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Why does the Torah (תורה) say tzitzis equals 613 mitzvahs when tzitzis only equals 590? Tosafot's mathematical solution reveals that we create our own mitzvah (מצוה) reminders rather than receive mystical protection. This self-created commitment shapes what we notice and pursue throughout the day.
The shiur explores Parshas Shelach's commandment of tzitzis and addresses fundamental questions about how tzitzis serves as a reminder for all 613 mitzvahs. The Torah (תורה) states that seeing tzitzis will remind us to perform all mitzvahs and prevent us from following our hearts and eyes into sin. However, Tosafot in Menachos points out that the word tzitzis has a gematria of only 590 (tzadi-yud-tzadi-yud-tav), not 600 as claimed. Tosafot's solution is to divide the lamed (30) from 'l'tzitzis' (when tzitzis appears with a lamed prefix) among the three occurrences of tzitzis, adding 10 to each. Rabbi Zweig explains that Tosafot's seemingly mathematical gymnastics actually reveals a profound insight: tzitzis works not through mystical power but because we create our own reminder system. Unlike obligatory mitzvahs like tefillin, tzitzis is entirely optional - one can live their entire life without wearing a four-cornered garment. This voluntary aspect is precisely what makes it powerful as a reminder.
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Parshas Shelach - tzitzit passage
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