Friday, Sivan 24, 5761 / June 15, 2001
Parshat Shelach ends with the mitzvah of Tzitzit. Tzitizit are the fringes which hang on the four corners of the Tallit (prayer shawl). The Torah tells us that each fringe should have one string colored blue. The blue dye was extracted from a special fish-worm called Chilazon. The identity of that particular fish-worm has been lost and as a result all eight strings are white.
(About 100 years ago some claimed that they discovered the identity of that fish-worm and some people today wear Tzitzit with a blue string in it. However, most authorities in Jewish law did not accept it.)
The Torah explains the purpose of this mitzvah, "So that you may look upon it and remember all the commandments of the L-rd and observe them..."
Each Tzitzah (fringe) consists of four long threads which are pulled halfway through the hole in each of the four corners of the Tallit, the four strings are folded becoming 8 strings. A knot is made. One string, which is longer than the rest (called "Shamash"), is wound around the other seven strings 7 times. Another knot is made and again the longer string is wound around the others 8 times. A knot is made and the string is wound around 11 times. A knot and the string is wound around 13 times and the final knot is made.
Thus, when we look at each Tzitzah we see 8 strings and 5 knots. The numerical value of the Hebrew word "Tzitzit" (90+10+90+10+400) is 600. Together with the 8 strings and 5 knots it adds up to 613. This is how by looking at the Tzitzit, we remember all the 613 mitzvot.
The number of times that the longer Tzitzah is wound around the other strings totals 39 (7+8+11+13=39).
This number is the same numerical value as the two Hebrew words of the Shema - Hashem Echad (G-d is One). Thus, the mitzvah of Tzitzit reminds us of the unity and omnipresence of G-d and of His mitzvot.
Our love and appreciation for this mitzvah is best expressed in the fact that when reciting the "Shema" in our daily morning prayer we kiss the Tzitzit numerous times.
The Tallit accompanies a Jew even after death when every Jewish man is buried in a Tallit.
On the lighter side: Before the High Holidays, Mr. Goldberg took his Tallit to the same dry cleaners as he did for the past twenty years. Not knowing that the cleaners had recently changed hands, he was a bit surprised when he was greeted by the new owner - a recently arrived Chinese immigrant who bought the cleaners from its Jewish owner.
Noticing that the customer was a bit hesitant to leave the garment, the new owner tried his best to assure Mr. Goldberg, "I promise to do as good a job as the previous owner."
Two days later he came to pick up the Tallit and was shocked to see the bill for $25.
"Why so expensive?" gasped Mr. Goldberg. "I gave this Tallit to clean for many years and I was charged only $5?"
"How can you compare his work to mine," replied the new owner. "Did he spend three hours on your garment as I did untying every knot in the garment!"
SHABBAT SHALOM
Montreal candle lighting time: 8:27 / Shabbat ends: 9:44
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