Q&A: The Commandment of Tzitzit
The Commandment of Tzitzit
Question
Hello, honorable Rabbi, I have two questions:
- I follow Maimonides’ approach and wear tekhelet. In one of my tzitzit, there is a section in which the windings are not completely tight together. Am I allowed to tighten them, or does that create a problem of “you shall make [it], and not from that which is already made”?
- What is your actual view on this whole tekhelet issue that has come up? I heard that you commented on it in your latest lecture about innovation, conservatism, and tradition.
Thank you, and happy holidays
Answer
- “You shall make [it], and not from that which is already made” does not apply to windings that are not indispensable.
- I wear tekhelet.
Discussion on Answer
It’s hard to decide. I use the Raavad’s approach, and I think that is how most people practice. As far as I remember, the tying is in principle not indispensable (except for the first knot), but I haven’t checked right now regarding tekhelet whether there are views there according to which something additional is indispensable. There are overviews online.
Thank you very much for the quick answer. As a follow-up to the question: is the first winding considered part of the first knot that is usually made? That is, there is a knot, as with every tzitzit, through which it is attached to the corner of the garment, and then the first winding begins (which according to Maimonides is made of white, tekhelet, tekhelet). Is there a problem there of “you shall make [it], and not from that which is already made”?
No. That too is not indispensable.
And in general, tightening the windings is not “you shall make [it], and not from that which is already made” even on its own terms. How is that any different from the act of winding itself?
Actually, if the issue of “you shall make [it], and not from that which is already made” applies only to the tying, then you’re right. Thank you very much, and Sabbath peace!
With tekhelet, how many strings does one use? And how is it tied?
From a halakhic standpoint, does one fulfill the obligation if one does it in the regular Ashkenazi style, just with one whole tekhelet thread? (781113)