Tzitzit meaning and origins and why we wear them

 

Meaning and Origins

Tzitzit (ציצית) translates from the Hebrew as "fringes" or "tassels," and is pronounced either as "tzitzit" or tzitzis." The tzitzit are closely related to the tallit (טָלֵית), also pronounced either as "tallit" or "tallis," which translates from the Hebrew as "cloak."

The mitzvah, or command, to wear tzitzit originates in the Torah, the Hebrew Bible, in Numbers 15:38-39.

 The tzitzit, or fringes, on both garments, are tied in a unique way, and tzitzit tying customs vary from community to community. The standard however is that on each of the four corners there are eight strings with five knots. This is especially meaningful as the gematria, or numerical value, of the word tzitzit is 600, plus the eight strings and five knots, which brings the sum to 613, which is the number of mitzvot or commandments in the Torah.

Here is a great teaching on who may wear Tzitzit, why and what it means.  Visit  hebrew4christians: http://www.hebrew4christians.com/Blessings/Synagogue_Blessings/Donning_Tallit/Women/women.html

Here are other great teachings:
 http://www.tallit-shop.com/tzitzit-tying-customs/