Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 22:12 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 22:12 commands Jewish men to attach tzitzit (fringes) to the four corners of their garments. This mitzvah (commandment) serves as a physical reminder of our connection to Hashem and His commandments. Rashi explains that the tzitzit remind us of all 613 mitzvot, helping us stay spiritually focused.
Q: Why is the commandment of tzitzit important in Judaism?
A: Tzitzit are important because they serve as a constant visual reminder of our obligations to Hashem. The Talmud (Menachot 43b) teaches that looking at the tzitzit reminds us of all the mitzvot. The Rambam (Hilchot Tzitzit 3:11) emphasizes that this mitzvah is especially significant because it accompanies us throughout the day.
Q: How do we fulfill the commandment of tzitzit today?
A: Today, Jewish men fulfill this commandment by wearing a tallit katan (small four-cornered garment) with tzitzit under their clothes during the day, and a tallit gadol (large prayer shawl) with tzitzit during morning prayers. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 8-24) details the proper way to tie and wear tzitzit according to halacha (Jewish law).
Q: What is the significance of the number of strings and knots in tzitzit?
A: The tzitzit consist of four strings doubled over to make eight, with five double knots. According to the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 18:21), these numbers have symbolic meaning - the five knots correspond to the Five Books of Torah, and the numerical value of the word 'tzitzit' (600) plus the eight strings and five knots equals 613, representing all the mitzvot in the Torah.
Q: Why are tzitzit only on four-cornered garments?
A: The Torah specifies 'four corners' because this was the common garment style in biblical times. The Talmud (Menachot 40a) explains that the mitzvah applies specifically to four-cornered garments. Today, we intentionally wear four-cornered garments (like the tallit) to fulfill this commandment, even though most modern clothing doesn't have four distinct corners.
The Mitzvah of Tzitzit
The verse (Devarim 22:12) commands the Jewish people to attach gedilim (fringes) to the four corners of their garments. This mitzvah is elaborated upon in Bamidbar 15:37-41, where the Torah specifies that the tzitzit should include a thread of techelet (blue dye). Rashi explains that the purpose of tzitzit is to serve as a constant reminder of all the mitzvot, as stated in Bamidbar 15:39: "And you shall see them and remember all the commandments of Hashem."
The Significance of Four Corners
The Talmud (Menachot 43b) discusses why the tzitzit are placed specifically on the four corners of a garment. The number four symbolizes:
The Meaning of "Gedilim"
The term gedilim refers to the twisted or knotted fringes. The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 234) explains that the word gedilim is related to gadol (great), teaching that observing this mitzvah elevates a person spiritually. The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 11:12) details the precise method of tying the tzitzit according to halachic tradition.
The Garment Itself
The verse refers to "kesutekha asher techasseh bah" (your covering with which you cover yourself). The Talmud (Menachot 40b) clarifies that this mitzvah applies specifically to a four-cornered garment. While in ancient times such garments were common, today Jews wear a tallit katan (small four-cornered garment) to fulfill this commandment daily. The Rema (Orach Chaim 8:6) notes that wearing tzitzit is a way to constantly surround oneself with kedusha (holiness).