Tzitzis at Night

Q. Is there a mitzvah to wear tzitzis at night?

A. Regarding tzitzis, the Torah states, “U’re’isem oso”, you shall see it (Bamidbar 15:39). The Gemara (Menachos 43a) derives from this verse that a nighttime garment is exempt from the mitzvah of tzitzis. Because the mitzvah does not apply to nighttime garments, tzitzis is a mitzvas asei she’ha’zman grama (a time-bound mitzvah), from which women are exempt.

The meaning of a nighttime garment is the subject of a disagreement among Rishonim. The Rambam (Hilchos Tzitzis 3:7) writes that it refers to any garment worn at night. According to the Rambam, the mitzvah of tzitzis applies only during the day; any garment worn at night is exempt from the mitzvah of tzitzis. The Rosh (Menachos – Tzitzis 1) disagrees. He quotes Rabbeinu Tam who maintains that a nighttime garment is intended to be worn at night, such as pajamas. These types of garments are exempt from the mitzvah of tzitzis, even if worn during the daytime. Conversely, a garment that is intended to be worn during the day is obligated in tzitzis, even if it is worn at night.

Shulchan Aruch (OC 18:1) cites both opinions and leaves the question unresolved. Therefore, Rema writes that one only recites the beracha on tzitzis if the garment is intended for daytime wear and is put on during the daytime.

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