Wearing Tzitzis Without a Vest

Question: I often struggle to wear tzitzis over a vest, especially in the summer when it gets too hot. I’ve seen undershirt tzitzis that button up on the side. Can I wear these instead of a vest?

Answer: The Rosh (Moed Katan 3:43) writes that underwear, such as vests, are not considered proper garments (begadim) for fulfilling the mitzvah of tzitzis. R’ Moshe Sternbuch (Teshuvos Vehanhagos 1:25) therefore rules that if one wears tzitzis specifically as an undershirt, they may not be obligated in tzitzis, and one should try to avoid doing so. R’ Ephraim Greenblatt (Rivevos Ephraim 4:15:1) similarly writes that it is ideal not to wear tzitzis directly on the body, as this does not show proper kavod for the mitzva (see Piskei Teshuvos 8:n196).

Nonetheless, R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo, Tefilla 3:11; n19) maintained that wearing tzitzis on one’s body is not considered a disgrace to the mitzva, noting that using one’s tzitzis to wipe one’s glasses would, however, constitute a genuine bizuy mitzva. Likewise, R’ Benzion Abba Shaul writes that the begged of tzitzis does not have kedusha as a mitzva item.

Similarly, R’ Dovid Yosef (Halacha Berura 8:33) quotes his father, R’ Ovadia Yosef, as holding that there is no concern with wearing tzitzis as an undershirt. Since the garment is worn primarily for the mitzva and only secondarily functions as a vest, it is considered a proper fulfilment of the mitzva and not disrespectful.

In conclusion, while some poskim prefer tzitzis to be worn over a vest, it is permissible to wear them directly on the body if needed, particularly when the primary intention is to fulfil the mitzva. One should, of course, take care not to use the tzitzis in any manner that would dishonour them.

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