A lesson from tzitzit – Sh’lach L’cha
The end of the sidra is the origin of the verses (Num. 15:37-41) that we call the third paragraph of the Shema. Their subject is tzitzit – fringes on the corners of our garments.
The passage begins with a doubled verb, “Speak to the Children and say to them”. The commentators apply the doubled verb to the two generations that co-exist, you and your children. The adults have to tell the children about the mitzvah.
One of the lessons we learn from tzitzit is that every aspect of our surroundings should remind us of God – cleanliness of our bodies, fringes on our garments, m’zuzot on the doors of our rooms and houses, and modesty in whatever we do.
In England Sir Christopher Wren said, “If you want a monument, look around you”; Judaism said, centuries before, “If you want dedication, enhance yourself and your surroundings”.
