Sunday, June 30, 2013

Woven vs. Unwoven Material

p. 31 Chapter Ten   Al HaShulchan

2. Unwoven garments such as those made of leather, plastic or similar materials are not obliged to have zizit.  However, if one wove a garment with plastic thread then it is obliged and its zizit should be made of sheeps' wool (Ben Ish Chai Noach 3 and later authorities).

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.
As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of two people: our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia, and a longtime friend of the family, Frank, son of Joseph, having thyroid surgery soon. Please have them in mind when studying. If you would like updates on their progress, please let me know so I can tell you when I find out from either or both.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

Order of Priority of Materials for Garment and Which Material for Tzitzit

p. 31 Chapter Ten   Al HaShulchan

1. A Tallit made of goats' wool or camels' wool is in the same category as a tallit made of cotton about which there is a difference of opinion if the obligation to affix zizit thereon is a Torah one or of Rabbinical institution.  One can insert on them either ziziot of the same material or else of sheeps' wool.  It is preferable to buy only a tallit made from sheeps' wool which according to all opinions has a Torah obligation (to have ziziot).  If that is not available one should buy a cotton tallit which is on a lower level of obligation, or a silk one, in which case one should check that the ziziot are made from sheeps' wool.  A tallit made of a mixture of materials, for example: the warp (lengthwise) is wool and the weft (breadth) is cotton, is on an even lower level of obligation, and requires also only sheeps' wool zizit. (Ben Ish Chai Noach 1,2)

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.
As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of two people: our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia, and a longtime friend of the family, Frank, son of Joseph, having thyroid surgery soon. Please have them in mind when studying. If you would like updates on their progress, please let me know so I can tell you when I find out from either or both.

Friday, June 28, 2013

Tzitzit Same Material as Garment

p. 30 Chapter Ten 

3. Zizit made from other materials may only be used on clothes of the same material, such as silk zizit on silk clothes, cotton zizit on cotton clothes, but if one placed them on  other materials one has not fulfilled one's obligation. (Sh.Ar.9)


Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.
As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of two people: our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia, and a longtime friend of the family, Frank, son of Joseph, having thyroid surgery soon. Please have them in mind when studying. If you would like updates on their progress, please let me know so I can tell you when I find out from either or both.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Wool and Linen

p. 30 Chapter Ten 

2. Zizit made of linen (flax) or sheeps' wool may be used on any type of clothing with the exception that linen zizit may not be placed on wool clothes, and wool zizit on linen clothes in our times when we do not possess techelet, since wool and linen are kela'im (forbidden to be worn when attached together). (Sh.Ar.9)


Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.
As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of two people: our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia, and a longtime friend of the family, Frank, son of Joseph, having thyroid surgery soon. Please have them in mind when studying. If you would like updates on their progress, please let me know so I can tell you when I find out from either or both.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Which Material Requires Tzitzit?

p. 30 Chapter Ten 

1. According to the Torah only clothes made of linen or sheeps' wool are obliged to have zizit affixed.  Clothes made of other materials are obliged Midrabannan (by Rabbinical decree). (Sh.Ar.9)


Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.
As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of two people: our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia, and a longtime friend of the family, Frank, son of Joseph, having thyroid surgery soon. Please have them in mind when studying. If you would like updates on their progress, please let me know so I can tell you when I find out from either or both.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Earliest Time to put on Tzitzit with a Blessing

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of two people: our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia, and a longtime friend of the family, Frank, son of Joseph, having thyroid surgery soon. Please have them in mind when studying. If you would like updates on their progress, please let me know so I can tell you when I find out from either or both.

p. 30 Chapter Nine Al HaShulchan

4. The time from when zizit can be put on with a blessing in the morning is when one can differentiate (in the natural light) between the techelet (the bluish dye of the Chilazon fish mentioned in the Torah as part of the commandments of zizit, but unavailable nowadays according to most authorities. tr.) and white colors of the zizit.  The Jerusalem minhag (custom) is to reckon this time as being one hour before sunrise. (Sh.Ar. 18:3, K. Hach 18)

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Which is the front of the tallit?

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

p. 29 Chapter Nine Al HaShulchan3. There is no need to place a mark or band on one of the edges of a tallit so as not to put it on the wrong way round as some have the custom to do since the Ari Zal states explicitly that one does not have to be careful about this, and one can wear it whichever way round it comes into one's hands.  (Ben Ish Chai Bereshit 8)

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

Shehecheyanu on New Tallit

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

p. 29 Chapter Nine Al HaShulchan
2. One who puts on a new tallit should recite the blessing 'shehecheyanu' after the blessing 

'lehitatef', but on a tallit kattan one does not say 'shehecheyanu' since it is not usually made from a high-quality material that would give one pleasure.  However if it is made from a high-quality material that gives one pleasure one does say 'shehecheyanu'.  (Ben Ish Chai Bereshit 7)

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.

Friday, June 21, 2013

How to Put on a Tallit

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

p. 29 Chapter Nine Al HaShulchan
1. The order of putting on the tallit is as follows: After reciting the blessing, wrap it only around your head, in such a way that all four corners lie on your shoulders towards the front of your body - two on your right and two on your left - take the two on the right and throw them over your left shoulder so that they are wound around your neck, leaving the two on the left hanging down in front and remain in this position for a few moments, the time it takes to walk four cubits (amot) and then throw the two on the left also over the left shoulder so that all for corners are hanging on your back on the left side.  Wait again the time it takes to walk four amot and then spread the tallit over your body.  (Ben Ish Chai Bereshit 5)


Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Standing and Wrapping the Tallit

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

p. 29 Chapter Nine
7. e. After saying the blessing in a standing position one should wrap the tallit around oneself.  One should hold the tallit already before the blessing; and one should remain standing when wrapping it around oneself. (Bet Simcha p. 79)

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Blessing for Tzitzit Pronunciation

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

p. 29 Chapter Nine
7. d. When saying the blessing "lehitatef bezizit" one should note that the bet is punctuated with a sh'va and not a patach. (Bet Simcha p. 79)

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Intertwined Tzitzit

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

p. 29 Chapter Nine
7. c. One should always separate the strands of one's zizit.  However, if they are a bit intertwined it is forbidden to separate them on Shabbat. (Bet Simcha p. 79)

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

How and When to Wear the Tallit Katan

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

p. 28 Chapter Nine
7. b. One should wear the tallit kattan over the undershirt and sleep in it, only removing it in the bathhouse (Bet Simcha p. 79)

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.

Friday, June 14, 2013

Size of a Tallit

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

p. 28 Chapter Nine
7. The size of a tallit is the amount which can cover the head and body of a man down to his chest, both at the front and the back. (K. Sh. G. 2) Al Hashulchan: 24 thumb-breadths (godalim) wide by 36 thumb-breadths long 48 cm. by 72 cm.) (18.90 inches by 28.35 inches) (Ben Ish Chai Lech Lecha 12) which is the equivalent of a cubit (ama) wide by three quarters of a cubit long (on each side. tr.) (Bet Simcha P. 79)

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

If One Removes a Tallit

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

p. 28 Chapter Nine
6. If a person removed his tallit, even if he had the intention of putting it on again immediately, he must recite a new blessing when he puts it on again. (Shulchan Aruch 8)  Others are of the opinion that he should not recite a new blessing when he had intention to put it on again (this opinion is followed by all later authorities).  Similarly if his tallit fell off unintentionally and he puts it on again he does not recite a new blessing. (Later Authorities)

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.

Looking at the Tzitzit is One Method of Rectifying Sexual Sins

I found a treasure trove of Tzitzit quotes from the Torah sages; check this out:
"Sexual desire is subject to the eyes: when the eyes wander, desire is aroused. The mitzvah of tzitzit, the fringes on the garment, is a protection against this. It also gives protection against the influence of those who are enemies of the truth. Be very careful to fulfill this mitzvah properly. If you do this you will begin to understand the meaning of the teachings of the Tzaddikim and to follow their ways. When you wrap yourself in the tzitzit and recite the blessing, concentrate on the thought that you desire a life of purity governed by the Holy Covenant and by the advice and counsel of the Tzaddikim. This is the foundation of true faith. You will be worthy of
coming to the Land of Israel, and bringing the era of Mashiach closer. You will attain true prayer, and with it the power to bring about miracles. Your livelihood will be sent without difficulties - because a person's livelihood is governed by the purity with which he leads his life. In the end you will learn to find wisdom wherever you are: you will see the teachings which are contained in all the things around you. All the wisdom of the world will be revealed to you like
a table spread with delights (Likute Etzot. 4)."
"When we wear Tzitzit and we go out of the house, the Creator rejoices, and the evil angel
who destroys, must withdraw from there. Therefore, the person is saved from all misfortunes.
(Zohar brought in Yalkut Reuveni) 
"He who wears Tzitzit, the angels announce before him, 'Give honor to the King's son."
(Zohar brought in Yalkut Reuveni)  
 Through Tzitzit one can be saved from the evil eye. (Devash lefi)
"He who wears Tzitzit, is called "one" just as the Creator Himself is called "One."
Therefore, G-d Himself cares for him." (Zohar brought in Yalkut Reuveni)
Read more here:
http://www.israel613.com/books/IMPORTANCE_OF_MITZVAH_TZITZIT-E.pdf

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Throw your troubles away with the joy of Mitzvot

"Rebbe Nachman once put it, people are sad because nothing is going right for them – but what they don’t realize is nothing is going right for them because they’re sad! On the verse, “For you shall go out with joy” (Isaiah 55:12), the KotzkerRebbe explains, “the beauty of joy is that it has the power to extricate man from all troubles.” Joy means being in touch with the bigger picture, or as we said earlier, being in a state of expanded consciousness. The Hassidic Revolution that took place in Jewish thought properly restored Joy to the forefront of Jewish values. This is actually very important to understand. So many of us think that Torah is essentially an intellectual discipline, but there is a vital emotional component as well."
http://www.livingwithgod.org/articles/the-holiness-of-humor/

Blessing on Talit Katan vs. Talit Gadol

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

p. 28 Chapter Nine
5. A person who puts on his tallit kattan and recites a blessing over it, when he goes to the synagogue and puts on his tallit gadol he must say another blessing, as the walk from his house to the synagogue is considered an interruption.  If he prays at home and has in mind when reciting the first blessing that it should also include the tallit gadol, and in the meantime he does not interrupt by talking or with other matters, he does not recite a new blessing. (Shulchan Aruch 8) 

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Tribute to Rebbetzin Ruchoma Shain a'h Part III

The third tzitzit-related anecdote from All for the Boss that I remember was when Rebbetzin Shain was engaged and was about to look for a wedding dress with her mother, Rebbetzin Herman a'h. Before going, her father, the tzadik Rav Yaakov Yosef  Herman ztz'l told her mother to wash out his talit as a segula for finding a wedding dress. Once again I have not heard of this segula anywhere else but I wonder if it is related to the idea of someone's wearing a beautiful talit being connected to being blessed with a beautiful wardrobe.

In any case may their neshamot have aliyot and may they all, with all of their dedication to H-shem's mitzvot be advocates for us in Shamayim.

Tribute to Rebbetzin Ruchoma Shain a'h Part II

In All for the Boss, Rebbetzin Shain a'h mentioned that when she was a child, she was ill and her father, the tzaddik, Rav Yaakov Yosef Herman ztz'l asked her to lie on his talit as a segula to heal her ear it was, I believe. I don't know the origin of this segula nor have I heard of it anywhere else but she claimed that it worked.

Tallit Katan - The Best Way

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

p. 28 Chapter Nine
4. To fulfill the mitzva of tallit kattan in the best manner one should wear it over one's clothes in order to see it at all times and thereby be reminded of the mitzvot (Shulchan Aruch).  Al Hashulchan: Since the Ari Zal directed to wear it under one's clothes one should do so.  (Eretz Chaim Chap. 8)

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.

Tribute to Rebbetzin Ruchoma Shain a'h Part I

I had found out recently that Rebbetzin Shain passed away in Nissan of this year. She is well-known as author of All for the Boss and other books.

There are a few stories that she brings that pertain to tzitzit and I would like to paraphrase them as a zechut for her neshama.

One that stands out is about her mother-in-law, Mrs. Shain and how she was seen hanging out the tzitziot of her sons on the clothesline. and being ridiculed by a neighbor, that her children would never wear these in America. B"H the neighbor was proved wrong and the steadfast dedication of Mrs. Shain and her family to H-shem's mitzvot led to many Jews in future generations wearing tzitziot and keeping mitzvot.

May their neshamot have aliyot.

Korach and Tzitzit

"Now Korah … betook himself  What does Scripture say right before this?  “Speak to the Israelite people and instruct them to make for themselves fringes” (Num. 15:38).   Korah said to Moses, “Moses, if a tallit were entirely of blue wool (tekhelet), might it not be exempt from the commandment of fringes?”  Moses answered, “It must have fringes.”  Korah replied, “A tallit which is entirely woven of blue threads does not itself fulfill the commandment, but four threads do!?  If a house were full of scrolls, should it not be exempt from the commandment of mezuzah?”   Moses answered, “It must have a mezuzah.”   Korah continued, “The entire Torah contains 275 passages, yet it does not fulfill the commandment for the house; but the two passages in the mezuzah do?”   He accused him, “You were not commanded these things; rather, you dreamed them up in your heart!”   This is the meaning of Korah … betook himself."
http://www.biu.ac.il/JH/Parasha/eng/shelach/fris1.html
Bar-Ilan University's Parashat Hashavua Study Center

Rav Yehoshua Neuwirth was niftar today

as I read today on Reb Lazer Brody's blog, http://lazerbrody.typepad.com
so I would like to quote from Rav Neuwirth's book, Shemirath Shabbat Kehilchathah, in his memory, may it be for a blessing.

Here he talks about tying and untying knots on Shabbath and Yom Tov. Tzitzit fall under the category of knots which one is not allowed to tie on Shabbat or Yom Tov which must not be tightened if they become loose.

Vol. 1, Chapter 15
50. c. As a result, one should beware of tightening knots of tzitzith which have loosened.

In Honor of Gimmel Tammuz

The date of the Lubavitcher Rebbe zy'a's passing - here is a video from chabad.org about tzitzit:

http://www.chabad.org/multimedia/media_cdo/aid/1524418/jewish/Fringes-Tzitzit.htm

Monday, June 10, 2013

Putting Talit Katan on Before Washing

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

p. 28 Chapter Nine
3. If a person wishes to put on the tallit katan before he has purified his hands he should not say the blessing, but after he has washed he should touch the zizit and then say the blessing, or else he should wait until he puts on another tallit and when he recites the blessing over it he should have the intention to exempt this tallit as well. (Shulchan Aruch).

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Kavanah or Intention when donning Tallit

As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

p. 27 Chapter Nine

2. When one puts on the tallit one should have in mind that G-d commanded us to put on a tallit in order that we remember all His commandments to put them into practice.

Let's Learn Some Halachot of Tzitzit

Over Shabbat we were looking at Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would like to present here some of the halachot about tzitzit that appear in Volume 1 of this series.

We would also like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia. Please have him in mind when studying.

Please keep in mind that this is for learning purposes only and any questions on observance/practical application should be directed to a reliable posek.

So here we go and I quote from the above book:
p. 27 Chapter Nine: The Laws of Donning Zizit
1. One says the blessing "lehitatef bazizit" (...to wrap ourselves in fringes) before wearing the tallit kattan (the smaller fringed garment worn usually under the shirt) even though one does not actually wrap onesself in it.  One must separate the strings of the zizit from each other (Shulchan Aruch 8).

Note (from us) - please stay tuned for the next few halachot because different opinions exist on when one should ideally say the blessing. Some do it only on the talit gadol.

Thank you,
tzitzit.net


Friday, June 7, 2013

Korach and his Talit of Techelet

Thanks to the Modestanytime group discussion about colored begadim for Tzitzit for the inspiration for this post - and H-shem's Hashgacha of this being Parshat Korach (and last week's being Parshat Shelach to start the blog in the first place :)

Korach confronted Moshe's leadership in a seemingly roundabout
fashion. He asked Moshe two contrived Halachik questions:

Does a Talis entirely dyed in Techeles - (a special blue dye) require Tzitzit?

Does a house filled with Sefarim (books) require a Mezuzah?

Moshe answered that in both cases the obligation is to follow the
commandment of Hashem, and put Tzitzit on a four cornered garment,
regardless of its color, and affix a Mezuzah to any doorway requiring
one, regardless of how many Sefarim the room contains.

http://www.torah.org/learning/rabbis-notebook/5758/korach.html


Shabbat Shalom!!

Symbolism of Tzitzit by Rav Kook

http://ravkooktorah.org/SHLACH59.htm

Kabbalah Perspective to Tzitzit with Audio

Daily Zohar - Shelach Day 5 Based on Zohar Bamidbar 175b
"Rabbi Yehuda said: the Holy One blessed be He says [to Israel], 'Whoever wishes to follow Me in awe should follow this heart, and the [watchful] eyes that are over it'. [One of the most important tools in growing in holiness is to guard one’s eyes and not to look beyond one’s immediate presence.] Who are these eyes? It is as in, "The eyes of G-d [Zeir Anpin] are towards the righteous [i.e. malchut]." (Psalms 34:16) However, "you seek not after your own heart and your own eyes." [that see only the physical world and lead you to sin]. What is the reason for this? It is because "[of your eyes] after which you go astray." (Num. 14:39)"
http://m.chabad.org/m/article_cdo/aid/1543333 

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Tzitzit Made by Rabbi Yosef Mendelevich in Soviet Prison!

Amazing hashgacha that tonight I came across an interview with Rabbi Mendelevich, renowned inspirational speaker and rebbe at Machon Meir, on the OU web site.  I promise, I wasn't actually looking for it, just had clicked on a different link from their email newsletter.
http://www.ou.org/jewish_action/05/2013/up-close-with-rabbi-yosef-mendelevich/

And here is the picture of his talit katan that he made and wore in Soviet prison!
http://www.ou.org/jewish_action/files/54.jpg

Tamir Goodman shares some of his favorite exercises while wearing Sport Strings Tzitzit

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Wow - tzitzit saves people in miraculous stories - Rabbi Mansour

Zohar, gematria, Tzitzit protects in a time of danger, completes mitzvah of mezuza, holding tzitzit protects from anger and various gematriot
http://www.learntorah.com/lt-shiur-details.aspx?id=3467

Halachot of Tzitzit by Rabbi Mansour

He deals with how to put it on, which kind to use and all sorts of other halachot and other things relevant to the subject of tzitzit, talit katans, and talit gadols.
http://www.learntorah.com/lt-shiur-details.aspx?id=1468

Sources on material requirements for tzitzit - natural vs synthetic

Synthetic Fabrics do not require Tzitzit: Star-K
"The garment's fabric must be made of woven material. A plastic poncho-style raincoat or a four cornered leather vest would not require tzitzis because the material is not woven. Also, it is the opinion of a leading Torah authority that garments woven with synthetic fibers do not require tzitzis. This means that a polyesteror rayon garment does not require tzitzis. What about a wool-rayon blend, which is a blend of natural and synthetic fibers? The criteria for determining tzitzis obligation is which of the two fabrics coversthe majority of fabric area. If, for example, the fabric is a 50-50 blend of natural and synthetic fibers, but the synthetic thread is thicker than the natural, then the garment would not require tzitzis.Wearing an Arba Kanfos (beged with tzitzis) made of synthetic fabric would present the problems stated earlier: 1) non-fulfillment of the mitzvah, 2) uttering a blessing in vain, 3) carrying on Shabbos."
http://www.star-k.org/kashrus/kk-mitzvos-fringe.htm


Material Requirements: Halachipedia
"Sephardim generally follow the opinion of the Shulchan Aruch[34] that only garments made of wool or linen have a torah obligation to be affixed with tzitzit strands. Accordingly, all other materials only require tzitzit on a rabbinic level. As such, it is preferable for one to wear a wool or linen garment. Nevertheless, it one finds ituncomfortable to wear wool tzitzit, he may wear tzitzit made from other materials. [35]Ashkenazim rely on the Rema who holds that all materials are included in the Torah obligation.[36] Nevertheless, some maintain that one still should wear wool and linen garments in order to satisfy all opinions. [37] One the other hand, many poskim are lenient if wearing wool would cause any discomfort, especially in the heat. [38]Although the Shulchan Aruch includes linen as a biblically mandated material, he also cites[39] an opinion that we should not use it. He concludes that although the halacha is not like this opinion, it is preferable to avoid the argument and only use wool. However, if one only has a linen garment for his tzitzit, they may be used with abracha.[40] Leather garments are exempt from the obligation of tzitzit, even on a rabbinic level.[41]Along the same lines, some poskim equate leather with synthetic materials (such as polyester, nylon, and rayon) and maintain that they are also exempt from tzitzit.[42] Others differentiate between woven synthetic materials, which should be treated like cotton, and non woven synthetic materials, which should be treated like leather.[43] Therefore, it is best not to use synthetic materials for the mitzvah, but if one does he should refrain from making a bracha on it.[44] For a discussion of using Techelet (blue) strings as Tzitzit see the Techelet page.The minhag for sehpardim is that the garment and tzitzit be of the same color. [45]"
http://halachipedia.com/index.php?title=Tzitzit

Some tzitzit ramblings by the owner - white vs colors, nonkosher materials

Please note, I am not an authority, these are just my own ideas.

Some people have a tradition to only use white - white on white for tzitzit. The mitzvah is to ideally attach it to a beged - i.e. a garment - which I think should be something one likes to wear. So it has to retain its value as a beged and not as an "under-beged". I think we can try to beautify this mitzvah by using a fabric that you are likely to wear within the halachic parameters. They can be natural fibers like wool or cotton (wool is ideal but cotton is also permitted) but not synthetic fibers, i.e. polyester, nylon, mesh. BUYER BEWARE: some tzitzit garments are currently on sale not only online, ebay etc. but also in stores that may not be k'halacha!! One has to be aware of these issues. Wearing them on Shabbat may be considered carrying. Always check with your local orthodox rabbi if there is a doubt. I will hopefully post my sources on this soon.

Sleeves may be another issue.

Right now we are looking into possibilities for collars and beautifying them as well as different material designs.

Then there are the tzitzit strings themselves. If you google tzitzit or search on ebay, you will find items for sale that call themselves "tzitzit" under various marketing terms that are pre-tied corners of tzitzit in different colors and patterns as well as fibers!! These are definitely not kosher. They are designed to be attached to the corner of a garment or belt buckle via a clasp! There is NO MITZVAH to use these whatsoever. If you go and search on ebay they have people quoting Christian sources and inventing string formations and selling them. I'm not kidding (wish I was!) - go check for yourself!

 The strings have to be made leshem mitzvat tzitzit. And they have to be knotted onto the beged and thus part of the garment and cannot be removed. Halachically it takes at least 2 knots to be considered attached to the beged. Strings should only be bought from a competent seller with kosher certification. It has a seal.  Normally there are 2 qualities available - kosher, machine-made tzitzit as well as the hand-made variety, which some authorities prefer.

Happy Tzitzit Wearing!
tzitzit.net 

Rav Hirsch on Tzitzit and their connection to Yetziat Mitzrayim

http://www.ou.org/community/tefilllah/vayomer/#.Ua9EoNK-plA

On the Fringe - Deeper Meaning of the Four Corners

http://jewishvoiceny.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4235:tzitzis-on-the-fringe&catid=114:parsha&Itemid=297

Daily Zohar: The Purpose of Tzitzit and Techelet


From Yeshiva Etzion and TorahAnytime.com - by Rabbi Avraham Gaon

And for those of us without access to youtube:

http://www.torahanytime.com/scripts/media.php?file=media/Rabbi/Avraham_Gaon/2013-05-29/Daily_Zohar:_The_Purpose_of_Tzitzit_and_Techelet/Rabbi__Avraham_Gaon__Daily_Zohar:_The_Purpose_of_Tzitzit_and_Techelet__2013-05-29.wmv

The Relationship Between Tzitzit and the Garment

TALMUDIC METHODOLOGY
By Rav Moshe Taragin

Shiur #12:  The Relationship Between Tzitzit and the Garment

The Mitzvah of Tzitzis VBM

ISRAEL KOSCHITZKY VIRTUAL BEIT MIDRASH (VBM)
YESHIVAT HAR ETZION

The Mitzva of Tzitzit. Part 1 of 2

The Mitzva of Tzitzit. Part 2 of 2

SICHA OF HARAV AHARON LICHTENSTEIN SHLIT"A
Tzitzit: Sanctification of the Profane

MEANING IN MITZVOT
By Rav Asher Meir 
SHELACH - TZITZIT

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

What's a chilazon?

Chilazon is the animal that produces the dye used to make techelet. There are some who wear techelet today and many who do not. This article talks about different theories regarding which animal is really the chilazon.
http://www.ou.org/about/judaism/chilazon.htm

OU's article on the basics of tzitzit

http://www.ou.org/about/judaism/tzitzit.htm

Rav Scheinberg ztz'l and Rabbi BenSoussan's tzitzit miracle

Rav Scheinberg was known for wearing many many pairs of tzitzit.
This is a must-hear!! Rabbi BenSoussan tells the story of Rav Scheinberg giving him tzitzit and how his life was saved.
http://www.learntorah.com/lt-shiur-details.aspx?id=7348

Rabbi Duvi BenSoussan - Tzitzit - The Ultimate Shield

This rabbi talks about how we got the mitzvah of tzitzit in the Torah along with some other inspirational stories.
http://www.learntorah.com/lt-shiur-details.aspx?id=7577&play=audio

Rabbi Joey Haber speaking about Tzitzit as Spiritual Protection

This class has several stories and insights about tzitzit - worth a listen!
http://www.learntorah.com/lt-shiur-details.aspx?id=391

So, what's this new tzitzit blog about anyway?

Hi Everyone,

We decided to make a new blog about tzitzit. We at tzitzit.net have a vision about getting people to learn more about and take on or enhance the mitzvah of tzitzit. To that end we have a resource guide linking to Torah sources about this fascinating subject (to us, at least) to help create awareness about what's kosher and isn't and how it is possible to keep this mitzvah b'hiddur.

We welcome your ideas and comments as well as contributions to our content. Soon G-d willing we will post some non-youtube videos as well for the kosher/filtered internet consumer (why should we have to go to youtube to watch educational videos when we can embed them from someplace kosher?).

G-d willing we look forward to relaunching our customizable talit katan products as well! Stay tuned...:)

"Ur'item Oto U'Zechartem et Kol Mitzvot H-shem"

Have a beautiful day,
tzitzit.net