Tzitzit Q&A From Torah For Women
1) Can women wear tzitzit?
- Yes. In fact, we have an entire ebook written on the topic where we have tried to address all the objections about women and tzitzit.
You can find the book HERE
2) Can my children wear tzitzit?
- Yes. Scripture says “Children of Israel” and this terminology is used in such a way that it means a group of people, which is made up of people of all ages. (Deuteronomy 22:12; Numbers 15:38). When Yahweh’s people left Egypt, there were men, women AND children, people of all ages. They were all present during the times when Yahweh gave his commandments. Therefore, children can also wear tzitzit.
- We know that we are taught to train up child in the way they should go.
Proverbs 22:6 WEB Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
- Scripture also says teach our children of the Exodus.
Exodus 12:24-27 “You shall observe this thing for an ordinance to you and to your sons forever. It shall happen when you have come to the land which Yahweh will give you, according as he has promised, that you shall keep this service. It will happen, when your children ask you, 'What do you mean by this service?' that you shall say, 'It is the sacrifice of Yahweh's Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.'" The people bowed their heads and worshiped.”
Teaching children of Yahweh is what helps them build a foundation of faith. Part of that is teaching them of His commandments and the reasons why we still follow them. One of the commandments would be the tzitzit – which are worn as a reminder of ALL His commandments. Many of these commandments were given during the time of the Exodus as new training for His people to be able to forsake the lifestyle they had left behind, which included false traditions and teachings.
From the Ten Commandments to the instructions for the Feasts, he outlined so very many things for all the Children of Israel. When we teach our children of the Exodus, we will even be teaching them the part when Yahweh gave the commandment to make tassels for their garments, and why he gave this command.
Exodus 13:14 It shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, 'What is this?' that you shall tell him, 'By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage;
What age should we start having our children wear tzitzit? In our opinion, it is up to the parents to decide when the children are ready or old enough to wear the tzitzit. There is no age restriction given in scripture, and there is no verse saying they must reach an age of “accountability.” Some children simply enjoy wearing them because they see mommy and daddy doing so. This is a great time to get them in the habit, AND a teaching moment you can easily seize. You decide.
3) How many tzitzit does scripture say I should wear?
- Scripture isn’t specific about how many tassels to make. What it does say is to place them on the borders (Numbers 15) which is often translated as corners. Traditionally, it was taught that there was a four cornered garment and therefore the conclusion was for 4 tzitzit. In Deuteronomy it says to place them on the four quarters, borders or corners of our garment which we wear (Deuteronomy 22:12). Because of this, we teach four tzitzit is appropriate.
Deuteronomy 22:12 You shall make yourselves fringes on the four borders of your cloak, with which you cover yourself.
Numbers 15:38 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make themselves fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue:
4) Tzitzit at work
- We get a lot of questions about whether people should wear tzitzit to work. Some have been questioned by superiors about what they are wearing and why. This can bring either an opportunity to explain the purpose, which could be a fruitful ministry moment, or it can bring challenge and conflict. You may need to take the time to pray about it and weigh your decision carefully. You CAN still wear them in a way that would not be seen by others, and we shared some great ideas on ways to do this in our recent blog. A summary would be: tucked into pockets, attached to garments worn under daily clothing, or using smaller sets that can be hidden under clothing. We have many people who have made their tassels to match their clothing for work so they are less obvious, too. These are just a few options.
You can read more HERE
5) How many threads?
- As many as you would like, as long as you ensure there is one thread of blue. (Numbers 15:38) Scripture does not state how many threads they must contain.
6) How many Knots?
- Anywhere from zero to as many as you would like to tie! Scripture does not designate number of knots, twists, ties, etc. As long as they are “tassels” and have that thread of blue.
7) What Length do they need to be?
- They are not to be any specific length. Now, I will say that in Matthew 23 Yeshua DID mention that the Pharisees were doing all they could to elevate themselves above others, and one thing he mentioned was that they made their tzitzit long. This could be used as a caution to us to not make ours so ostentatious that they bring undue attention to us or to our tzitzit. You can let them be noticeable but not over-bearing or haughty.
8) How can I attach my tzitzit to my clothing?
- There is no scriptural requirement HOW you attach them to your clothing. You can sew them for a more permanent solution or pin them. We prefer NOT to sew them so they can be removed before laundering. The washer destroys them horribly. My husband and I have tzitzit with long loops on them and we loop them in a sort of slip-through fashion over our belts, on our pant belt loops, and on our tallits. This makes them easy to remove for laundering and for changing from one pair of pants or belt to another.
9) Why do we wear tzitzit?
- We desire to be like Yeshua, who followed the commandments and wore tzitzit as well. We can prove this by the woman that touched his garments and got healed, she actually touched his tzitzit (fringes). The Greek word "kraspedon" is used in both Matthew 9:20 and Luke 8:44 and "kraspedon means fringes or tzitzit in Hebrew. So, the woman that got healed actually touched his fringe or "tzitzit." We also see crowds of people that sought healing and wanted to touch the fringe (kraspedon) or tzitzit of Yeshua's garment -- See Matthew 14:36 and Mark 6:56. This does not mean there is anything magical in the tzitzit but people being healed by touching his tzitzit was a fulfillment of prophecy.
"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings..." Malachi 4:2 KJV
The word for "wings" in this verse is also used for the location of the tzitzit.
10) Do you wear tzitzit for salvation reasons?
- No! We are saved through Yeshua, our salvation comes only through him. When we are saved, we are not saved BY our works, but are saved FOR good works (Ephesians 2). We now desire to be like Yeshua, who followed the commandments and wore tzitzit. We simply follow his teaching and his actions in accordance with the context of the Bible. So, wearing tzitzit does not save you or make you set-apart (holy).
"Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God." Numbers 15:38-40 KJV
The only purpose for wearing a tzitzit is to remind you to obey the word of God. Clearly, this passage of scripture proves you are not saved or holy by simply wearing the tzitzit or any other garment. It's not a lucky charm and doesn't possess hidden power. Wearing tzitzit does not make you holy or set-apart, it only acts as a visual aide to remind you to be a doer of the word of God. It's your obedience to the word of God by the power of God that enables us to live a life that's set-apart (holy).
We are first made holy through Yeshua who then commands us to live in obedience to his words. Tzitzit never has and never will impart righteousness or holiness on you.
"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Hebrews 10:10 KJV
"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 KJV
"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:23 KJV
"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5:3 KJV
Conclusion
We here at Torah For Women hope that this Q&A has been helpful to you and your desire to start wearing your own tzitzit. We recommend reading the entire book, "Can Women Wear Tzitzit?" at some point in the near future as it discusses tzitzit in much more depth. It will give you the information you need to be able to defend your desire to wear them.
Blessings and Shalom
- Yes. In fact, we have an entire ebook written on the topic where we have tried to address all the objections about women and tzitzit.
You can find the book HERE
2) Can my children wear tzitzit?
- Yes. Scripture says “Children of Israel” and this terminology is used in such a way that it means a group of people, which is made up of people of all ages. (Deuteronomy 22:12; Numbers 15:38). When Yahweh’s people left Egypt, there were men, women AND children, people of all ages. They were all present during the times when Yahweh gave his commandments. Therefore, children can also wear tzitzit.
- We know that we are taught to train up child in the way they should go.
Proverbs 22:6 WEB Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
- Scripture also says teach our children of the Exodus.
Exodus 12:24-27 “You shall observe this thing for an ordinance to you and to your sons forever. It shall happen when you have come to the land which Yahweh will give you, according as he has promised, that you shall keep this service. It will happen, when your children ask you, 'What do you mean by this service?' that you shall say, 'It is the sacrifice of Yahweh's Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.'" The people bowed their heads and worshiped.”
Teaching children of Yahweh is what helps them build a foundation of faith. Part of that is teaching them of His commandments and the reasons why we still follow them. One of the commandments would be the tzitzit – which are worn as a reminder of ALL His commandments. Many of these commandments were given during the time of the Exodus as new training for His people to be able to forsake the lifestyle they had left behind, which included false traditions and teachings.
From the Ten Commandments to the instructions for the Feasts, he outlined so very many things for all the Children of Israel. When we teach our children of the Exodus, we will even be teaching them the part when Yahweh gave the commandment to make tassels for their garments, and why he gave this command.
Exodus 13:14 It shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, 'What is this?' that you shall tell him, 'By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage;
What age should we start having our children wear tzitzit? In our opinion, it is up to the parents to decide when the children are ready or old enough to wear the tzitzit. There is no age restriction given in scripture, and there is no verse saying they must reach an age of “accountability.” Some children simply enjoy wearing them because they see mommy and daddy doing so. This is a great time to get them in the habit, AND a teaching moment you can easily seize. You decide.
3) How many tzitzit does scripture say I should wear?
- Scripture isn’t specific about how many tassels to make. What it does say is to place them on the borders (Numbers 15) which is often translated as corners. Traditionally, it was taught that there was a four cornered garment and therefore the conclusion was for 4 tzitzit. In Deuteronomy it says to place them on the four quarters, borders or corners of our garment which we wear (Deuteronomy 22:12). Because of this, we teach four tzitzit is appropriate.
Deuteronomy 22:12 You shall make yourselves fringes on the four borders of your cloak, with which you cover yourself.
Numbers 15:38 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make themselves fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue:
4) Tzitzit at work
- We get a lot of questions about whether people should wear tzitzit to work. Some have been questioned by superiors about what they are wearing and why. This can bring either an opportunity to explain the purpose, which could be a fruitful ministry moment, or it can bring challenge and conflict. You may need to take the time to pray about it and weigh your decision carefully. You CAN still wear them in a way that would not be seen by others, and we shared some great ideas on ways to do this in our recent blog. A summary would be: tucked into pockets, attached to garments worn under daily clothing, or using smaller sets that can be hidden under clothing. We have many people who have made their tassels to match their clothing for work so they are less obvious, too. These are just a few options.
You can read more HERE
5) How many threads?
- As many as you would like, as long as you ensure there is one thread of blue. (Numbers 15:38) Scripture does not state how many threads they must contain.
6) How many Knots?
- Anywhere from zero to as many as you would like to tie! Scripture does not designate number of knots, twists, ties, etc. As long as they are “tassels” and have that thread of blue.
7) What Length do they need to be?
- They are not to be any specific length. Now, I will say that in Matthew 23 Yeshua DID mention that the Pharisees were doing all they could to elevate themselves above others, and one thing he mentioned was that they made their tzitzit long. This could be used as a caution to us to not make ours so ostentatious that they bring undue attention to us or to our tzitzit. You can let them be noticeable but not over-bearing or haughty.
8) How can I attach my tzitzit to my clothing?
- There is no scriptural requirement HOW you attach them to your clothing. You can sew them for a more permanent solution or pin them. We prefer NOT to sew them so they can be removed before laundering. The washer destroys them horribly. My husband and I have tzitzit with long loops on them and we loop them in a sort of slip-through fashion over our belts, on our pant belt loops, and on our tallits. This makes them easy to remove for laundering and for changing from one pair of pants or belt to another.
9) Why do we wear tzitzit?
- We desire to be like Yeshua, who followed the commandments and wore tzitzit as well. We can prove this by the woman that touched his garments and got healed, she actually touched his tzitzit (fringes). The Greek word "kraspedon" is used in both Matthew 9:20 and Luke 8:44 and "kraspedon means fringes or tzitzit in Hebrew. So, the woman that got healed actually touched his fringe or "tzitzit." We also see crowds of people that sought healing and wanted to touch the fringe (kraspedon) or tzitzit of Yeshua's garment -- See Matthew 14:36 and Mark 6:56. This does not mean there is anything magical in the tzitzit but people being healed by touching his tzitzit was a fulfillment of prophecy.
"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings..." Malachi 4:2 KJV
The word for "wings" in this verse is also used for the location of the tzitzit.
10) Do you wear tzitzit for salvation reasons?
- No! We are saved through Yeshua, our salvation comes only through him. When we are saved, we are not saved BY our works, but are saved FOR good works (Ephesians 2). We now desire to be like Yeshua, who followed the commandments and wore tzitzit. We simply follow his teaching and his actions in accordance with the context of the Bible. So, wearing tzitzit does not save you or make you set-apart (holy).
"Speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them that they make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put upon the fringe of the borders a ribband of blue: And it shall be unto you for a fringe, that ye may look upon it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that ye seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which ye use to go a whoring: That ye may remember, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your God." Numbers 15:38-40 KJV
The only purpose for wearing a tzitzit is to remind you to obey the word of God. Clearly, this passage of scripture proves you are not saved or holy by simply wearing the tzitzit or any other garment. It's not a lucky charm and doesn't possess hidden power. Wearing tzitzit does not make you holy or set-apart, it only acts as a visual aide to remind you to be a doer of the word of God. It's your obedience to the word of God by the power of God that enables us to live a life that's set-apart (holy).
We are first made holy through Yeshua who then commands us to live in obedience to his words. Tzitzit never has and never will impart righteousness or holiness on you.
"By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." Hebrews 10:10 KJV
"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 KJV
"Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." John 14:23 KJV
"For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous." 1 John 5:3 KJV
Conclusion
We here at Torah For Women hope that this Q&A has been helpful to you and your desire to start wearing your own tzitzit. We recommend reading the entire book, "Can Women Wear Tzitzit?" at some point in the near future as it discusses tzitzit in much more depth. It will give you the information you need to be able to defend your desire to wear them.
Blessings and Shalom
