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>  

#Although the Shulchan Aruch includes linen as a biblically mandated material, he also cites<ref>9:6; Also Kaf HaChaim 9:16. This opinion stems from Rabbeinu Tam in Gemara [[Shabbat]] 25b</ref>  an opinion that we should not use it. He concludes that although the halacha is not like this opinion, it is preferable to avoid the argument and only use wool. However, if one only has a linen garment for one's Tzitzit, they may be used with a bracha.<ref>Rema and Mishna Brurah ad loc. This opinion comes from Teshuvot HaRosh 2:8</ref>

#Leather garments are exempt from the obligation of Tzitzit, even on a rabbinic level.<ref>Gemara Menachot 40b. Shulchan Aruch 10:4</ref>  

#Along the same lines, some poskim equate leather with synthetic materials, such as polyester (usually used for mesh Tzitzit), nylon, and rayon, and maintain that they are also exempt from Tzitzit.<ref>Rav Moshe Feinstein in Igres Moshe 2:1</ref> Others differentiate between woven synthetic materials, which should be treated like cotton, and non woven synthetic materials, which should be treated like leather.<ref>Rav Tzvi [[Pesach]] Frank in Har Tzvi 1, 9</ref> Therefore, it is best not to use synthetic materials for the mitzvah, but if one does one should refrain from making a bracha on it.<ref>Tzitz Eliezer 12:3; Ohr LeZion 2:3</ref>

# The minhag for Sephardim is that the garment and Tzitzit be of the same color. <ref> Ben Ish Chai Noach Halacha 11 </ref>

# Tzitzit strings may not be made from stolen material. <ref> Shulchan Aruch, OC, 11:6 </ref> However, the Rama says that if one turned stolen wool into strings it is permissible to use them bedieved. <ref> Rama on Shulchan Aruch, OC, 11:6 </ref> Everyone agrees that one may not make a bracha on a tallit made with such Tzitzit. <ref> Halacha Berura, 11:25 </ref>