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What are Tzitzit?

by Rabbi Mendy Hecht

  

Library » Mitzvot » Tallit and Tzitzit | Subscribe | What is RSS?

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A. Tzitzit are the four-cornered, tasseled jersey worn by Jewish males as part of the Jewish dress code. “Tzitzit” means fringes, because technically, any four-cornered garment worn by males is Torah-required by Positive Mitzvah #14 to be strung with tassels. Since these days we don't normally wear four cornered shirts, the mitzvah is done by simply wearing a four-cornered jersey all the time, and putting the tassels on that.

B. The jersey is usually made of wool or cotton, and is generally worn under the shirt, with the tassels neatly tucked out at either hip. Some Chassidic groups have the custom of wearing the jersey on top of their white shirts.

C. Each tassel consists of four long white strings, hand-tied onto the jersey through pairs of holes just off each corner. After the first anchoring knot, a series of alternating spirals and knots form the first few inches of the tassel, with the loose strings creating the remainder. The finished product vaguely resembles a tasseled curtain drawstring.

Clothes make the man...That’s why the tzitzit are attached to one’s wardrobe... where the person’s identity begins, is where one’s Jewish identity begins too
What is the purpose of tzitzit?

1. The Jewish Boy Scouts

Next to the Yarmulke or Kipah, the tzitzit are what makes a Jewish guy stand out the most. On the simplest level, they’re part of your uniform. They remind you of who you are. “Why am I wearing these strings?” you may ask yourself one day. “Oh, that’s right—I’m Jewish.” They’re there to constantly keep you alert.

2. No Strings Attached

“But, why strings?” you ask. “Why not any other symbol?” Good question. Clothes make the man, and are very much a way of expressing who he is. Comes along G-d with His Torah, and says, “Whoever you are, add Me to the mix.” That’s why the tzitzit are attached to one’s wardrobe—denoting that at the fringes of the fabric, where the person’s identity begins, is where one’s Jewish identity begins too.

3. All in Knots

A deeper reason, our sages taught, is that the tzitzit are a symbol of the 613 mitzvahs. Yes, tzitzit are a pleasant ethnic trigger, reminding me of my Jewish heritage, but, so what? What do I do with it now that I’ve thought of it? Here’s how tzitzit symbolize the mitzvahs: the five Hebrew letters that comprise the Hebrew word tzitzit each have a numerical value (the Hebrew alphabet doubles as a code of sorts), and the total numerical value of “tzitzit” adds up to 600. Now, add the numbers eight and five, as symbolized by the eight strings and five knots of each tassel, respectively, and presto! You’ve got 613. Wearing tzitzit, you are a walking symbol of all the 613 mitzvahs. Don’t forget them.


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COMMENTS

Thank you!

Posted by: Naomi Marsh, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia on May 01, 2005

Hello, my name is Naomi Marsh and I am a student at Guilford Young College (I'm sixteen years old) in Tasmania, Australia. I am writing to thank you for your wonderful website! I am currently doing a major assignment on Judaism for my Studies in Religion course, and have found your site very useful and informative (and sometimes entertaining!). Although I am a Catholic, I have found studying your religion immensley interesting, and feel honoured that my religion has ancestory in yours.

Thank you again.

Tzitzis (Arba Kanfot)

Posted by: Carlos Abramowsky, Atlanta, Georgia on Oct 26, 2005

Some observant Jews wear the Tzitzis outside so the strings are visible and some keep the strings inside their pants. What is the Halacha and or cultural reasons for practicing one or the other. Thanks,

Editor's Comment

There is debate amongst the Halachic authorities whether the fringes of the tzitzit ought to be out in the open or not. Those who wear the tzitzit in the open base their position on the verse (Numbers 15:39): "This shall be fringes for you, and when you SEE it, you will remember all the commandments of the Lord to perform them." Those who tuck their tzitzit in their clothing follow the kabbalistic teachings of the Arizal, who maintains that the fringes of the Tallit Kattan are to be concealed. The Lubavitcher Rebbe suggested that the average person, the one who actually needs the constant reminder which the tzitzit provides..., should follow the former opinion.

Thank You

Posted by: Phil L Cohen, London, England on Feb 18, 2006

Dear AskMoses.com,

Thank You very much, you have helped me so much with your my project on Tzitzit. It is a wonderful website. So Thank You Again

tzitzit

Posted by: Anonymous, London on Apr 02, 2006

regarding the numerical values of the word tzitzit in hebrew i think one should be very careful with relating it to the 613 mitzvot. To my knowledge the torah NEVER spells tzitzit with two "yods" - only one. therefore the numerical value of tzitzit should be 590, giving a total of 603. this is how the divine creator of the world decided the word to be, i dont see why everybody has decided against his choice!

Editor's Comment

The art of gimatriya (numerical value for Hebrew letters and words) can be utilized to determine the numerical value of a word as it is written and/or phonetically uttered. The word "tzitzit" is pronounced with two 'yud's.

RELATED CATEGORIES

Daily Life » Clothing » Tallit and Tzitzit
Mitzvah
(pl. Mitzvot). A commandment from G-d. Mitzvah also means a connection, for a Jew connects with G–d through fulfilling His commandments.
Torah
Torah is G–d’s teaching to man. In general terms, we refer to the Five Books of Moses as “The Torah.” But in truth, all Jewish beliefs and laws are part of the Torah.
Chassidic
(Pl.: Chassidim; Adj.: Chassidic) A follower of the teachings of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (1698-1760), the founder of "Chassidut." Chassidut emphasizes serving G-d with sincerity and joy, and the importance of connecting to a Rebbe (saintly mentor).
Tzitzit
Literally: the fringes which are attached to four cornered garments, as Biblically mandated. Normally this word refers to a t-shirt sized four cornered garment which contains such fringes, and is usually worn beneath the shirt.
Kipah
(pl. Kipot). The head-covering worn by Jewish males. Serves as a constant reminder of the existence of a Higher Being.
Yarmulke
The head-covering worn by Jewish males. Serves as a constant reminder of the existence of a Higher Being. Also known as a Kippah.
G-d
It is forbidden to erase or deface the name of G-d. It is therefore customary to insert a dash in middle of G-d's name, allowing us to erase or discard the paper it is written on if necessary.