One of the 613 commandments is the mitzvah of Tzitzit, which is found at the end of this week’s Parasha (in the Diaspora), Shlach. Tzitzit are the fringes placed on the four corners of the Tallit (prayer shawl).
The Torah says, “G-d spoke to Moshe saying, Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: They should make fringes (Tzitzit) on the corners of their garments… that you may see it and remember all the commandments of G-d to perform them, and you will not follow after your hearts and after your eyes, which lead you astray…”
Q. What is the meaning of the word “Tzitzit”?
A. One explanation is that it refers to the “hanging” of the strings. Another explanation is that it comes from the word “meitzit”, to look. They are called Tzitzit because the purpose of the mitzvah is to look at the Tzitzit and remember to perform all the mitzvot.
Q. How does this mitzvah remind us of all the mitzvot?
A. The numerical value of the Hebrew letters which make up the word “Tzitzit” is 600. When you add the eight strings and five knots, we have 613, the exact number as the mitzvot. Thus, the Tzitzit remind us of all the mitzvot.
Q. Why, in the Ashkenazic custom is the Tallit worn only after one is married?
A. Later in the Torah (Deut. 22:11) the mitzvah of Tzitzit is mentioned again. Right after that the Torah speaks about marriage. Thus, the Ashkenazic custom is to put on the Tallit in connection with marriage.
Q. Why, for the daily morning prayer do we put on the Tallit first and then the Tefillin?
A. There is a general rule that when we have two mitzvot to perform, we first do the mitzvah which is performed more often. Being that the Tallit we apply every day, while the Tefillin are not worn on Shabbat and holidays, we put on the Tallit first.
Q. What is the significance of the eight strings on each corner of the Tallit?
A. The total number of strings on a Tallit is 32 (4x8=32). Thirty two is the numerical value of the word, “Lev” (heart). The purpose of the Tzitzit is to remind us not to follow after the desires of one’s heart. Also, the Torah begins with the letter “Bet” and ends with the letter “Lamed,” thus, spelling the word “Lev” – “heart.” The numerical value of the fringes in the Tzitzit and the numerical value of the first and last letter of the Torah are the same. This alludes to the importance of the mitzvah of Tzitzit. Wearing Tzitzit is compared to fulfilling the entire Torah.
Remember GILAD SHALIT who was kidnapped by Arab terrorists. Let us pray for his welfare and safe return.
May G-d protect him together with all members of the Israeli Defence Forces fighting for the safty and security of Israel.
UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ISRAEL!
Montreal candle lighting time: 8:31 / Shabbat ends: 9:48
In loving memory of Saul (Zalmen) Wolman - Z"L. Yartzeit is today.
May his memory be a blessing and may his soul rest in peace in Gan Eden
From his children, grandchildren & great grandchildren
From the TorahFax e-mail box:
Many thanks for a great service, your messages really help me get through the week.
D. M. Cape Town, South Africa
***** ***** *****
To you and your subscribers: A little over a year ago, I put a little boy with Down's Syndrome on your Refuah Shlaimah prayer listing who was undergoing life-saving throat surgery on Rosh HaShanah. Mystified doctors brought him out of his drug-induced coma over 2 weeks early because he was doing so well. The family just returned from Cincinnati from the one year check up. The new structure is growing right along with him and for the foreseeable future -- no more surgeries.
A great big thank you to all who cared!
Y. in Colorado
Please remember! Your contribution to Torah Fax is our only source of support.
From the TorahFax e-mail box:
I am now in Japan and next week I am returning to my country home Argentina after two years of living here. Be sure that when I get an account in Buenos Aires I will subscribe again! Thank you very much for all your e-mails that were very important for us being so far from our family.
D. K.
"I just wanted to say thank you for keeping me on your list. I do very much enjoy your daily e-mails and learning more about my Jewishness."
"I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your weekly words... I need to listen to your stories... it helps me in all parts of my life... you must help a multitude of people..."
FOR INFORMATION ON SPONSORING A TORAHFAX PLEASE CLICK HERE Torahfax613@gmail.com
Next time you speak to a friend encourage them to subscribe to Torah Fax so they too will learn Torah each day!
A contribution, to help cover cost and expenses, would be appreciated - Thank you.
Please mail to: TorahFax - Box 373 Station Snowdon. Montreal, Quebec. H3X 3T6 CANADA
I would like to hear your comments. Send your e-mail correspondence to: torahfax613@gmail.com
Tell your friends about Torah Fax so they too may enjoy reading it.
Copyright ©: 95.7.1
To send your e-mail correspondence click here:
