Daf HaYomi B'Halacha Daily Email

Can a ripped tzitzis garment be repaired?

The Gemara states that if the there is a rip at the edge of a tzitzis garment within three fingers’ distance from the edge, it should not be repaired. The Gemara does not explain the reason for this prohibition. There are three different explanations offered by the Rishonim--two of which are quoted in the Shulchon Aruch. We will now proceed to explain each of these views and their applications.

[שו"ע טו, ד; ביאורים ומוספים דרשו, 9]

Can a remnant of sewing thread be used for tzitzis?

Rashi explains that there is a concern that a small amount of the sewing thread may remain after the repair. A person might then add an additional seven strings, thinking that this would bring the total to eight tzitzis strings. However, the string which was a remainder of the sewing thread is invalid, since it was not put into place for the sake of the mitzvah. According to this view, the issue would only apply to threads which are used for sewing and only to the spot on the garment where it is proper to affix tzitzis. The prohibition would apply to any size rip.

[שו"ע טו, ד, משנ"ב י-יא, וביה"ל ד"ה ולטעם, וד"ה בחוטי; וראה שו"ע יא, ט]

Can tzitzis be attached to a repaired corner?

Rav Amram Gaon offers another explanation for this Gemara. In his view, if a section of a garment within three fingers’ distance from the edge was severed, it cannot become part of the garment again even if it is reattached. If tzitzis are affixed to that corner, they are pasul. Any size rip is an issue if it severs a section in that area. Some Rishonim understand that Rav Amrom Gaon’s view only applies if tzitzis strings were already connected to the garment when it tore. Tzitzis may be tied onto a severed corner once it is reattached, however.

[שו"ע טו, ד, ומשנ"ב יב-טו]

It is forbidden to remove tzitzis strings from a garment unless one intends to affix them to another garment. If, however, the garment is no longer able to be used for the mitzvah (e.g. if a corner was cut off, if it is being sold to a non-Jew or if it is falling apart), removing the strings is permitted.

It is forbidden to remove the strings from a garment in order to place them on a garment with less of an obligation to have tzitzis. Thus, tzitzis may not be transferred from an adult’s garment to the garment of a child.

In a case where a tallis was ripped in half and each side remains with four corners and the minimal dimensions that would require it to have tzitzis, the poskim disagree about whether the tzitzis must be removed and reaffixed if the halves are sewn back together.

When is it forbidden to sew a ripped tallis?

What is the practical halacha regarding sewing a ripped tallis?

Which type of thread may be used to reinforce the hole on a tallis?

PLEASE NOTE: The information in this email is for learning purposes only. Please review the Mishna Berura and Biurim U'Musafim before making a halachic decision. Hebrew words are occasionally transliterated to enable a smoother reading of the text. Common Ashkenazi pronunciation is generally used in these cases.