Tzitzit: Difference between revisions

#Sephardim generally follow the opinion of the Shulchan Aruch<ref> Shulchan Aruch 9:1. This is based off of Rav Nachman in Gemara Menachot 39b and is purported by the Rif and Rambam Hilchot Tzitzit 3:2 and Sefer Hamitzvot Aseh 14 </ref>  that only garments made of wool or linen have a Torah obligation to be affixed with Tzitzit strands. Accordingly, all other materials only require Tzitzit on a rabbinic level. As such, it is preferable for one to wear a wool or linen garment. If one finds it uncomfortable to wear wool Tzitzit, one may wear Tzitzit made from other materials. <ref>Rav Ben Zion Abba Shaul in Ohr LeZion 9:1; Rav Ovadya Yosef in Yalkut Yosef 9:1</ref>  

#Ashkenazim rely on the Rema who holds that all materials are included in the Torah obligation.<ref>This is based off of Rava in Gemara Menachot 39b where he disagrees with Rav Nachman and holds unlike Rav Nachman that all materials are able to be used to fulfill one's Torah obligation. In Tosfot there Rav Nachman says Rashi and Rabbeinu Tam both paskin like Rava. </ref> Nevertheless, some maintain that one still should wear wool and linen garments in order to satisfy all opinions. <ref>Mishna Brurah 9:5. In Halichot Shlomo 3:25 Rav Shlomo Zalman says one should try to be strict even in the summertime. </ref> On the other hand, many poskim are lenient in the case when wearing wool would cause any discomfort, especially in the heat. <ref>Rav Moshe Feinstein in Igrot Moshe 2:1; Similarly, The Vilna Gaon (Maaseh Rav Birchot HaShachar, 17) ,the Chazon Ish (Shoneh Halachot 9:1), and the Steipler Gaon (Orchot Rabbeinu Volume 1 page 18) wore non-wool garments for their Tzitzit. In Teshuvot Vihanhagot 1:18 Rav Moshe Sternbuch cites several reasons that one should be strict and said one cannot learn anything from the rabbis that wore non-wool garments because they had their own reasons.  </ref>