Techelet Threads in Our Time
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Question
Recently, I have noticed that many esteemed rabbis wear a tallit with techelet. The question is, what are the arguments for wearing it and what are the arguments against it? Can it be worn out of doubt? (Since, apparently, there isn't such a big problem if the thread is of a different color). I would be happy to know what our teacher, the rabbi, advises on this matter? Thank you!
Answer
The opinion of our teacher, the Rabbi, shlita, is that one should not wear the techelet available today for several reasons.
A. In the Gemara, it appears that not every sea snail is suitable, and a specific snail is required for making techelet. [See Menachot 44, Tosefta Menachot Chapter 9].
B. The signs given by our sages do not quite match the purpura snail. Its body does not resemble the sea, its form does not resemble a fish. Also, the blood of the purpura is not used for dyeing techelet. [Although one might try to reconcile this].
C. There is a known debate whether the color of the purpura is purple or blue
D. The purpura snail is very common. And not only in the portion of Zebulun. [Though this evidence can be refuted].
E. Additionally, there are many other issues in this matter.
In conclusion, there are no conclusive proofs that this is the techelet, and although there is a response to every argument, since there are no conclusive proofs and there are halachic doubts, one should remain and not wear techelet, as has been the custom until today.
Source
According to the instructions of the Gaon, Rabbi Avraham Fried, shlita