’way (@tkob) January 6, 2016
@hm is selling a shawl that looks like a tallis bc being jewy is so on fleek! https://t.co/Cs4sdj1K2N
— Allison Josephs (@jewinthecity) January 6, 2016
This isn’t the first time H&M has sold clothing that makes Jews recall their Torah portion days. A 2011 Forward article reported on a poncho sold at H&M that also bore a striking likeness to the religiously significant garment.
To add to the controversy, the scarf, which resembles a holy garment traditionally worn by men, is being sold in the ladies’ section.
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