Tzitzis on Show

Question: My Rebbe in school strongly encourages us to wear our tzitzis out, but my brother says that this is not the Sefardi minhag. What should I do?

Answer: The Ibn Ezra (Bamidbar 15:39) explains that the Torah’s instruction to “see the tzitzis and remember all the mitzvos” teaches that the tzitzis should be visible, writing that “it is a mitzva for it to be seen”. Similarly, the Levush (OC 8:10) explains that since the purpose of tzitzis is to remind us of the mitzvos, one who wears a tallis katan underneath his clothing should ensure that the tzitzis remain visible.

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 8:11) writes that the ideal way to fulfil the mitzva of tallis katan is to wear it over one’s clothes, “so that he will always see it and remember the mitzvos”. The Shelah (Chullin, Tzitzis 17), however, records that although he wore his tallis katan underneath his clothing because of those who mocked the mitzva, he left the two front strings outside so that he could see them.

The Magen Avraham (8:13) quotes a Kabbalistic custom to wear the tallis katan underneath one’s clothing, but maintains that the tzitzis strings should remain visible. The Mishna Berura (8:25-26) follows this approach, strongly criticising those who tuck their tzitzis into their trousers, although he permits this when someone fears being mocked (see Aruch Hashulchan OC 8:17). R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo, Tefilla 3:40) explains that the concern is not simply wearing tzitzis underneath one’s clothing, but hiding them out of embarrassment for the mitzva.

However, there is a recognised difference between Ashkenazi and Sefardi practice. R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yechave Daas 2:1) explains that according to the custom based on the teachings of the Arizal, Sefardim should wear both the tallis katan and tzitzis underneath their clothes. Nevertheless, he acknowledges that those who follow the Ashkenazi custom of wearing tzitzis outside have a valid basis (see Tzitz Eliezer 8:3, 13:5; 17:4; Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:29; 2:7).

R’ Benzion Abba Shaul (Ohr Letzion 2:2:2) discusses a Sefardi student in an Ashkenazi yeshiva and writes that he may follow the custom of the yeshiva and wear his tzitzis outside. After marriage, however, he should generally return to the custom of his family.

In conclusion, both practices have a strong basis. Many Ashkenazim wear their tzitzis outside, while many Sefardim keep them tucked in. A Sefardi student in an Ashkenazi yeshiva may follow the practice of the yeshiva.

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