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What Is the Meaning of Tzitzit?
Tzitzit is a mitzvah (Torah commandment) like no other. Not only is it considered equal to all 613 mitzvot, but each second we wear them is counted as a mitzvah in its own right! The number of mitzvot we can amass in a single day by simply putting on a pair of tzitzit is immeasurable. Furthermore, our Sages (Menachot 43b) teach that one who is meticulous in this mitzvah will merit to greet the Shechinah (Divine Presence)! What is the meaning behind this mitzvah, and why is it particularly beloved?
How Tzitzit Reminds Us of All 613 Mitzvot
As extraordinary as the human memory is, at times it needs refreshing. We might write something in our calendar, set an alarm, or tie a knot to remind ourselves of something we do not wish to forget. This is the reason and the meaning behind the mitzvah of tzitzit. As the verse states (Bamidbar 15:39), “And you shall look at them and remember all the mitzvot of Hashem (God).” The number of knots and strands correspond to the 613 mitzvot, so looking at them helps us remember our unique obligation to Hashem. This is something we must keep in mind throughout our lives.
The abundance of mitzvot reflects how deep our relationship with Hashem truly is. Obligations demonstrate responsibility and trust. The more obligations one has within a relationship, the stronger the connection. This echoes a famous teaching of Chazal (Our Sages – Makkot 23b): “Rav Chananya ben Akashya said, ‘Hashem desired to merit Yisrael; therefore, He increased for them Torah and mitzvot.’”
Tzitzit and Our Connection to Hashem
Even the word mitzvah itself reveals how it enables us to forge a unique relationship with Hashem. It shares a root with the word tzavta, meaning connection, because mitzvot connect us to Hashem, forming an unbreakable bond. (Shelah, Asarah Ma’amarot 146)
Tzitzit: A Symbol of Hashem’s Love
This also helps us understand why, after discussing this precious mitzvah, the Torah speaks about Yetziat Mitzrayim. When Hashem brought us out of Egypt, He demonstrated His unique love and concern for us. Through a series of spectacular miracles, He rescued us from cruel Egyptian slavery in order for us to become His beloved nation and emissaries in this world. The mitzvah of tzitzit serves as an emblem proclaiming that we are Hashem’s subjects and that He redeemed us from Egypt so that we would be His cherished nation (Malbim Bamidbar 15:41). He handpicked us from all the nations and loves us more than we can possibly imagine.
We can now appreciate the deeper meaning of tzitzit and why this mitzvah is so unique. It testifies to Hashem’s incredible love for us and reminds us of our special relationship with Him. It serves as a stepping stone to all the other commandments and therefore contains within it the holiness of all 613 mitzvot! (Da’at Chachmah U’Mussar 3:83)
Creating Reminders of Hashem’s Kindness
We also learn from the mitzvah of tzitzit the importance of creating a lasting reminder of Hashem’s love for us. One tzaddik (righteous individual) who was particularly careful about this was David HaMelech (King David). Before he was crowned king, he spent his days shepherding sheep. On one occasion, as he faithfully tended his flock, a fierce lion and bear emerged and seized a sheep. David HaMelech courageously fought them with his bare hands and killed them.
David HaMelech was so overwhelmed with gratitude to Hashem for sparing him from these dangerous predators that he fashioned a special coat from the wool of the sheep. He wore this coat throughout his life as a way of reminding himself of Hashem’s love and the miracles He performs. In this sense, the mitzvah of tzitzit serves as a model for us. We should strive to create lasting reminders of Hashem’s kindnesses. (Midrash cited in Torah Temimah Bamidbar 15:39)
When Rabbi Chaim Kanievsky’s sister, Rebbetzin Barsam, was widowed, Rav Chaim would visit her frequently. The Rebbetzin (wife of a Rabbi) noticed that he always kept a small plastic bag in his pocket. She assumed it was there to help dispose of garbage. One day, she decided to ask him about it. Rav Chaim explained that several years earlier he had experienced a serious health scare. The doctors believed the situation was extremely grave, and their prognosis was bleak. Yet, with Hashem’s kindness, he recovered. He explained that he felt such profound gratitude to Hashem that he wanted a tangible reminder to help him continually appreciate this miracle. He therefore placed a plastic bag in his pocket, and whenever he reached for his keys or wallet, he would feel it and be reminded of Hashem’s kindness. (Rav Chaim Kanievsky Biography, p. 341)
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
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