The Beginner's Guide: Why Do We Wear Tzitzit?

1. The mitzvah of tzitzit (ritual fringes) is one of the most important in the Torah, and it is comparable to all mitzvot.

2. It is one of the time-bound mitzvot and therefore only applies to men.

3. A garment that has four corners – square ends – or more, must have tzitzit strings tied to it.

4. When Rabbi Aharon Leib Shteinman zt"l was asked by Rabbi Yitzchak Fanger what to advise young men who are drawing closer to Judaism, he responded with three particularly important mitzvot: tefillin, tzitzit, and Shabbat. Rabbi Fanger quoted Rabbi Shteinman, adding: "The mitzvah of tzitzit is like a bulletproof vest for a Jew and protects us from all evil. If you don’t want it to be visible, you can wear it under your shirt because it’s not necessary for it to be seen, and it can be worn even without a kippah. Once you wear tzitzit, you’re connected."

5. The reason for the mitzvah is explained in the verse from Parashat Tzitzit: "And it shall be for you a fringe and you will see it and remember all the commandments of Hashem, and do them" (Numbers 15:39). That is, looking at the tzitzit causes a person to remember mitzvot and not stray after the heart and eyes. The sages also say in the Talmud that when you see the color techelet in tzitzit, it evokes the image of the sea and the sky and the throne of Hashem, thereby guarding one from sin. The sages explained that tzitzit is a symbol of a Jew’s belonging to the people of Israel, and when he gazes at it, he remembers Hashem.

6. Wearing tzitzit is a charm for remembering words of Torah, as the verse says: "And you will see it and remember all My commandments." Therefore, five knots are tied in the tzitzit strings – corresponding to the Five Books of the Torah. The book 'Kav HaYashar' states that when one wears tzitzit, it is an auspicious time to pray to be saved from jealousy, hatred, and anger. It is also noted that seeing tzitzit helps one be saved from the evil eye.

7. Kosher tzitzit are those that are spun and woven by Jews who understand and are doing it for the sake of the mitzvah of tzitzit. In addition, the insertion of the strings into the tzitzit and the tying must also be done by a conscious Jew with intent for the mitzvah of tzitzit. Visit a Judaica store and purchase tzitzit that is noted (or on a sign in the store) to have been made according to halacha.

8. There are different opinions about how to wear the tzitzit (above the clothing or below it), and the custom varies from community to community.

9. On the greatness of the mitzvah of tzitzit, the Rambam wrote, "A person should always be meticulous in the mitzvah of tzitzit, for the verse equated and attached all commandments to it, as it says, and you will see it and remember all the commandments of Hashem," and in the Shulchan Aruch we learn: "He who is careful with the mitzvah of tzitzit, merits and sees the face of the Shechinah (presence of Hashem)."

10. We conclude with the words of the Chafetz Chaim, who wrote in his book 'Shemirat HaLashon' (End of the Book), "How suitable it is to look at the tzitzit several times a day, especially when an unclean thought arises in his heart or anger, it is very good to look then at the tzitzit, and then the evil inclination will dissipate."