A talented Nigerian Tallit maker, Nate Shmaya, Has been recognized and granted license by Chabad, an international Jewish organization base in Nigeria. Nathaniel Ben Abraham is a Jewish entrepreneur from Nigeria, who is also a well known Chazzan in Nigeria. Nathan Ben Abraham, nicknamed Nate Shmaya hails from Ebonyi state Nigeria. Nate’s tallit brand received an international visibility after he got patronized and promoted by a well known Jewish right activist, Rudy Rochman in December 2021.

Since then, his tallit and Kippa has been a house hold name among Jews across the world.
Chabad on their part recently granted recognition and license to Nate Shmaya’s tallit brand in Abuja, Nigeria. The recognition and licensing was done after his brand passed Chabad scrutiny to ascertain the Kosher-ness of his tallit brand. The license was enabled and handed over by Rabbi Israel Uzzan, who currently the Chief Rabbi of Nigeria. Accompanied by two of his friends and fellow Chazzans, musician Mannashe and Kadmiel, Nate received the license at Chabad Headquarter, Abuja.
As expected, utilizing Chabad’s platforms and international reach, the licensing will enable the young tallit maker to sale to more international customers. Speaking on the recognition and licensing, Nate who spoke with us after receiving the license said;
“I am overwhelmed. I am happy it has been a success. It means that no effort is a waste no matter how long it takes. I started making tallit since 2016. I learn tailoring. I created the concept myself. I didn’t start it with business in mind. I went into tallit making tallit with the aim of creating a tallit that is internationally accepted. Before now people use to buy from Israel. It’s for the love of creativity.

“To Chabad I say thank you and to Rabbi Uzzan to have found me worthy to grant me the certificate I say “Shalom lekha”. I extend my appreciation to Rudy Rochman who was the first to give me the visibility I am enjoying today. Rudy has been supportive to Jews all over the world. He has always been so supportive to Igbo Jews, African Jews, and American Jews. I appreciate everyone. I promise that I will not disappoint; so let the order start coming. We have tallitoth, kippot and tallitoth katan available”. Shalom lekha to everyone.