Kosher tzitzit: what makes tzitzit kosher, and how to know

Kosher tzitzit is not something to take for granted. To fulfill the mitzvah properly, several halachic details have to line up — from the garment itself to the way the strings are tied. Here is a short, clear guide: what makes tzitzit kosher, and how to know that it is.

The garment: a four-cornered garment

The mitzvah of tzitzit applies to a four-cornered garment. A garment sewn shut at the sides is not considered four-cornered and is exempt; a garment open at the sides is obligated and valid. Halacha follows the majority: as long as the sides are open along their majority, the garment counts as four-cornered (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 10).

The strings: spun and tied lishmah

The strings (the fringes) are the heart of kashrut. They must be spun and tied lishmah — with explicit intent for the sake of the mitzvah. Four doubled strings are tied to each corner, with five knots and windings between them, as handed down in tradition.

The details halacha insists on

Beyond the principles, halacha goes into the details: the type of fabric (wool or cotton), the garment's minimum measurements, the placement of the hole where the strings are tied (about three fingers from the corner), the length of the strings, and the manner of tying. A detail done incorrectly can render the tzitzit invalid — which is why it should all be done by a skilled, knowledgeable hand.

How do you know your tzitzit is kosher?

The safe path is to buy from a reliable source with rabbinic guidance, whose strings are spun and tied according to halacha. At home, check now and then that the strings are intact and untorn, that the knots are in place, and that when you wear the garment it stays open at the sides.

At AMEN we studied every detail in depth and received a written halachic letter from a rabbi confirming that the shirts are kosher. You can read more on our kashrut page and see the letter itself.