Do Sheets and Blankets Require Tzitzis?

Q. Should one put tzitzis on sheets and blankets that have four corners?

A. This question should revolve around the dispute between the Rosh and the Rambam. According to the Rosh, who says that nighttime garments are exempt from tzitzis even if worn during the day, sheets would not require tzitzis even if used in the daytime, since sheets are primarily intended for nighttime use. On the other hand, according to the Rambam who rules that night garments worn during the day are obligated in tzitzis, it should follow that bed sheets used during the day would require tzitzis. The Shulchan Aruch (OC 18:1) cites the opinion of both the Rosh and Rambam and leaves the question unresolved. As such, it would seem that it would be best to put tzitzis on sheets because the halacha is uncertain. In fact, the Magen Avrohom (18:3) writes one should round one of the corners of woolen sheets which may have a Biblical mitzvah of tzitzis, but it is not necessary to do so for other materials which at most are obligated in tzitzis Midirabonan (Rabbinically).

Other poskim suggest that sheets do not require tzitzis even according to the Rambam because they are not garments that are worn. Only articles of clothing require tzitzis. This is supported by the fact that the Shulchan Aruch (OC 18:2) writes that bed sheets do not require tzitzis, even though the Shulchan Aruch (OC 18:1) cites the opinion of both the Rosh and Rambam.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.