What Is A Kittel?

A white robe that men and some women wear during High Holiday services and on other occasions.

A kittel is a white robe that men and some women wear during High Holiday services. The kittel is white to represent the purity we hope to achieve through our prayers on these holy days.

A kittel may also be worn at a Passover seder, under the chuppah (wedding canopy) at a wedding, during the recitation of Tefillat Geshem (Prayer for Rain) on Shemini Atzeret, and during Tefillat Tal (Prayer for Dew) on Passover. Some people are also buried in their kittels.

Discover More

Hair Coverings for Married Women

Why some Orthodox women cover their hair, whether with wigs, hats or scarves.

The Prayer for Dew

A special request for life-sustaining dew is traditionally recited on the first morning of Passover.

What to Wear on Yom Kippur

On Yom Kippur, there are many customs surrounding clothing.