The Tallit-Shawl Storm: Swedish fashion giant H&M caused a minor stir after introducing a collection of new scarves, including an item that resembles the Jewish tallit in shape.
The new scarf is made of white fabric, decorated with black stripes, with threads dangling from its edge that are precisely reminiscent of the tzitzit threads dangling from the tallit.
Pictures of the new tallit-scarves have been posted on Jewish and Israeli websites and forums, drawing quite a few comments. "I'm not easily offended, but this time you went too far," wrote a Jew named G. Rosenblum, quoted by the British Daily Mail. Another Jew named Rabbi Rotenberg also wondered about the fashion company's choice of the Jewish item.
It should be noted that many others have claimed that this is actually a sign of honor: a sacred item, which has accompanied the Jewish people for thousands of years, one day becomes a fashion item sold around the world, which can only inspire Jewish pride among millions of Jews who are ashamed of their Judaism.
Either way, the media uproar forced the chain to remove the scarf from its shelves.
The company issued the following response: "The company apologizes to customers who were hurt and emphasizes that there was no intention to hurt anyone. Stripes are one of the most prominent trends this season, and the inspiration for the scarf design did not come from the tallit. In light of the sensitivity of the issue, the above item will not be sold in the chain's stores in Israel.".
In a conversation with the Daily Mail website, a company representative clarified: "H&M has never taken a political or religious position. This is a small quantity that is no longer available.".
This is not the first time the company has faced responses to 'problematic' items.
In 2014, the company produced T-shirts with a skull print inside a Star of David. Following allegations that the company encouraged anti-Semitism, these items were removed from shelves.
The company later launched a hat with feathers, which was met with fierce opposition from Native Americans who felt that the company was mocking their culture.
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