VOLUME 121 NUMBER 5
Sivan 27, 5786
June 12, 2026
Parshas Shelach
Candlelighting Time 8:10
Rav Moshe Feinstein, the supreme halachic decider of the previous generation asks why the parsha of Tzitzis begins on a different note then most of the mitzvos presented in the Torah. Usually, the introduction of a mitzvah is with the words “And Hashem spoke” whereas when Moshe relays the mitzvah of tzitzis the introductory phrase is “And Hashem said” a considerably more softer tone.
His answer is a fundamental understanding of one’s approach to fulfilling the mitzvos of the Torah. The immediate reason is because this mitzvah is somewhat voluntary. Even though when one dons a garment that has four corners then you must place tzitzis on each corner, nonetheless a person is not obligated to wear such clothing. Therefore, one might view this mitzvah in a somewhat softer manner. But that answer begs the question that why indeed is this mitzvah presented to us in such a fashion?
Rav Moshe elucidates this with an incredible insight in serving Hashem. The mitzvah of tzitzis serves as a reminder for the entire array of 613 mitzvos. Since we perform this mitzvah out of our own volition therefore we attend to it with passion and out of love for Hashem. That introspection which is promoted by this mitzvah’s voluntary status inspires us to expand that mindset to other mitzvos of the Torah. It is truly a springboard of impetus that motivates us to serve Hashem with tremendous enthusiasm and intensity. However, if the mitzvah of tzitzis would have been totally obligatory, then that message would not have been imparted. And that is exactly why the language employed in disseminating this mitzvah was subtle because in that vogue it was more affable and welcoming.
Another question that he posits is that we know that the mitzvah of tzitzis is performed with white strings with an additional bluish color called ‘t’cheles.’ However, presently, we don’t have that added color yet we still fulfill this mitzvah. The Talmud states that the bluish color reminds us of the sky and eventually jogging our memory to think of the celestial throne of Hashem. However, since that color is nowadays lacking we no longer have that prompt and therefore it would seem that our mitzvah of tzitzis is lacking! Rav Moshe clarifies that truly the main part of the mitzvah of tzitzis is the white. The reason for that is because the color white is without any infiltration of any other color. It is pure and complete unto itself. This is the lesson that this mitzvah teaches us that a wholesome individual is the goal that a person should aspire to reach. And that goal is accomplished with perfection of one’s character traits. The refinement of one’s disposition is a tremendous lesson that a person can impart to others to strengthen their own rectitude. And as was aforementioned since the mitzvah of tzitzis is somewhat voluntary this adds to the distinction and respect that we can admire in another who has enriched his nature and improved his conduct to be a role model for others. This is the incredible magnitude of the mitzvah of tzitzis. Through this mitzvah one creates a person of tremendous stature and eminence which serves as a remarkable impetus within which to serve Hashem.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
Although it would seem that the people were griping about the Manna, actually their complaint was since their nourishment came in a miraculous fashion, this would deduct from their merits and diminish their future reward in the World to Come. Their statement that their souls were dry meant that their spiritual future was being diminished by the manner of their food supply. K’SAV SOFER
GOOD SHABBOS
