A wimpel (Yiddish: ווימפל, from German, "cloth," derived from Old German, bewimfen, meaning "to cover up" or "conceal") is a long, linen sash used as a binding for the Sefer Torah by Jews of Germanic (Yekke) origin.  Ceremonial textiles form one of the largest categories of Jewish Folkart. One of the most charming and personally expressive of the custom surrounding the milestone of birth, for example, was a practice developed four hundred years ago of using the cloth from the circumcision ceremony for embroidering or painting a special wrapper for the Torah. Thus, from the moment of birth forward, a connection was established between the child and the Torah. 

The custom of Wimples ("Mappah" in Hebrew and "vimple" in Yiddish) became common amongst Jews of Germany in the 1500's and all but died out in the flames of the Holocaust. In the last few years there has been a revival of interest in customs and crafts of different Jewish communities. Since Wimples have varied in size, style, and purpose it is a well suited custom for us to re-establish in our Jewish community.

Wimples have been made by mothers, relatives, or friends on the occasion of the birth of a boy. The length of time to work on and embellish the Wimple depended on when the woman would donate her finished craft to the synagogue. Some would bring it when the child was one month, others at one year, still others when the child learned to read. The Wimple would be brought to the synagogue and a blessing made at it's presentation, reminiscent of Hannah when her young son Samuel left home and was dedicated to Temple service.

Emily Freid - 2007

Stella Seibert - 2004

Samuel Seibert - 2004

Emma Trugman (Back) 2006

Emma Trugman (Front) 2006

Lee-Elle Aboutboul  2004