What are tzitzit?
Tzitzit (tseet-tseet or TSIT-sis) are the strings, or fringes, tied to each of the four corners of a tallit, or prayer shawl. They are widely considered a reminder, not unlike a string around one’s finger, to think of God at all times. Tzitzit fulfill the following commandment in Numbers 37, in the Torah portion called Parshat Shlah:
How are tzitzit attached to a prayer shawl?
Instead, the tzitzit are on the prayer shawl and on a special small, called a tallit katan, that some traditional Jews wear under their clothes. Some traditional Jews let the tzitzit from their tallit katan hang out, while others tuck them in. The tzitzit are attached to the corners and knotted according to a specific pattern.
What does the Shema say about wearing tzitzit?
That shall be your fringe; look at it and recall all the commandments of the LORD and observe them, so that you do not follow your heart and eyes in your lustful urge. Thus you shall be reminded to observe all My commandments and to be holy to your God. The commandment to wear tzitzit is repeated in the V’ahavta section of the Shema prayer.
What is the commandment to wear tzitzit?
The commandment to wear tzitzit is repeated in the V’ahavta section of the Shema prayer. While traditional Jewish law says one must have these tzitzit on every four-cornered garment one wears, today most clothing doesn’t have corners. Instead, the tzitzit are on the prayer shawl and on a special small