B"H
Friday, Sivan 25, 5776 / July 1, 2016 - Hakhel year
The mitzvah (commandment) of Tzitzit, is found at the end of this week’s Parsha, Shlach. The following are some points about this mitzvah, which has been performed each day for over three thousand years. by wearing the Talit during the morning prayers.
The Talit has four corners. On each of the corners we insert Tzitzit. Each of the four Tzitzit is made of four strings which are folded over, thus becoming eight. There are five knots in every tzitzah. One of the four strings is longer than the others. It is wrapped around the other strings between the knots. The number of wrappings is: 7– 8– 11– 13. Thus, between the five knots there are a total of 39wrappings.
Q.What is the significance of the thirty nine wrappings as related to the Tzitzit?
A.The purpose of the Tzitzit is to remind us of all of G-d’s mitzvot, which He commanded us. The Torah portion of Tzitzit ends with, “I am G-d your G-d.” This portion is recited daily together with the portion of the Torah, “Hear O Israel G-d is our G-d, G-d is One.”
The numerical value of G-d’s Hebrew name is 26. The numerical value of the Hebrew word ONE(“G-dis One”) is 13. Just like the numerical value of Tzitzit alludes to the number 613 (as mentioned yesterday),the 39wrappings of the longer Tzitzah string around the other strings alludes to this idea – G-dis One (26+13=39).
Q.As mentioned in yesterday’s Torah Fax, many observe this mitzvah all day long by wearing a small Talit on top or under their shirt. Why do many of them have their Tzitzit hanging out?
A.This is based on the words of this Parsha concerning Tzitzit, “You will see it and you will remember all the commandments of G-d to perform them…” Thus, we leave the Tzitzit out where they can be seen all the time.
Q. Every morning, except on Shabbat and Yom Tov, when we pray with the Talit and Tefillin, we put on the Talit firstthen the Tefillin. Why do we put on the Talit first?
A. The general rule is that when we have to perform two mitzvot at the same time, the one which is more regular comes first. It is the same reasoning here. The Talit we put on every day of the year, Shabbat and holidays included. The Tefillin we do not wear on Shabbat and holidays. Thus, the Talit is a more regularly performed mitzvah and thus is put on first.
Q.What is the meaning of the word, “Tzitzit”?
A.One explanation by Rashi is that “Tzitzit” comes from the word, “Maytzitz,” which means, “to peer.” Because lookingat the strings of the Tzitzit reminds us of the mitzvot, they are called Tzitzit.
SHABBAT SHALOM
Montrealcandle lighting time: 8:28 / Shabbat ends: 9:44