Enhancement of the Mitzvah with a Beautiful Tzitzit
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Question
I have a tzitzit that I wear under my clothing, which is already difficult to clean, but I want to insert new and beautiful threads into it. Is there any point in also replacing the fabric, or is it only important that the threads are new and beautiful?
Answer
Hello,
Regarding the tallit katan, meaning the tzitzit worn throughout the day, contemporary authorities are divided on whether it should be beautiful, or if the concern is only that the tzitzit threads on the garment should be beautiful. Additionally, if the tzitzit is under the clothing and only the threads are visible outside, there is a debate on whether it is necessary for something that is usually covered to be beautiful.
Source
The Davar Avraham (vol. 2, sec. 25) wonders why the tallit should be beautiful, as the mitzvah is only in the threads, just as there is no point for the house to be beautiful but only for the mezuzah to be beautiful. However, the Aderet (Over Orach, p. 211) believed that in the tallit it is more apparent that it is part of the mitzvah, and it also has enhancement, especially in our times when tzitzit is worn only to fulfill this precious mitzvah. See Rashi (Menachot 41: ד"ה דילמא) and Nimukei Yosef (laws of tzitzit ד"ה אין מתירין) and Piskei Rid (Shabbat 22.).
However, the Igrot Moshe (Orach Chaim, vol. 1, sec. 187) held that only a tallit designated for prayer needs to be beautiful, as well as the tzitzit threads, but the tzitzit itself does not matter.
Regarding the enhancement of the mitzvah in a covered item, the opinion of Rabbeinu Tam (Tosafot Menachot 32: ד"ה הא) and the Rambam (Tefillin, ch. 1, sec. 12) is that there is no beauty in it. However, the Mordechai (Remez 919, end of the laws of minors) believed there is. And the Rema (Orach Chaim, sec. 32, sec. 4; and see Mishnah Berurah, sec. 147, sec. 10) brought his opinion.