Shulchan Arukh Orach Chayim · Siman 9

Shulchan Arukh Orach Chayim 9 — English translation

Translation: Sefaria Community Translation. Section numbers match the Hebrew text above.

1. 1The only garments obligated in the precept of tzitzit are those made of sheep wool or linen, but garments made of wool of other animals is obligated in the precept of tzitzit by rabbinic decree. (and there are those who say every [material] is obligated [in the precept of tzitzit] and this is the halacha) (Tosafot on Menachot 39, Rosh, Sefer Mitzva Gadol, Mordichai.)
2. 2Tzitzit of linen or of sheep wool are acceptable on all kinds of garments except for cases when tzitzit of linen are put on a garment of wool or tzitzit of wool placed on a garment of linen... [and this is] nowadays when there is no techelet, since they (ie. wool and linen, when combined) are Kilayim [forbidden mixtures]. REMA: And there are some that say not to make tzitzit of linen at all, even [to put them on a garment made of] other materials and this is our practice. [Sma"k Siman 31]
3. 3Tzitzit made from neither wool or linen only fufill the precept of tzitzit with their kind. For example silk tzitzit to a silk garment or cotton tzitzit to a cotton garment, but a garment without tzitzit of its kind does not fulfill the precept.
4. 4If one affixed onto a tallit of other materials (i.e. not wool or linen) a portion of tzitzit of that material and a portion from wool or linen, there is an uncertainty regarding this.
5. 5Some say that it's necessary that the colour of the tzitzit and tallit are the same, and those who are particular are accustomed to practice this way. REMA: and Ashkenazim are accustomed to make only white tzitzit, even for coloured garments, and there is no need to change [the custom]
6. 6Some say not to make a tallit out of linen even though there isn't a halacha [not to do so]. A G-d fearing individual should make a tallit out of wool that it is obligated in the precept of tzitzit from the Torah without a doubt. Rema : if it is only possible for an individual [to fufill the precept of tallit] only with a tallit of linen, better that he fulfilled the precept with a tallit made of linen with linen tzitzit then he void the precept of tzitzit. (Responsa of the Rosh, Section B)

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