The Length of the Tzitzis Strings
Question: How long must the strings be?
Discussion: The Torah does not specify a required length for the strings; it requires only that the tassel comprise a wound section (the gedil), and a loose section (the anaf). Indeed, several Poskim maintain that, according to Torah law, there is no minimum length for the strings.195 Others hold that according to Torah law, each string must be long enough to be tied into a slipknot around the other strings.196 This measure, referred to as kedei anivah, is estimated as being somewhere between 20-24 mm.197 According to these Poskim, the source for this minimum size is either a Halachah LeMoshe Misinai, or Chazal’s determination of the Torah’s intent: they understood that the tzitzis must be noticeable, and they determined that this is the minimum size that meets this requirement.198
Nevertheless, Chazal instituted a minimum length for the tzitzis strings, in order to beautify the mitzvah.199 The rabbinically required length is twelve gudalim (thumb’s widths).200 The measure of the gudal, as well, is a subject of debate, ranging from 2 cm (according to R’ Chaim Na’eh) to 2.4 cm (according to Chazon Ish). Accordingly, the minimum length of the tzitzis strings is somewhere between 24 cm and 28.8 cm. This length must be reached after the knots in the tzitzis have been tied. It is measured from the first knot in the tzitzis, closest to the tallis, until the end of the shortest string.201 One should try to have the strings be a bit longer, in case one of the strings shortens a bit.202
Question: If the tzitzis are longer than the required length, is it a problem? And may they be cut down to size?
There is no maximum limit to the length of the strings – they may be as long as one wishes. Yet, one is permitted to cut them down to size, even after they have been tied.203
Note that, as a rule, tzitzis should not be cut with an implement (knife, scissors etc.) made of iron204 or steel.205 This applies, at least, to the initial production of the tzitizis strings. Some apply this restriction also to cutting tzitzis strings down to size, although they are already valid and attached to the garment.206 Others disagree, arguing that this restriction applies only to integral parts of the tzitzis production. In our case, since the tzitzis strings are already valid and one is only cutting them for aesthetic purposes, metal may be used.207
Question: Besides the requirement for the total length of the tzitzis to be twelve gudalim, is there a specific required size for the gedil – the wound part of the tzitzis strings, or the anaf – the loose, hanging part of the strings?
Discussion: Lechatchilah, the gedil should constitute one third of the tassel, and the anaf two thirds.208 Simply understood, this means that one should keep to this proportion as closely as is reasonably possible, and this is indeed the understanding of a number of Poskim.209 But according to Chazon Ish (3:11; see also Shoneh Halachah 11:81), the intent is that the anaf should be at least two thirds of the tassel; if it is longer than two thirds, it is no problem at all.
Nevertheless, if one aims to strike the exact proportion of one third to two thirds then, in his efforts to ensure a precise length to the various parts of the tassel, he should make sure not to wind the gedil too loosely, or to make the strings too short.
195 Levush 12:1 (see Eliyah Rabbah 11:6), Mishnah Berurah 11:20.
196 See Beiur Halachah 11:4 ד"ה אין פחות, citing Chayei Adam; Chazon Ish 3:15.
197 See Sefer Tzitzis 12, Halachah Pesukah 3.
198 Chazon Ish ibid.
199 Beiur Halachah 11:4 ד"ה אין פחות
200 Shulchan Aruch 11:4. Mishnah Berurah (11:24) writes that an extra thumb’s width should be added, making a total of 13 gudalim, in order to remain with a length of 12 gudalim after the winding and tying of the strings.
201 Rema 11:4, as understood by Ketzos Hashulchan 6, note 43.
202 Mishnah Berurah, 11:21.
203 Shulchan Aruch 11:4.
204 Sefer Tzitzis 11, fn. 122, argues that there is room to be lenient with other metals (based on the commentary of Ramban to Shemos 20:22). A similar notion is mentioned by Tehillah LeDavid 180, note 2.
205 Since it is an alloy of iron. Some stores now sell special ceramic knives for this purpose.
206 Kaf Hachaim 11:17; R’ Chaim Kanievsky (cited in Sefer Tzitzis 11, fn. 50), based on Mishnah Berurah 11:61.
207 Beis Baruch Chapter 11, note 121.
208 Rema 11:14 with Mishnah Berurah 11:69.
209 This is the implied understanding of Beiur Halachah 11:4, ד"ה יכול לקצרו; see also Sefer Tzitzis 11:93, with fn. 135, for additional sources to this effect. See also Shiurin Shel Torah, 5:5, explaining that one need not measure it exactly; it is a matter of aesthetics, and so it is sufficient for it to be close enough as to give the appearance of two thirds to a third.