ברכה על טלית קטן

Source: Igros Kodesh, vol. 16, no. 6045, notes.

In the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch: Orach Chaim, Siman 16, seif 1.

1. The Requirement of Shiur for Talis Katan

The Rebbe, in Shaarei Halacha U’Minhag, Siman Ches, discusses the importance of ensuring that a talis katan—small tallis—meets the minimum halachic size requirement (shiur). According to Shulchan Aruch, if a talis katan does not have the proper shiur, making a blessing on it is considered a bracha levatala—a blessing in vain. This is a serious transgression, as one must never recite a blessing unnecessarily. Unfortunately, many people are not careful with this detail and wear garments that do not meet the required size.

2. Determining the Proper Size of Talis Katan

The accepted minimum size for a talis katan is based on whether it can wrap around a nine-year-old or bar mitzvah-aged boy in the manner of a garment. Practically, this is understood today as an ama—a cubit—which translates to about 24 inches in the width of the garment. Some are stringent and require 26 inches, while others may question if 22 inches suffices. Anything less than these measurements, such as children’s sizes or garments for smaller individuals, may not fulfill the requirement. There are those who go further and wear a belt (bandle) around their talis katan to ensure it remains stretched out and does not become crumpled, which could invalidate its shiur. If the garment lacks the proper size, one should not make a blessing on it.

3. The Custom of Relying on Talis Gadol for the Blessing

Because many people do not have a properly sized talis katan, and due to prevalent custom, those who put on a talis gadol—large tallis—for prayer will have in mind when making the blessing (lisatef b’tzitzis) on the talis gadol to also exempt their talis katan. Even if one’s talis katan does meet the minimum size requirement, it is customary not to make an additional blessing on it but rather rely on the blessing made over the talis gadol. Certainly, if one’s talis katan does not have the proper size, they should refrain from making any separate blessing and instead rely entirely on their talis gadol's blessing.

4. What to Do When Not Wearing Talis Gadol

For those who do not put on a talis gadol, such as unmarried men according to Chabad custom or others who do not yet wear one during prayer, and whose talis katan lacks the proper size, there is another solution. They should listen to someone else reciting the blessing over their own properly sized talis gadol, having intention to fulfill their own obligation through this person’s blessing (shomea ke’oneh). In this way, they avoid making an unnecessary or invalid blessing themselves.

5. The Case of Children and Chinuch in Tzitzis Blessings

Regarding children who are being trained in mitzvah observance (chinuch): The Alter Rebbe’s Siddur includes the blessing for mitzvas tzitzis immediately after morning blessings (birkos hashachar). It is common practice for children learning mitzvos to make this blessing even if their garments are smaller than required by halacha. For purposes of education and training in mitzvos, leniency is shown regarding both garment size and recitation of blessings by children. However, this discussion primarily addresses adults or those obligated in mitzvos; children’s practice follows traditional educational guidelines even when their garments would otherwise be exempt from requiring a bracha.

6. Summary of Practical Guidance from the Rebbe

In summary: One must be vigilant that their talis katan meets halachic requirements before making a blessing upon it. If there is doubt about its size or if it clearly lacks sufficient dimensions, do not make an independent bracha; instead rely on either your own bracha over a properly sized talis gadol, or hear and intend to fulfill your obligation through another’s bracha when possible. For children engaged in learning mitzvos, traditional leniencies apply for purposes of chinuch even with smaller garments.