10 Facts About Shatnez

1. The prohibition of shatnez states that it is forbidden to wear a garment in which wool and linen are woven together into a single fabric. This prohibition comes from the Torah and is one of the forbidden mixtures. The prohibition of shatnez, meaning wearing a garment containing both wool and linen together, is a very severe Torah law. The source of this prohibition is in Parashat Kedoshim: "You shall not wear a garment of diverse kinds, shatnez." In the Mishnah in Tractate Kilayim, it is written that one who violates this commandment is "deviant and causes his Heavenly Father to deviate from him," and Rambam explained: "He deviates from the truth and distances Hashem's mercy from himself, violating a commandment that Hashem commanded, in a matter that has no desire compelling him, and this is a great sin."

2. The origin of the word "shatnez" according to the Sages is an acronym for shuah (combed), tavui (spun), and nuz (woven). In Kabbalah, the name is interpreted as "Satan az" (powerful satan).

3. The prohibition of shatnez is mentioned in the Torah in two places. In Leviticus (19:19), it is mentioned in the context of other kilayim (forbidden mixtures) prohibitions. In Deuteronomy (22:11), the definition of shatnez is explained: "wool and linen together."

4. According to the Sages, there is no prohibition against wearing wool fleece and linen fibers together, only if they are woven into each other.

5. One must be cautious about the prohibition of shatnez in clothes and coats, especially those made of wool. Attention should be paid to suits and shirts, pants and hats, scarves and coats, clothes and furniture, tablecloths, bedding and mattresses, and also bed linens, sofas, blankets, and more. According to the law, there is no obligation to indicate a fabric component if it is less than 5%, but according to the Torah, even a mixture of a single thread is forbidden. Therefore, one should not rely on the label of the garment.

What is the spiritual damage of wearing shatnez, and what medical problem accompanies wearing shatnez? Rabbi Zamir Cohen explains:

6. Today, there are special laboratories that test whether a garment has a combination of wool and linen and certify that the garment does not contain both types together.

7. The reason for the prohibition, according to the Sages, is a "decree of the King" whose reason is unknown. Rambam explains that idol worshippers used to wear shatnez garments, and therefore the Torah prohibited it.

8. Today, there are laboratories for testing shatnez. In these laboratories, garments are examined by God-fearing experts in textiles using microscopes to identify all fabric components.

Rabbi Boaz Shalom - The Secret of Shatnez

9. The reward for being careful about shatnez - In the book "Chochmat Adam" it is promised that "whoever is careful not to wear shatnez will merit to wear garments of salvation and a robe of righteousness." The commentary "Pnei Zaken" promises that "one who is careful about kilayim will have long life in this world and in the world to come, and will not come back in reincarnation, and will rest in peace on his bed in the light of life, and will have righteous children who live and endure, and will also merit all good in this world." The Admor of Komarno in his commentary on the Torah notes that "he merits the light of life, light sown for the righteous, and his house is full of Hashem's blessings from good kindnesses and all good." The holy Zohar wrote that one who is careful not to wear wool and linen together increases peace upon himself and upon the entire world and gives life to the world."

10. The severity of the prohibition - One who wears shatnez violates a Torah prohibition every moment. In the Droshos of the Tzelach, it is said that if one wears shatnez even for one day, his prayer is not heard for 40 days thereafter.

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Have you encountered clothes containing shatnez? Do you have an interesting story about a surprising shatnez test? Tell us about it in the comments.