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Chabad.org » Mitzvahs & Traditions » Tallit and Tzitzit » Tallit and Tzitzit Basics » The Obligation








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The Obligation


The mitzvah of tzitzit requires fringes to be tied to the corners of any four-cornered garment worn by men and boys.1

It is considered a great mitzvah to wear tzitzit throughout the day. The Torah tells us that looking at the tzitzit fringes reminds us to observe the mitzvot at all times and protects against the urges and impulses of the heart. Thus the importance of wearing tzitzit at all times is quite obvious. Nontheless, there is no requirement to observe this mitzvah unless actually wearing a four-cornered garment.

Even one who does not wear tzitzit throughout the day should wear tzitzit (or a tallit) while reciting the morning Shema and prayers.

It is customary to begin educating young boys to wear tzitzit when they reach the age of three.

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FOOTNOTES
1.

Women are exempt from this mitzvah and are discouraged from wearing tzitzit or a tallit.
Women are exempt from all mitzvot which carry a time contingency. Thus they are also exempt from the mitzvah of tzitzit, which is only observed during daytime hours (see The Proper Time).
The fact that women are exempt from this mitzvah demonstrates their heightened spiritual awareness, which renders it unnecessary for them to wear artificial reminders to observe the mitzvot!

Photo by Menachem Serraf, Montreal, Canada

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Reader Comments
Latest Comments:
Posted: Oct 8, 2011
Tallis
Can a Torah observant non-Jew who is new to the faith wear a Tallit in Shull...?
Posted By Mr. David Morris

Posted: May 11, 2011
If you observe men and women in action, you'll find that yes, women absolutely do appear to be more innately spiritual than men. I have no doubt of that at all.

Eve may have taken the first bite, but Adam wasted no time taking the second. In that, their responsibility was equal.

And Sharon has the right idea--do what brings you closer to God, whether it's specifically commanded or not. And never get so bogged down in minutiae that you forget the original purpose behind any observance.
Posted By Daniel, Stuart, Florida

Posted: July 24, 2010
exactly
Tzitzit are not forbidden to females. They are just not required. I am adult female and I have started wearing tzitzit, because I need them. They help tremendously throughout the day. I highly recomend them.
Posted By Sharon , El Paso, TX

Posted: Aug 9, 2009
I am a lady and I started wearing tzitzith
Posted By Anonymous, San Antonio , TX

Posted: July 22, 2008
I agree. And are we not all human with human failings/imperfections despite our given gender?
Posted By Simcha, NY

Posted: July 10, 2008
"their heightened spiritual awareness,"
I am new to the faith and was wondering, how is it that women are seen as having a higher spiritual awareness then men?

Was it not Eve who fell 1st?
Posted By Anonymous, Ohio



 


Tallit and Tzitzit Basics
What is the Tzitzit and Tallit?
The Obligation
The Garment and Fringes
Times for Tallit and Tzitzit
The Jewish Prayer Shawl
Donning Tzitzit or a Tallit
Wearing the Tzitzit and Tallit
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