The Mitzva of Tzitzit

The Mitzva of wearing Tzitzit on a four cornered garment, is a reminder Mitzva. The numerical value of the word, ציצית, is 600. When we add the eight strings and five knots on each corner, we get 613, the number of Mitzvot in the Torah.

The continuation of the instructions in fulfilling this commandment, has an additional Mitzva, forbidding us from “turning after our hearts and our eyes.”

This is a warning that we not be led astray by the thoughts in our hearts. This refers to allowing ourselves to be exposed to heretical teachings, that might make us question our faith. We must be careful what we read and we must be strong in knowing how to answer the heretic.

We must not allow ourselves to give in to our lusts, by guarding our eyes. We must not look at the enticements of the material world. This is very difficult nowadays when so much is readily available.

An individual needs to know his limitations and weaknesses. The Torah is telling us to protect ourselves from those things that might get us off the right track. There are times when it might be necessary to take added precautions when a person is aware of his own vulnerabilities. Some of the holiest rabbi’s practice שמירת העיניים, guarding their eyes. Even a brief sight of something profane, can affect one’s level of spirituality.

The Mitzva of Tzitzit reminds us who we are as Jews, and the precautions that we must take so that we stay focused on our mission of bringing light to the world.