מצות ציצית בכל שעה שלובשה

Source: Igros Kodesh, vol. 8, no. 2619.

In the Alter Rebbe's Shulchan Aruch: Orach Chaim, Siman 24, seif 1.

1. The Nature of the Mitzvah of Tzitzis

The discussion centers on whether the mitzvah of tzitzis—ritual fringes—is fulfilled only at the initial moment one puts on the talus or talus katan, or if it is a continuous mitzvah as long as the garment is worn. The question is compared to other mitzvos, such as taking the lulav and esrog, where once you perform the act and recite the berachah—blessing—the mitzvah is complete, and further holding or shaking does not add to the fulfillment.

2. Two Sides of the Question

One perspective suggests that, similar to lulav, once you don the talus, you have fulfilled your obligation, and continued wearing is not an ongoing mitzvah. According to this view, any further wearing would be for other reasons, perhaps custom or symbolism, but not a continuous Torah commandment. The alternative view posits that as long as you are wearing the talus, you are actively fulfilling a mitzvah at every moment.

3. Scriptural Basis for Continuous Fulfillment

The Rebbe addresses this by referencing the verse in Torah which states that when you see the tzitzis, it will remind you of all of Hashem’s commandments. The connection between seeing and remembering all 613 mitzvos is highlighted: the word tzitzis, together with its eight strands and five knots, numerically equals 613, symbolizing all of Hashem’s mitzvos. Since there is a constant obligation to remember Hashem’s commandments, it follows that wearing tzitzis, which serves this purpose, should also be a continuous mitzvah.

4. Rulings from Rabbinic Authorities

The Rebbe rules that the mitzvah of tzitzis applies at all times while wearing the garment. He cites Rabbeinu Yonah in his Sefer HaYirah, who writes explicitly that the main aspect of this mitzvah is to always wear it. Similarly, in the rulings of the Tzemach Tzedek (Piskei Dinim, Orach Chaim 2:7), it appears that every moment one wears tzitzis, one fulfills a Torah-level commandment (d’Oraisa) rather than merely a rabbinic enhancement (d’Rabbanan) or an extra stringency (hiddur).

5. Additional Sources Supporting Continuity

Further support comes from the Ibn Ezra’s commentary on Bamidbar 15:39, where he also indicates that this is an ongoing obligation. This demonstrates how unique and significant this opportunity is: every moment spent wearing a talus or talus katan, one fulfills a positive commandment from the Torah.

6. The Importance and Value of Wearing Tzitzis Constantly

In summary, we see from these sources how important it is to wear tzitzis. Not only does it serve as a reminder for all of Hashem’s mitzvos, but it also provides an ongoing opportunity to fulfill a Torah commandment throughout every moment that one wears these garments. This underscores both the spiritual significance and practical value in maintaining this practice continuously during one’s day.