Bli Without Tzitzis Garment Only

Bli  (Without Tzitzit Garment Only)

Tying the knot

Did you know there are many different ways to tie the strings? There are essential requirements for the tying of the strings, knots and coils, described in the Gemara and Rishonim, in order to have the tzitzit be kosher (adding up to 613). The customs about how the strings are tied also varies between Ashkenazi Jews, Sephardi Jews, Yemenite Jews and Chabad. There are also different traditions when it comes to the wearing of Tekhelet (the beautiful indigo strings in some tzitzit) and those are explained in Jewish law.

In our North American Jewish community, the most widely used method for tying is the Ashkenazi tradition, which follows the teachings of Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki). According to Rashi, the Tzitzit strings are tied with double knots that separate four groups of coiled string that include groups of 7, 8, 11 and 13 coilings. Chassidish Jews tend to follow the opinion of Rabbi Yitzchak Luria who is also known as the Arizal. There is also a slightly different variation followed by Chabad. Most tallit and tzitzit katan with pre-tied tzitzit follow the Ashkenazi custom. And, a reminder, a boy over 13 should be the only one tying his tzitzit. However, since young boys have no obligation to wear tzitzit and wear them for chinuch purposes, a woman or young boy can tighten or redo the bottom knots. Ask your Rabbi if you have further questions.

If you’d like to read more about the mitzvah of tying the knots, this website has wonderful and detailed information:
https://halachipedia.com/index.php?title=Tzitzit

What’s in a name?

Two of the most popular brands of tzitzit on the market are Keter and Malchut. Choosing a brand is entirely based on preference. Keter runs slightly narrower in the shoulder, and the Malchut runs a bit more full-bodied. Our full sizing charts will help you choose. For children, it’s always better to purchase a size up so the child can grow into their tzitzit. It’s a matter of comfort.