A wimpel is a cloth binder that is wrapped around the Torah scrolls to hold it together. It includes a child’s name, date of birth and usually a verse that expresses hopes for a rich and fulfilling life, surrounded by meaningful images.
In many Jewish communities in Germany and Eastern Europe, dating back a few hundred years, it was customary for a male baby to be swaddled in a wimpel during the brit milah. It was often constructed from a piece of clothing from a deceased family member. Additional panels were added over the years and then presented to the child on his or her bar/bat mitzvah and again at the auf ruf. In more religious traditions, a boy was given the wimpel at his upshernish (cutting of the hair at the age of 3.) The wimpel has made a comeback in recent years and is a wonderful gift to be treasured and passed down as an heirloom garment.
These are examples of very old wimpels from a Jewish museum:
Check this link from the Manges Museum of Jew Art to see some old wimpels.
The binders below were custom made for a Rabbi’s sons. Each is embroidered on Thai silk with the child’s name and the names of both of parents. They are lined and backed with silk and each has an embroidered design (dove, sun and rainbow.) They are photographed so as to protect the Rabbi’s privacy.
This was custom made for a baby girl at her naming. There is a delicate image of a deer drinking at the water’s edge which corresponds to the words of the Psalm. It is personalized with the name of the child, her birthdate and her parents’ names. The child’s name is embroidered again in large letters at the ends.
Wimpel below: made for a 4 year old boy, customized with child’s and parents’ names along with blessings. It will be used to tie the Torah scrolls in synagogue.
This very simple wimpel was made for a girl’s baby naming. The family will add designs with silk and fabric paints over the years.
These were just completed (artwork by the customer) for two brothers on their b’nai mitzvot:
These are a few other wimpels I have made:
This latest wimpel was custom made for the High Holy Days at a synagogue. The pomegranate tree matches the design on the Torah mantles. Hebrew says “Ufros aleinu …” Spread over us the shelter of your peace. There are two rows of velcro sewn at the ends so that the wimpel fits tightly around the scroll.
If you have any questions about my custom designed wimpels for Torah scrolls, or would like to place an order for a custom designed wimpel, please complete my order form.
