Rabbi Zamir Cohen Explains How to Start Wearing Tzitzit Without Fear
Renowned Israeli Rabbi Zamir Cohen offers guidance to those undergoing spiritual growth, addressing the hesitation to wear tzitzit before feeling fully observant.
The question of when to start wearing tzitzit (fringes) during one's spiritual journey, and whether one must wait until feeling fully "ready," occupies many who are progressively embracing Jewish traditions.
According to Rabbi Zamir Cohen, overcoming this hesitation begins with understanding the profound significance of the commandment.
The Power of a Constant Reminder
The Torah states, "And they shall make them fringes on the corners of their garments." Rabbi Cohen explains that the physical sight of the tzitzit threads is designed to constantly remind a person of their connection to the Creator and their commitment to the commandments.
"That ye may remember, and do all My commandments. When a Jew wears tzitzit, the threads remind him at all times: I am loyal to the Creator of the universe."
To illustrate this, the Rabbi recalls a well-known Talmudic story of a man facing a severe moral trial. At the critical moment, his tzitzit brushed against his face, reminding him of his identity and the commandment, prompting him to withdraw from transgression. Rabbi Cohen compares tzitzit to a soldier's uniform, reminding the wearer of their affiliation and duty.
"The Mitzvah Meter Keeps Running"
Rabbi Cohen emphasizes the unique privilege of fulfilling this commandment continuously throughout the day:
"Just like when you refuel a car and watch the numbers spin rapidly, the mitzvah meter of a person wearing tzitzit runs constantly, second by second. Who would want to lose out on such an opportunity?"
In this context, he mentions the Vilna Gaon, who reportedly wept in his final hours while holding his tzitzit, grieving that in the World to Come, he would no longer have the opportunity to perform such a simple commandment that yields reward every single moment.
What If I Do Not Wear a Kippah Yet?
A common concern is the feeling that if a person does not yet wear a kippah or observe all commandments, wearing tzitzit is inappropriate. Rabbi Cohen firmly rejects this notion:
"It is completely unrelated. Even if a person does not wear a kippah, they can still earn the merit of the tzitzit mitzvah under their clothes. If you do not want people to know, they won't. And if they do, what of it? You are Jewish, be proud of your heritage."
He shared an encounter from a flight where a flight attendant informed him that the pilot wished to speak with him. Upon entering the cockpit, the pilot lifted his shirt to reveal his tzitzit, explaining he had worn them ever since learning of their spiritual importance, despite appearing entirely secular outwardly.
Rabbi Cohen's message to those hesitating is simple: there is no need to wait for a state of perfection. If there is a desire to adopt the mitzvah of tzitzit, one can start immediately as part of a gradual personal journey.
