Colored Tzitzitz
Red Strings on a Red Garment: The Halachic Implications of Tzitzit Color Matching
The question of whether tzitzit (fringes) should match the color of the garment they adorn has been discussed among various halachic authorities, including Rashi and the Rambam. Traditionally, tzitzit are made with white strings, but the possibility of using colored strings—especially when involving techelet (a blue dye historically used in tzitzit)—introduces both practical and halachic considerations.
In the Gemara Menachot (1), the concept of Kanaf Min HaKanaf ("from wing to wing") suggests two primary interpretations: either that the color of the tzitzit strings should match the garment itself, or that the fiber of the strings should match the fiber of the garment. The Gemara, as well as later halachic authorities, generally prioritize matching the fiber of the tzitzit with that of the garment. However, Rishonim (early authorities), such as Rashi and the Rambam, suggest that it is considered proper to match the color as well.
The Rambam explicitly addresses this in his Mishneh Torah (2), where he states, “You should put a red string on a red garment and a green string on a green garment.” This statement reflects his view that tzitzit should visually complement the garment. The Shulchan Aruch (3) further supports this notion, considering it praiseworthy (mehudar) to match the tzitzit color to the garment, though the Rema notes that even if one uses white tzitzit on a colored garment, the mitzvah is still fulfilled.
An interesting halachic question arises regarding whether it is permissible to place red strings on a white garment. The Tosafot (4) offer insight here, explaining that the primary color requirement in tzitzit is techelet, and that the color contrast of the remaining strings is halachically irrelevant. Therefore, one may use white (undyed) strings on a garment of any color. The Chazon Ish further clarifies that even in the absence of techelet, one may use white and red strings on a red garment, as color-matching does not detract from the mitzvah’s fulfillment (5).
In conclusion, while halacha does indicate a preference for tzitzit that match the color of the garment, it also allows for flexibility, ensuring that the mitzvah is fulfilled even with non-matching colors. This balance between ideal practice and practical fulfillment reflects a broader theme in halachic discourse.
Footnotes:
Menachot 39a - Discusses the concept of Kanaf Min HaKanaf.
Rambam, Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Tzitzit - Explicitly mentions color matching.
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 9:1 - Discusses matching string colors with the garment, with commentary from the Rema on fulfilling the mitzvah.
Tosafot on Menachot 39b - Explains that techelet is the primary requirement for tzitzit, and the contrast color is not essential.
Chazon Ish, Orach Chaim 3:25 - Allows for white and red strings on a red garment, even in the absence of techelet, emphasizing flexibility in color matching for fulfilling the mitzvah.