Source: Igros Kodesh, vol. 2, no. 185 (on the silk).
In the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch: Orach Chaim, Siman 11, seif 30.
1. The Placement of Tzitzis on the Corner
The Torah requires that tzitzis—ritual fringes—be made al-hakonof, meaning on the corner (kanteh migdein?) of the garment. The precise placement is crucial: if the tzitzis are attached too high up, it is no longer considered a corner, and if they are too low, it is regarded as being on the edge rather than the corner. Therefore, halacha dictates that the tzitzis must be placed within three gudlim—thumb-widths—from each side of the corner, measuring from the edge of the garment inward in both directions.
2. The Purpose and Method of Making Holes for Tzitzis
On a typical talis, you will notice one main hole near the side and an additional smaller hole at the bottom. The reason for this smaller hole is to thread one of the tzitzis strings through it, which helps keep the string in its proper place. This prevents slippage and ensures that the tzitzis remain al-kanteh migdein—on the corner as required by halacha. In Chabad tradition, following what was practiced by the previous Rebbeim and as brought down by the Rebbe, two holes are made diagonally over the corner rather than just one. This method prevents movement in both directions and ensures that the tzitzis stay on the actual corner.
3. The Chabad Custom for Threading and Tying Tzitzis
The Chabad custom is to make two diagonal holes in each corner of the talis (katan?). The tzitzis strings are pulled through one hole and then out through the other before tying them. This technique secures them firmly on the corner, fulfilling both halachic requirements and Chabad minhag.
4. The Number and Structure of Knots and Windings
The Shulchan Aruch records that there should be five knots on each set of tzitzis, with a total number of windings amounting to 39. This number is significant: 39 equals Hashem Echod (the Divine Name Yud-Key-Vav-Key is 26, plus Echod—one—is 13; together they total 39). This serves as a reminder of all mitzvos and Hashem’s unity. The structure is as follows: after tying two knots, you begin with seven windings, then tie another knot, followed by eight windings (which are divided into groups such as 3-3-2 to connect with previous sets), then another knot, eleven windings (often grouped as 3-3-3-2), another knot, and finally thirteen windings before tying off with a final knot. This arrangement ensures both halachic accuracy and symbolic meaning.
5. Sewing Silk into Corners of Talis (Katan?)
The Rebbe also brings down a custom regarding sewing silk into the corners of a talis (katan?). It was customary among Chabad Rebbeim to sew a piece of silk onto each back corner of their talis (katan?) garments. The Previous Rebbe related that the Rebbe Rashab would sew, between the silk and the woven cloth of the tallis, a piece of silk left over from the garments of the Alter Rebbe and the Tzemach Tzedek. Most often this was in the right front corner, near the holes.
6. Preserving Tradition Through Detail
These details in making tzitzis reflect not only adherence to halacha but also careful preservation of minhagim passed down through generations of Chabad Rebbeim. Each step—from placement on the garment to how holes are made and how knots are tied—serves both practical halachic purposes and deeper symbolic meanings rooted in Jewish tradition.