Sources: Igros Kodesh, vol. 13, no. 4302; vol. 3, no. 482.
In the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch: Orach Chaim, Siman 18, seif 1.
1. The Rebbe’s Guidance on Sleeping with Talis Katan
The discussion begins with the Rebbe’s response regarding the practice of sleeping while wearing a talis katan—small tallis. This is referenced in Shaarei Halacha U’Minhag, sections 9 and 10. The Rebbe wrote a letter to someone (the original question is not specified), emphasizing the importance of reciting Krias Shema—the Shema prayer—before going to sleep. Additionally, the Rebbe advised being mindful that when one sleeps, they are doing so while wearing a talis katan.
2. Checking the Tzitzis Before Sleep
The Rebbe further instructed that one should check their tzitzis—fringes—before going to sleep to ensure that they are kosher and that each corner has eight threads as required. This carefulness reflects the broader approach of being meticulous in mitzvah observance even during sleep. The context suggests that perhaps the questioner was concerned about negative thoughts or spiritual matters occurring at night, prompting this guidance from the Rebbe.
3. Clarification Regarding Attributing Practices to the Rebbe
(There was also a separate inquiry about whether it is accurate to attribute to the Rebbe a specific stringency regarding sleeping in a talis katan. The Rebbe clarified that he does not recall ever stating such a thing, thus dispelling any misconception about his personal practice or directive in this area?)
4. Talmudic Sources and Nighttime Use of Tzitzis
A related question was raised about whether one should be particular about wearing tzitzis at night. The questioner referenced a passage in Gemara Bava Basra, which recounts stories involving Rabbah bar bar Chana and the people who died in the desert, the Meisei Midbar. In these stories, garments with tzitzis were found among those who had died, suggesting they wore them even at night.
5. The Rebbe’s Analysis: Historical Context of Tzitzis Garments
The Rebbe explained that these accounts do not serve as proof for our current practice. In those times, people did not have a special garment designated as a talis katan for fulfilling the mitzvah; rather, their regular clothing had tzitzis. They wore these garments constantly, including at night, simply because it was their standard attire, not out of particular intent to fulfill the mitzvah during sleep.
6. Broader Halachic Discussion on Tzitzis at Night and Burial
This leads into a broader halachic discussion found in Tosafos (Bava Basra 74a and Niddah 61b) and in the rulings on Hilchos Tzitzis, regarding whether one should wear tzitzis at night or before burial. These sources debate if there is an obligation or custom to ensure that garments have tzitzis, especially in situations such as before interment or during nighttime hours when there may be no mitzvah of tzitzis. This remains an area with various opinions and practices within halacha.