color blue plays various roles in Jewish culture, some of which are influenced by the role of tekhelet. The stripes on the tallit, often black or blue, are believed by some to symbolize the lost tekhelet, though other explanations have been given. The use of blue in the tallit and Temple robes led to the association of blue and white with Judaism and inspired the design of the flag of Israel. Like their non-Jewish neighbors, Jews of the Middle East painted their doorposts, and other parts of their homes with blue dyes; have ornamented their children with tekhelet ribbons and markings; and have used this color in protective amulets. Tekhelet has been considered especially effective against the evil eye. Gallery See also Tantura Argaman, also called Tyrian purple, a Biblical reddish purple dye from the related seasnail, Bolinus brandaris. Bibliography Gadi Sagiv, 'Deep Blue: Notes on the Jewish Snail Fight' KolRom Media, 'Techeiles - It's Not All Black and White' References External links Ptil Tekhelet – A group that promotes the view that the chilazon is the snail Murex trunculus''. Explanation of how tekhelet was discovered and made from the Murex trunculus Jewish ritual objects Hebrew words and phrases in the Hebrew Bible Jewish religious clothing Non-clerical religious clothing Animal dyes Shades of blue Mollusc products Color in religion