3. Tzitzis – Educating the child to wear Tzitzis from the Upsherinish and onwards:[1]

* See our corresponding Sefer “The Laws of Tzitzis” for further details on this subject!

A. Background of letter of law regarding from what age a child obligated to wear a Tallis Katan:[2]

 [From the letter of the law] only once a child is old enough to know how to garb himself in a Tallis[3], is his father (slightly[4]) obligated to purchase him a four cornered Tallis with Tzitzis, in order to educate him in Mitzvos.[5] (It goes without saying that from this age and onwards the child may not wear a four cornered garment without Tzitzis, and his father is obligated to oversee this matter.[6]) Practically, a child is obligated to wear a Tallis Katan from the age of six and onwards.[7] [However, prior to the child reaching this age of maturity, there is no requirement at all upon the father to educate a child to wear Tzitzis, and there is likewise no intrinsic Mitzvah on the child to do so. Nonetheless, however, practically the custom is to begin educating the child in the wearing of Tzitzis from a much earlier age than the above, as will be explained next, despite it not being an obligation.]

B. The practical custom to begin wearing from age three:[8]  

The custom is for children to begin wearing a Tallis Katan from the age of three, from the time of his Upsherinish.

The effect of doing so:[9] Through educating the child to wear a Tallis Katan from the age of three, one causes the child to merit a high soul and have a spirit of holiness reside upon him .

Before age three: The child may begin wearing a Tallis Katan even before reaching the age of three.[10] Various customs exist as to when prior to age three one is to place Tzitzis on the child.[11]

Summary: The custom is for children to begin wearing a Tallis Katan beginning from the age of three, from the time of his Upsherinish. The child may begin wearing a Tallis Katan even before reaching the age of three. Q&A May a child begin to wear a Tallis Katan if he is not yet potty trained?[12] Yes. Nevertheless, some are accustomed not to do so. Is a child to be scrupulous to sleep with a Tallis Katan? The custom of Chassidim is for children to sleep with a Tallis from the age that they begin wearing it.[13] The Rebbe stated that wearing a Tallis Katan protects the child from having spells of fear. One is to explain to the child that the Tallis protects the person wearing it as it shows he is a servant of Hashem.[14] Is a child to be scrupulous to not walk four Amos without a Tallis Katan?[15] Yes, it is proper to do so.

C. Size – The size of a Tallis Katan for children:[16]

Until age 6: As stated above in A, from the letter of the law, children that are below the age of 6 are not obligated to be educated to wear a Tallis Katan.[17] Thus, although scrupulous Jews and Chassidim are accustomed to educate children to wear Tzitzis beginning from age three, nevertheless it is not necessary for the Tallis to be any minimum size, and hence any size [which covers his body] is valid and the child may recite a blessing over it.[18]

From age 6 and onwards:[19] Regarding children that have reached the age of Chinuch, which is from age six until the age of thirteen, one may be lenient to follow those opinions[20] that rule the minimum measurement of a Tallis is a total of one Ama in width and one Ama in length. [Meaning he does not need to have an Ama in length on each side of the Tallis, and it suffices if he has 24 cm length by the front side and 24 cm. length by the back side. Based on this, the Tallis Katan of a child above age 6 is to be a total length of 49 cm from one end to the other, and a width of 49 cm [in each side of both the back and front]. Nonetheless, despite the above ruling of Admur in the Siddur, it is not accustomed to be particular that children above age six wear a Tallis Katan that is one Ama [49 cm] wide.[21] Perhaps this is because the intent of Admur is that it be a total of one Ama in width, including both sides, and hence having a width of 24 cm on each side suffices.[22] Practically, the custom is like this approach. Once the child has reached the age of Chinuch [age 6] the Tallis Katan is not to be smaller than the above size.[23]]

From Bar Mitzvah: Once a child has reached the age of Bar Mitzvah he is to be particular to wear a Tallis that is 1 Ama by 1 Ama [49 x 49 centimeters] on each the front and the back side of the Tallis, as explained in C.

Summary: Up until age 6 one does not need to be particular as to the size of the Tallis Katan, and a blessing may nevertheless be recited. From age 6 until Bar Mitzvah, the Tallis is to be at least one Ama in total length and one Ama in [total] width. This means that both sides of the Tallis are included for the total measurement of one Ama by one Ama.

D. Kashrus – Must the Tzitzis of a child be Kosher? May a child wear a Tallis Katan with torn strings?

Children of all ages may only wear a pair of Kosher Tzitzis. Thus, if the Tzitzis tears in a way that invalidates the Tzitzis, the child is to no longer wear it or say a blessing over it. Nevertheless, some[24] write that until the age of Chinuch [age 6] one may be lenient to validate torn Tzitzis so long as they abide by some opinion mentioned in Poskim.[25] 

E. Material – Cotton versus wool:[26]

All four cornered garments are obligated in Tzitzis irrelevant of the material, with exception to leather. Nonetheless, if a Tallis is made of material other than wool or linen it is disputed as to whether it is Biblically obligated in the Mitzvah of Tzitzis, or only Rabbinically.[27] Accordingly, a person who desires to fulfill the Mitzvah of Tzitzis according to all opinions is to be particular that his Tallis Gadol/Katan is made of sheep wool.[28] Furthermore, if a Tallis is made of material other than wool or linen then if the fringes are made from wool [which is the case today being that cotton or other material fringes are not manufactured], it is disputed[29] as to whether the Tzitzis are valid, and although the custom is to be lenient, every G-d fearing Jew is to be stringent upon himself to avoid wearing it [whether it is a Tallis Katan or Gadol] and if he does wear it, it is proper that a blessing not be recited.[30] Practically, the Chassidic custom is to be particular to only wear wool Taleisim.[31] [This should be followed even by children. Hence, when purchasing Tzitzis for the Upsherinish, one should purchase a wool Tallis Katan.[32]]

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[1] Shevach Habris 3:1; Nitei Gavriel 16:1

[2] Admur 17:3; Michaber 17:3; Sukkah 42a

[3] This is defined as when the child knows to throw two of the fringes in back of him and two in front of him, and he knows how to hold the Tzitzis in his hand during Shema, as is accustomed. [Admur ibid; Rama ibid; Hagahos Maimanis 3]

Ruling of Admur in 16:1: In 16:1 Admur rules that a child is considered to reach the age of Chinuch at 9 years old, from when he knows to walk in the marketplace with his Tallis and guard it and not lose it. Vetzaruch Iyun as how this definition of Chinuch coincides with the definition brought above from 17:4. Perhaps however one can say that 16:1 refers to a Tallis Katan while 17:4 refers to a Tallis Gadol. Or perhaps one can say that 16:1 refers to the age of prohibition for the child to wear a four cornered garment without Tzitzis, while 17:4 refers to the Mitzvah of him Davening with Tzitzis. Thus, while the prohibition of wearing a un-fringed four cornered garment begins when he is old enough to guard his garment in the marketplace, the Mitzvah for him to actively wear a pair of Tzitzis only begins when he knows how to Daven with it. Vetzaruch Iyun!    

[4] Admur ibid “See 24:1 that this is not such an obligation”

[5] Admur ibid; M”A 17:2; Mordechai; See Kaf Hachaim 17:12

Other opinions: The Michaber ibid writes “Tzitzis” which implies that he is only required to buy the strings if the child is wearing four cornered garment, and is not required to educate him to wear a Tallis if he does not own a four cornered garment. [Poskim in Kaf Hachaim ibid]

[6] Parentheses in original

[7] Siddur Admur “A child is considered to have reached the age of Chinuch for the Mitzvah of Tzitzis from 6 years old and onwards.”; Lev Chaim 101; Ben Ish Chaiy Lech Lecha 14; Kaf Hachaim 17:10

Ruling of Admur in Shulchan Aruch and other Poskim: In 16:1 Admur rules that a child is considered to reach the age of Chinuch for Tzitzis from the age of 9. This follows the ruling of the M”A 16:1 and so rules M”B 16:9; See Bach; Sefer Hachinuch 386; Ridbaz 2:2

[8] Elya Raba 17:3 in name of Sefer Hayirah; Kitzur Shlah Inyanei Tzitzis p. 31 “a small child from the moment he knows how to speak one should dress him with a Tallis Katan and through doing so he will merit a high soul…. At the very least one should not wait any more than three years old to have him start wearing a Tallis Katan”; Shevet Hamussar 31; Shaareiy Teshuvah 17:4; Eretz Chaim Siton in Hagahos to 493; Aruch Hashulchan 17:5 “Our custom is that when the child turns three years old he is garbed with Tzitzis.”; Kaf Hachaim 17:10; Igros Kodesh Rayatz 13:355 “from age 3 the custom is to be scrupulous to accustom the child to wear a Tallis Katan”; Sefer Haminhagim p. 87; Igros Kodesh 5:21; ; Misgeres Hashulchan in Lechem Hapanim on Kitzur SH”A 166 that “the custom amongst all of Israel is to educate the child from three years old, which is when he starts speaking, in all matters of holiness”; Nitei Gavriel 16:1

[9] Elya Raba ibid; Kitzur Shlah ibid

[10] Kitzur Shelah ibid; Elya Raba 17:2; Shaareiy Teshuvah 17:2; Noheig Katzon Yosef p. 101; Testament of Rebbe Rashab printed in Ishkavta Derebbe p. 137; Rebbe in Heichal Menachem 2:29; Shulchan Menachem 5:27; Toras Menachem 5742 2:708; See Nitei Gavriel Upsherinish 16:1

Other opinions: Some were particular to not place Kosher Tzitzis on a child that is prior to three years old. [See Nitei Gavriel Upsherinish 16:1]

[11] Speaking: Some are accustomed to place Tzitzis on a child from the time he knows to speak. [Kitzur Shelah ibid; Elya Raba 17:2; Shaareiy Teshuvah 17:2]

Walking: Some are accustomed to place Tzitzis on a child from the time he knows to walk. [Testament of Rebbe Rashab printed in Ishkavta Derebbe p. 137, printed in Igros Kodesh Rashab 2:905]

Potty trained: Some are accustomed to place Tzitzis on a child from the time he is potty trained. [Noheig Katzon Yosef p. 101]

Month old: Some are accustomed to place Tzitzis on a child from the time he is a month old. [See Nitei Gavriel Upsherinish 16:1]

Bris: Some are accustomed to place Tzitzis on a child from the time of the Bris and onwards. [See Nitei Gavriel Upsherinish 16:1]

[12] See customs in previous footnote; Nitei Gavriel Upsherinish 16:1

[13] See Nitei Gavriel Upsherinish 16:4; See however Shevet Halevi 8:163; Piskeiy Teshuvos 17:2 and 21 footnote 69 that a child is to begin sleeping with a  Tallis Katan from 9 years old.

[14] Likkutei Sichos 33:273 [printed in Shulchan Menachem 1:41]

[15] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 17:2 that this applies from age 9

[16] Siddur Admur

[17] Siddur Admur “Children that have reached the age of Chinuch which is from age 6 and onwards…”; Lev Chaim 101; Ben Ish Chaiy Lech Lecha 14; Kaf Hachaim 17:10

Ruling of Admur in Shulchan Aruch and other Poskim: In 16:1 Admur rules that a child is considered to reach the age of Chinuch for Tzitzis from the age of 9. This follows the ruling of the M”A 16:1

[18] Sheivet Haleivi 3:6; Even Yisrael 7:3; Igros Moshe Y.D. 3:52; Piskeiy Teshuvos 17:2; Rav SZ”A in Halichos Shlomo 3:4; See P”M 16 M”Z 1 [brought in Biur Halacha 15 “Veaz”] that we measure the “majority of head and body” according to the built of each child; Nitei Gavriel 16:3 footnote 8

[19] Siddur Admur; Piskeiy Teshuvos 17:2 writes the Shiur is to be a minimum of 24 by 24 cm on each side for a 6 year old, however it should be 36 x 36 cm for a nine year old.

[20] Peri Haaretz 1 brought in Birkeiy Yosef 16:1; Chesed Lealafim 16:5; Many Poskim in Kaf Hachaim 16:2 agreed to this opinion; See Haaros Ubiurim 779; See also Beir Heiytiv 16:1 in name of Peri Haaretz who brings an opinion that holds of an even lesser Shiur; Piskeiy Teshuvos 17:2 writes the Shiur is to be a minimum of 24 by 24 cm on each side.

[21] Shiurei Torah p. 266

[22] Piskeiy Teshuvos 17:2 footnote 11

[23] Igros Moshe ibid

[24] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 17:2

[25] Thus, the strings must only reach a length of 8 cm [opinion in Michaber 11:4], and may be torn on all sides so long as Kdei Aniva remains, and so on and so forth.

[26] See Admur 9:4; Michaber 9:1 and 6

[27] Some Poskim rule it is only Rabbinically obligated in Tzitzis. [Gemara Menachos 39b; Rif; Rambam 3:2; Michaber 9:1] Others rule all materials are Biblically obligated in Tzitzis. [Tosafus; Rosh; Smag; Mordechai; Rama 9:1]

[28] Admur ibid; Michaber 9:6 in name of Igur and Rabbeinu Yeshaya and Maharil; M”B 9:5; Kitzur SHU”A 9:12; Ben Ish Chaiy Noach 1; Kaf Hachaim 9:5; Halichos Shlomo 3 footnote 25; Or Letziyon 2:2 footnote 3; Igros Moshe 1:2; 2:1; 3:1; Yoreh Deah 3:52

The reason why the Beged/Tallis is to be made of wool: There are opinions [Gemara Menachos 39b; Rif; Rambam] which hold that Biblically, only a Tallis made of wool or linen is obligated to have fringes placed on it, while a Tallis of any other material is only required to have fringes due to a Rabbinical injunction. Therefore, one who desires to fulfill the highest level of the Mitzvah of wearing Tzitzis [Mitzvah Min Hamuvchar] is to wear a Tallis of wool material. [Admur ibid]

Why the Tzitzis is to be made of wool: If the garment is made of wool then the fringes are to also be made of wool. The reason for this is because the only material that is valid to be tied to a wool garment is wool. This matter will be explained in Halacha 2!

[29] Some Poskim rule that the Tzitzis is invalid, and it is as if one is wearing a four cornered garment without Tzitzis [Maharam 444; Hagahos Maimanis 3:6] Other Poskim rule that wool or linen fringes may be used as Tzitzis for a garment of any material.   [Admur 9:1; Michaber 9:2]

[30] Admur 9:5, See Nitei Gavriel 17:4

The reason: If the fringes of the cotton Tallis is made of wool [as is the commonly sold material of all Tzitzis today] then some Poskim [Maharam Merothenberg] rule that the Tzitzis is invalid, and it is as if one is wearing a four cornered garment without Tzitzis. Now, although in conclusion we rule that the custom is to be lenient, nevertheless every G-d fearing Jew is to be stringent. [9:4]

Other opinions: Some Poskim are lenient to even initially allow one to wear a cotton Tallis Katan, even if the fringes are made from wool. [Gra in Maaseh Rav 17 and in M”B 9:6; Chazon Ish brought in Orchos Rabbeinu 1:18]

[31] See Igros Kodesh 14:229 [brought in Shulchan Menachem 1:44 footnote 14]

[32] See Nitei Gavriel 16:2 footnote 7