Vayeshev Tallit

The left tallit band

Detail of the left band

Another detail of the band

The right tallit band

Detail of the right band

Vayeshev Tallit

Vayeshev is the first of four torah portions on the subject of Joseph.
Joseph's dreams, his attitude, and the favoritism he is shown because he is Rachel's son, cause jealousy among his brothers. Joseph's father, Jacob, sends him to meet his brothers. Joseph wears his beautiful coat which only enflames his brothers, who consider murdering him, but settle on leaving him to die in a pit.
Meanwhile, his brothers bring his coat back to their father, Jacob, soaked in sheep's blood, and tell him Joseph has been slain. Joseph is sold, taken down to Egypt, and thrown into prison over an incident concerning King Potifer's wife. He continues to interpret dreams in prison.

The left tallit band shows Joseph as he goes to meet his brothers. Also, we see Joseph sold into slavery by passing Medianites.
This scene is based on "Joseph Sold to the Merchants", a nineteenth century painting by Hoppolyte Flandrin.

The right tallit band shows Joseph's brothers announcing to Jacob that Joseph has been slain.
This scene is taken partially from a 17th century Valezquez painting on the subject.
This band also shows Joseph interpreting dreams in prison.