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How can tzitzis remind us of all mitzvos if we can avoid wearing it entirely? The shiur explains that tzitzis's power as a reminder stems precisely from its optional nature — like tying a string around your finger. Because we choose to wear it when not required, it effectively reminds us of our other obligations.
The shiur addresses a fundamental question about the mitzvah (מצוה) of tzitzis and its role as a reminder system for all mitzvos. The Torah (תורה) states that tzitzis should serve as a reminder, and Rashi (רש"י) explains that the gematria of tzitzis (600) plus the eight strings and five knots equals 613, representing all the mitzvos. However, this explanation faces a significant challenge from the Rabanan, who point out that the five knots are only rabbinic in origin, not Torah law. Only the kesher elyon (upper knot) is d'Oraisa, making Rashi's calculation problematic. The Gemara (גמרא) in Menachos raises additional difficulties with this approach. The shiur then presents a deeper paradox: if tzitzis is supposedly equal to all mitzvos and serves as such an important reminder, why is there no obligation to wear it? A person can go through their entire life without ever wearing tzitzis simply by avoiding four-cornered garments. This seems to contradict the mitzvah's alleged importance.
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Why did Hashem give tzitzis after the first Shabbos violation? The Sefer HaChinuch seems contradictory — describing tzitzis both as helping the soul battle the body and as synthesizing spiritual and physical. The answer reveals that weekday tefillin trains us for battle, while Shabbos requires synthesis between ruchniyus and gashmiyus, and tzitzis bridges these two modes.
Why did Hashem punish the Jews after they seemingly did teshuvah following the sin of the spies? The Baal Shem Tov's reading reveals their fundamental error: they thought their sin was doubting the land was good. True teshuvah would mean obeying Hashem's command regardless of whether they understood the benefit.
Parshas Shelach - Tzitzit
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