Jews across America have been flocking to gun ranges and stores since October 7th. The antisemitism we see not just overseas but raging across America has struck fear in the hearts of Jews. Pro-Hamas rallies from cities to college campuses, physical abuse to verbal abuse have rocked the Jewish communities from California to New York and everywhere in between. So, many Jews are picking up arms. They are buying their first gun and training. That includes carrying a firearm as self-defense or exercising your Second Amendment right.
Before the review, I'm a big proponent of carrying on the body. I get the idea of purse, fanny pack, and bag carry, but I prefer carrying on your body. It's my preference, and that's what I like.
CC Tallis contacted me to let me try their new Tallis bag, which is made for concealed carry. For those unfamiliar with a Tallis, it is the prayer shawl that Jewish men wear while praying. Each married man has their own Tallis and carries it in a bag to their Synagogue. That is where Concealed Carry Tallis comes in. They have created a bag, like the many women's options, such as a purse, with a compartment on the side for quick access to a firearm.
Let's start with the quality because it will be quick. It is fantastic. It is incredibly well made. The leather is clean, durable, lightweight, and looks sharp. The zippers to the main and hidden compartments are smooth and seamless. There are no snags. So, 10/10 on that. Keep in mind that I have been using it for two months and have had zero issues.
Now, to the concealed carry portion. It works well. The zipper is large, which makes opening the compartment easy. The compartment's opening is immense, allowing easy access to the firearm. The inside is made of a silky-feeling material, so depending on how often you take the firearm in and out, I can't vouch for longevity on how it will hold up inside. But it is nice.
As I said before, I prefer on-body carry. My biggest reservation about giving my seal of approval on a Concealed Carry Tallis bag is simple. What happens if you leave a firearm in the bag to go to the bathroom during prayers? To understand this, you must understand how Jewish prayers work. A man will come to pray and put on the Tallis. During the 2-hour prayer service, many things can happen that require a person to walk away from their Tallis bag. Bathroom break, leaving during the Rabbi's Sermon (some Rabbis just drone on), and a few other reasons. In those few moments away, a lot can happen. Children are always present at synagogues; like children, they get into mischief. For this concept to work, a person must be highly vigilant and responsible for their firearm. That means the Tallis bag must come with you whenever a person gets up.
It seems like common sense, but we all know that common sense needs to be improved in our country. Ultimately, the responsibility is tremendous if a person decides to carry in a bag, especially with kids. They must take the bag with them everywhere, even if only running to the bathroom.
I find the hidden compartment useful for a tourniquet and other equipment you might find in an IFAK. It allows for quick access to medical supplies if the need arises.
I love the bag but use it differently than the company intended. I have my Everyday carry on body. But if you are someone who feels they can muster the responsibility of a Concealed Carry Tallis, then you do it.
I would never tell someone how to carry a personal firearm on them. Just be vigilant; if you are the candy man in Synagogue, it would be a good time to retire.