“The tzitzith is a constant reminder of the special relationship in which the Israelite stands to (YHWH) and the consequent duty of withstanding temptation to sin”. (Pentateuch and Haftorah, J.H.Hertz, p.844) Wearing tzitzith is a privilege. It is an outward symbol, given by our Creator, that marks His children, the people of Israel. It is a badge of honor, but that is not the primary purpose of the mitzvah and wearing tzitzith should not evoke pride, but humility, as it is written: “I dwell in a high and holy place and with the contrite and lowly of spirit.”

      The mitzvah of tzitzith is the only one which encompasses all 613 other mitzvoth. Consequently, it is said by the sages to be equal to all the commandments of the Torah. It is a remembrance that when our Creator bid us make tzitzith on the corners of our garments throughout our generations, “..that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of YHWH and do them..”, that we answered with one voice and said, “..all the words which YHWH hath spoken we will do.”

      Before putting on tzitzith, stand facing the temple in Jerusalem and compose yourself in prayer, then, if you are donning the tallith, say: ”I am here enwrapping myself in this fringed garment, in fulfillment of the command of my Creator, as it is written in the Torah, ‘They shall make them a tzitzith upon the corners of their garments throughout their generations’, and even as I cover myself with the tallith in this world, so may my soul be clothed with beauteous spiritual robe in the world to come, in the Garden of Eden. Amein.” 

      As you put on the tallith, say: “Baruk atah YHWH Eloheinu melek haolam asher qidshanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu l’hithatef b’tzitzith” or in English: “Blessed art Thou, YHWH Eloheinu, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by Thy commandments, and has commanded us to enwrap ourselves in the fringed garment.”

      If you are not donning the tallith, but a tallith katan, tunic or vest, say: “Baruk atah YHWH Eloheinu melek haolam asher qidshanu b’mitzvotav vitzivanu al mitzvah tzitzith” or in English: “Blessed art Thou, YHWH Eloheinu, King of the universe, who has sanctified us by Thy commandments, and has commanded us with the commandment of tzitzith”.

      After you have put on the tallith it is customary to cover your head and face momentarily with it or your hand and say: “How precious is Thy lovingkindness Elohym! And the children of men take refuge beneath the shadow of Thy wings. They satisfy themselves with the abundance of Thy house; and Thou givest them to drink of the river of Thy pleasures. For with Thee is the fountain of life: In Thy light do we see light. O continue Thy lovingkindness unto them that know Thee, and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.”

      Even if for some reason you cannot say all of these things, always at least say the brachah, the blessing. We must bless our Creator in every holy act, indeed in all we do.

      If for any reason you need to remove your tzitzith for a moment (Dr.’s office, restroom, etc,), or anytime you must re-tie or tighten the knots, say as you put them back on, “L’shem mitzvoth tzitzith”, which means, “for the sake of the commandment of tzitzith”.

      May YHWH bless you with peace and strength as you wear your tzitzith. May your wearing them keep His mitzvoth before you always. May your obedience and submission lead you to a closer and deeper relationship with Him.

      If you have questions or comments, please contact us. If you haven’t yet visited our garment gallery, please do so to see our fine line of custom embroidered tallitot and other garments.