Beracha on Tzitzis

Question: Is it true that married men should not recite a beracha on tzitzis?

Answer: The Rema (OC 8:6) rules that one should recite the beracha ‘al mitzvas tzitzis’ prior to putting on a pair of tzitzis (tallis katan). The Mishna Berura (8:17) clarifies that this applies to a garment which one places over the head, as distinct from a tallis which is wrapped around the head (atifa) before being worn.

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 8:13) states that if one dons one’s tallis shortly after putting on one’s tzitzis, a second beracha is not recited. Only where there is a significant hefsek between the two, such as walking to shul, should a second beracha be said (see Taz OC 8:11, Biur Hagra OC 8:25).

Nevertheless, the Rema (Darkei Moshe OC 8:3), Mishna Berura (8:24), and Kaf Hachaim (OC 8:41) record that the prevailing minhag is for one who wears both tzitzis and a tallis to recite the beracha only when putting on the tallis, intending that it also include the tzitzis. The Mishna Berura explains that if one were to recite the two berachos in immediate succession, it would be considered an unnecessary beracha. Moreover, it is common for certain pairs of tzitzis to be of insufficient size to warrant a beracha (see Minchas Shlomo 2:4:3). R’ Avraham Dovid Wahrman (Eshel Avraham 8) records that he initially recited both berachos, though he subsequently discontinued reciting ‘al mitzvas tzitzis’.

R’ Moshe Stern (Baer Moshe 6:4) adds that if one changes one’s tzitzis during the day, for instance, if they become soiled or when changing for Shabbos, a new beracha ‘al mitzvas tzitzis’ should be recited. Furthermore, if there will be a considerable hefsek between putting on one’s tzitzis and one’s tallis, both berachos should be recited. Likewise, Orchos Rabbeinu (Tzitzis 5) relates that the Chazon Ish would indeed recite both berachos.

In conclusion, if one is dressing and proceeding directly to shul to put on one’s tallis, the established minhag is to omit the beracha on the tzitzis. However, if there will be a notable hefsek before donning the tallis, one should ideally recite both berachos, provided that the tzitzis are of adequate dimensions.

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