10 Facts About the Mitzvah of Tzitzit

1. The mitzvah of tzitzit is one of the time-bound commandments – these mitzvot are dependent on time and therefore apply only to men.

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

3. Initially, there is no obligation to wear a garment that requires tzitzit, like today's tzitzit which are essentially garments we wear to obligate ourselves in this mitzvah. However, the Sages ruled that someone who doesn't wear tzitzit may be punished for disregarding the mitzvah – if the mitzvah were truly valuable to him, he would certainly make the effort to acquire tzitzit!

4. According to Sephardic authorities (Shulchan Aruch), only wool or linen garments require tzitzit according to Torah law. In contrast, the Rama's opinion is that any four-cornered garment requires tzitzit by Torah law, regardless of its material, and this is the custom followed by some Ashkenazim. To fulfill the obligation according to all opinions, some are particular to purchase wool tzitzit, which fulfills the Torah-level mitzvah even according to the Shulchan Aruch.

5. Wearing tzitzit is a spiritual remedy for remembering the Torah's teachings, as the verse states: "You shall look upon it and remember all of Hashem's commandments." That's why five knots are tied in the tzitzit strings – corresponding to the five books of the Torah.

Why do the tzitzit threads need to be specifically blue (techelet)? What should tzitzit remind a person of, and what is the essence of this mitzvah? Rabbi Zamir Cohen explains briefly:

6. Kosher tzitzit are those that have been spun and twisted by knowledgeable Jews specifically for the mitzvah of tzitzit. The placement of threads and tying of knots must also be done by a knowledgeable Jew with the intention of fulfilling the mitzvah of tzitzit.

7. If one of the eight tzitzit threads is cut below the knots – the tzitzit remains kosher. If more than one is cut – consult a rabbi. If even one thread is cut above the knots – the tzitzit is invalid. It is forbidden to wear invalid tzitzit, and they must be removed immediately.

8. A borrowed tallit is exempt from tzitzit. Someone borrowing a tallit from another person should ask the owner to give it to him as a gift (it can be a gift with the condition to return it) so he can recite the blessing over the tallit.

9. There are different opinions regarding how to wear tzitzit: over clothes or underneath them, and the custom varies from community to community.

10. Regarding the great value of the mitzvah of tzitzit, Rambam wrote: "A person should always be careful with the mitzvah of tzitzit, for the verse weighs and relates all the commandments to it, as it says 'You shall see it and remember all the commandments of Hashem.'" The Shulchan Aruch wrote: "One who is careful with the mitzvah of tzitzit merits seeing the Divine Presence."

The mitzvah of tzitzit is very important; it naturally protects a person and has many spiritual benefits – tzitzit protects the wearer and his children. For someone without children – tzitzit is a spiritual remedy for having children. Even someone who doesn't yet wear a kippah can wear tzitzit under his shirt, creating less social pressure. Watch Rabbi Zamir Cohen's words:

Do you wear tzitzit? Do you follow a particular or special custom? Tell us about it in the comments.