Shulchan Aruch: Chapter 24 - Reward for Wearing Tzitzis and Punishment [for Ignoring This Obligation]

SECTION 24 The Reward for Wearing Tzitzis and the Punishment [for Ignoring This Obligation]. (1–8)

1 One is not obligated to buy a garment with four corners so that he will be required [to attach] tzitzis to it; rather, only if he desires to wear a four-cornered garment is he required to attach tzitzis to it. Nevertheless, it is preferable and appropriate for everyone to be careful and eager to wear a tallis with tzitzis throughout the day, so that he will remember the mitzvos at every moment.1

To explain by example: If someone cautions his friend to remember something, the friend will tie a knot in his belt as a reminder. Accordingly, the tzitzis [at each corner] have five knots which recall the Five Books of the Torah, and there are four corners, so that whichever direction a person turns, he will remember the mitzvos.

2 Even someone who cannot wear tzitzis throughout the day should at least make a point of wearing tzitzis during the time he recites the Shema2 and prays.3

3 It is a mitzvah to make [or acquire] a beautiful tallis and beautiful tzitzis. This principle applies to all the mitzvos: they should be fulfilled as beautifully as possible, as it is written,4 “This is my G‑d and I will glorify Him.” [Our Sages interpret5 this to mean:] “[Perform] the mitzvos before Him in a beautiful manner.”

4 It is a mitzvah to hold the tzitzis in one’s left hand6 opposite the heart while reciting the Shema. This is alluded to by the verse,7 “And these words... shall be upon your heart.” There are some who say that they should be held between the fourth and last fingers of the left hand, and when one reaches the passage concerning tzitzis he should take them in his right hand and look at them. They should remain in his hand until he reaches the phrase ne’emanim venechemadim laad, at which point he should kiss the tzitzis and release them.

5 It is desirable to look at the tzitzis when wrapping oneself in the tallis as one recites the blessing over them. This is indicated by [the sequence],8 “And you shall see it and remember.” Seeing leads to remembering, and remembering leads to observance.9

6 Some people follow the custom of looking at the tzitzis and passing them over their eyes when they reach the phrase ure’isem oso — “And you shall see it.” This is a desirable custom, expressing one’s affection for the mitzvah. It is also customary to kiss the tzitzis when looking at them.10 All of this reflects how precious the mitzvah is.

7 When one looks at the tzitzis, he should take note of the two tzitzis before him. These have ten [double] knots, alluding to the ten Sefiros which are bonded and unified with each other. The [two] tzitzis have 16 threads and ten knots, totaling 26, which is the numerical equivalent of the name Havayah,11 blessed be He.

8 The punishment for not observing the mitzvah of tzitzis is great.⁹ Concerning this it is written,12 “To grasp the corners of the earth [and shake the wicked from it”].13 [Conversely,] whoever observes the mitzvah of tzitzis meticulously will be found worthy of beholding the Divine Presence.⁹