That first tallit was a gift for [Harriet Lyons]' daughter on the occasion of her becoming a Bat Mitzvah. Since then, Lyons has woven several other prayer shawls for family, friends and community members, mainly in recognition of milestone events in their lives. In the process, Lyons has become so expert in this ancient textile craft that she now regularly teaches tallit weaving classes at the synagogue.

The tallit is one of the most recognizable symbols of Judaism. Derived from the Hebrew-Aramaic word for "to cover," the tallit is a rectangular cloth with ritual fringes attached to its four corners. These fringes, called tzitzit, serve to remind the wearer about the 613 mitzvot, or commandments, that are prescribed in the Torah. The tzitzit are attached to the tallit fabric with a series of intricate knots.

"Our weavers range in age from 12 years old to 87 years young," Lyons says. "People attend the class not only to weave for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah but also to weave a tallit for a husband, wife, friend or just for themselves."