"And this shall be fringes for you"... (Bamidbar 15:39)
The Power of Tzitzis
During one of my Chizuk trips, I visited a military training base that was in the desert. When I arrived, the sun was already high in the sky and the entire camp was blistering hot. The soldiers were wearing all their gear: uniforms, weapons, packs, heavy boots, etc.
There were a few soldiers relaxing on the ground in their complete uniforms. All they had was a cloth that was used as a makeshift canopy to provide some shade.
All these soldiers explained to me, that they did not mind the heat. They knew that those conditions were preparing them and helped them reveal their inner strength. The hardships were not just preparing them but helping them understand what they were capable of. They were training for all battle conditions that they might encounter defending their country.
This same mentality can be applied to the mitzvah of tzitzis. If someone fully understands the power and benefits of this mitzvah, they will never miss the opportunity to wear them, even when it is hot or uncomfortable.
A construction worker once asked R' Shlomo from Slonim, that, since he predominantly worked on roofs in the scourging sun, was he able to take off his tzitzis or not?
The Rebbe answered, "Chazal taught (Menachos 43a) that it is guaranteed that whoever wears tzitzit will be saved from sin. Have you ever heard of a sailor taking off their lifejacket when they are in the middle of a raging storm?"
Not Just Spiritual
Tzitzis protects someone from any type of physical danger, as the Zohar HaKodesh explains (Volume III, p. 300b) that wearing tzitzis helps protect one's body from physical harm and danger.
The Zohar HaKodesh also taught (Volume I, p. 28a) that tzitzis can shield someone from the sword of their enemies. This was Dovid HaMelech's intention when he wrote (Tehilim 45:4), חגור חרבך על ירך גבור – "Gird a sword on your thigh, O mighty one"...
There were many times throughout history when we have seen that tzitzis literally saved yidden:
The Midrash Aggadata (Breishis 32:26) taught that Eisav's Angel was unable to kill Yaakov Avinu because he was armed with tzitzis on his clothing.
When the yidden entered the Red Sea, the Angel Gavriel entered with them and said to the waters, "Be careful with those who will eventually wear tzitzis." And, in the merit of the tzitzis that the yidden would wear, the waters did not come crashing down as the yidden passed through the Red Sea (Yalkut Shimoni, Shemos 234).
We see a similar example with Shaul. He was hunting down Dovid HaMelech to kill him. But, the dynamic shifted and Dovid HaMelech had the opportunity to kill Shaul. However, he was unable to because Shaul was wearing tzitzis.
Chananya Mishoel and Azaria were also saved from being burnt alive in the merit of the tzitzis. (Mishnas R' Eliezer, Chapter 14).
A non-Jew once came to the home of R' Yoseif from Tomashov to assassinate him. The Rebbe turned to him holding two of his tzitzis in his hand and said, "Leave my home you wicked person!"
When the non-Jew saw the tzitzis, he was overwhelmed with fear and fled the house.
The bull attack
I once asked a yid to make every effort to always wear tzitzis. And he promised that he would do so even though it would be difficult for him at times.
Later that summer, when going on a hike, a large bull attacked him. He fell to the ground. The bull kept trying to gore him as he was on the ground. Amazingly, the man was not injured, and the doctors said it was a miracle.
Afterwards, he noticed that all his clothes were ruined and showed signs of the attack except for the tzitzis. He immediately realized that he was spared in the merit of his tzitzis.
Over the years, I have heard countless stories of yidden who have similar stories where their salvation was in the merit of wearing tzitzis.
Not Just Protection
Tzitzis also help amply the abundance of physical blessings like one's livelihood.
The Gemara explains (Menachos 43a) that whoever is meticulous and purchases beautiful tzitzis from a reliable source, will merit to see be successful in business.
The Keli Yakar (Breishis 9:23) explained that the mitzvah of tzitzis saves a person from the temptation of illicit relationships, as the Gemara explained (Menachos 44a). And, if you can avoid this sin, you can also avoid poverty as the pasuk says (Mishlei 29:3), ) רועה זונות יאבד הון- "but one who keeps company with harlots wastes his wealth".
R' Nafatli Hirtzka from Ratzpert dedicated a lot of time to the proliferation of this mitzvah. He had an entire room filled with pairs of tzitzis that he would offer to the poor. And, he would explain that he did this because tzitzis are a segulah for parnassah. Many of the recipients of his tzitzis led to many of these individuals seeing an increase in their livelihoods.
For your benefit
This can explain the reason that Hashem told Bnei Yisroel, This (was) shall be fringes for you...
The Midrash taught (Vayikra Rabba 11:7) that whenever the Torah uses the word והיה - "and there was" it's always a term of Simcha. The Gemara (Beitzah 28b) taught that the word לכם-"for you" is always referencing for your physical benefit.
With that in mind, we can revisit the deeper meaning of this pasuk, "This (was) shall be fringes for you"... You will be happy when you wear tzitzis because tzitzis have the power to help provide for your physical needs and well-being. Therefore, you should always wear tzitzis with joy and happiness, knowing that this will immeasurable benefits to you.
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