Daf HaYomi B'Halacha Daily Email - 5 Nissan/April 6

 

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What is the minimal length of tzitzis strings?

Min haTorah, there is no minimum length for tzitzis strings. Mid’rabonon, however, the strings must be a certain length. Some Rishonim say that they must be at least as long as four gudlin (the width of the upper joint of a thumb). Others say that twelve gudlin is the minimal length. The halacha follows the more stringent view, and a person’s tzitzis should be at least twelve gudlin. This length applies to the free-hanging part of the tzitzis; the knots and wrapped section do not count towards the required measurement. [שו"ע יא, ד, משנ"ב יט, כ, כב ו־כד, וביה"ל ד"ה אין (וראה עוד שם), ד"ה וכן, וד"ה יותר]

Is there a reason to have extra-long tzitzis strings?

Tzitzis must have both a g’dil (a wrapped and knotted section) and an anaf (a free-hanging part). L’chatchilah, the anaf should be double the length of the g’dil. Some poskim say that anaf should not extend more than twice the length of the g’dil. Others are not particular and allow the anaf to extend well past this ratio. All agree that is not a hidur to extend the strings past the required length. Some Rishonim extended their strings to make sure that they would still have valid tzitzis if part of a string tore off. [משנ"ב יא, כא, וביה"ל ד"ה אין, וד"ה יכול; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 32 ,33 ו־37]

Can wool remnants be used for tzitzis?

Low-grade wool is not kosher for tzitzis. Therefore, wool from a lamb that got caught in a thorn thicket is not valid for tzitzis. Similarly, remnants of wool which remain from another garment cannot be used for tzitzis. Some Rishonim say that any wool which cannot be made into a garment cannot be used for tzitzis. [שו"ע יא, ה, ומשנ"ב כה-כו]