Kitzur Yomi #84 | Siman 9, Seif 13 | When Do Torn Tzitzis Become Pasul?

One of your tzitzis strings tore. Can you continue wearing the garment, or are the tzitzis now pasul?In this episode of Kitzur Yomi, the Kitzur Shulchan Aruch explains how to determine whether torn tzitzis remain valid. Remember that the eight hanging strands actually come from four strings folded in half, so determining which original string has torn can make a major difference.If one of the four original strings tears but at least enough remains to tie a bow—four thumb-breadths according to the Kitzur—the tzitzah remains valid. Even two of the original strings may tear if each retains this minimum amount and the other two remain complete. But if three original strings tear, or even one is left with less than the required amount, the tzitzah is generally invalid, except in an emergency.This also explains why the arrangement discussed back in Seif 5 matters. If the strings were kept consistently divided into two groups of four while being tied, it can later be determined whether two broken hanging ends belong to the same original string or to two different strings.The Kitzur also emphasizes that these rules apply when the strings were originally made with the proper length and only tore afterward. If even one string was already too short when the tzitzis were made, the tzitzah is invalid from the outset.The eight hanging strands originate from four strings folded in half.If one original string tears but four thumb-breadths remain, the tzitzah is valid.Two original strings may tear if each retains the required amount and the other two strings remain complete.If three original strings tear, the tzitzah is invalid even if four thumb-breadths remain on each.If one of the eight hanging ends breaks completely up to the windings, the tzitzah is still valid because the other half of that original string remains.If two hanging ends break too short, it matters whether they could be the two ends of the same original string.Keeping the two groups of four organized when originally tying the tzitzis can help establish which strings later broke.A string that tears where the strings pass through the hole invalidates the tzitzah.These leniencies apply only when the tzitzis had the proper length when originally made.Seif 5 told us to carefully keep track of the two groups of four while tying the tzitzis. Here, several se'ifim later, we discover why that small detail can matter: if strings eventually break, that careful preparation can determine whether we know the tzitzis are still kosher.It is a powerful lesson in mitzvos—and in life generally. Attention to detail at the beginning can prevent uncertainty later. Something that seems insignificant when everything is working properly can become extremely important when something goes wrong.Key TakeawaysPractical Lesson