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Tallit Katan: Wearing Tzitzit as a Show of Jewish Pride

The tallit katan is an un-tailored garment with a hole in the center. It is worn like a poncho, but generally under the shirt. The purpose is to

enable one to wear the ritual tassels, called tzitzits, all day as a reminder of the mitzvahs.

Often referred to simply as “tzitzits,” or more aptly a tallit katan ( which can be translated as “small wrap-around garment”), others call it

“arba kanfos,” which means literally “four corners.”

Wearing tzitzits every day is a sign of Jewish pride. Jews, for millenia, have dressed in a manner that set them apart from the surrounding

population, a practice that sometimes exposed them to bigotry and even danger.

The commandment of tzitzit is unique in that it envelopes the wearer, surrounding him with holiness.

Laws regarding the Tallit katan

On each of the four corners is a hole used to attach the tzitzit. Once tied, they hang down with an elaborate set of wraps and knots followed by

eight loose strings.

The strings are tied with five double knots separated by a series of wraps, seven in the first part, eight in the second, 11 in the third and

ending with 13 in the fourth.

If one of the strings snaps, the tallit katan can be rendered invalid, meaning it cannot be worn until new tzitzit are attached.

Since broken tzitzits can invalidate the whole tallit katan, the strings should be checked daily to ensure they are still intact. During the

inspection, the individual strings should be separated if they have become tangled. As long as each corner has at least seven whole strings, the

tallit katan remains kosher.

Unlike a tallit gadol, the tallit katan may be worn in the bathroom. In a cemetery the tzitzit must be tucked out of sight to avoid “taunting” the

dead, who are unable to perform this cherished commandment.

Why wear tzitzit?

“And you will see [the tzitzit] and you will remember all the commandments of God” (Numbers 15:39). From this verse the Talmud deduces that the

mitzvah of tzitzit only applies during the day, whereas night clothing is exempt from [url=“http://www.tallit-shop.com/tzitzit/”]Tzitzit

[/url].

We are enjoined to look at the Tallits to always keep the commandments in mind and to avoid

pursuing various urges that draw the heart. Therefore the tzitzit should be worn visibly, although some Sephardic Jews - based on Kabbala - keep

them tucked out of sight.