Techelet

Techelet (te khe'let), the biblical blue mentioned 48 times throughout Tanach, was a specific dye that was used in various ritual textiles. Techelet was incorporated into both the ritual textiles of the Priesthood, Tabernacle and Temple as well as into the private ritual textiles of the common Israelite, in the fringes that adorned everyday garments, the bit of "priesthood" that adorned every Israelite.

Techelet has been likened to the color of the sea, to the sky, to sapphire and to the Holy Throne of Glory that God sits upon.

Throughout the period extending from the Exodus from Egypt until the destruction of the Holy Second Temple in the first century of the common era, the production of Techelet was in the hands of one family in Israel. With the destruction of the Temple and the subsequent exile, the Romans, determined to stamp out the Service of the Israelites, separated fathers and sons so traditions which up until that time had been passed down orally, would be forgotten in Israel. Techelet was among them. How gratifying it is to read on these internet pages about the restoration of the custom of dying with Techelet for ritual textiles for both personal and Temple use, while ancient Rome, dead as a doornail, can only watch from history as Jerusalem claims her place as the Spiritual Vortex that will bring all mankind together in worship and praise to the Holy One, Blessed is God's Name.

On these pages you will find all the materials we have found from all periods concerning Techelet and its uses, both ancient and current. Because all the source materials are in Hebrew we will need to translate extensively. As funds become available to allow this work to be carried out, we will update these pages with new material as it becomes available. Anyone interested in dedicating translations can find information on the volunteers page.

Read the Baal Techelet's definitive work on the pursuit and renewal of Techelet in our times, as well as a biography of the Radziner.

We also bring you instructions for tying Tzitzit according to the major customs: Ashkenazi, Sephardi and Nusach Ha'Ari.

Other writing on Techelet on this site:

• The Complete Translation of the Baal HaTechelet's Work,
          Sefunei Temunei Chol
• A Short Biography of the Baal HaTechelet
• Selected Writings on Techelet
• Misnagdishe Techelet . . .
      Amutat P'til Tekhelet
• Understanding the Criteria for the Chilazon by Dr Mendel E. Singer. Further information can be found at chilazon.com.
• Source of the Techelet dye