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Answer: The gemara (Menachot 39a) posits that the "upper knot" of tzitzit is a Torah-level requirement, as we learn from the Torah’s connection between tzitzit and sha’atnez. Most Rishonim (see Beit Yosef, Orach Chayim 11; see China D’chayei 8, who cites dissenters) posit that a double knot is needed to connect the tzitzit to the garment, as we find that making a simple single knot is not a violation of Shabbat (Shabbat 74b).
There is also a machloket what the upper knot is – the part closer to the garment or further away from it (see Mishna Berura 11:66). A relatively strong consensus holds that it is the one further away from the garment, where it also secures the gedilim (section containing all of the string wrappings).
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424 - Do All Tzitzit Knots Need to be Double
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Rava deduces from a halacha regarding a ripped string that one is supposed to make a knot between the chulyot (Menachot 38b). The gemara (ibid. 39a) deflects the proof by suggesting that knots were sometimes made but were not required. Many claim that while Chazal expected/preferred for there to be multiple chulyot and knots, basic Halacha only requires chulya with a minimum of three revolutions of a tzitzit string around the others (Mishna Berura 11:65).
The preference of more chulyot and/or knots is due to their being reminiscent of a variety of themes and numerical values. We will mention a few (the Mishna Berura 11:65 cites some): There should be seven knots in each tzitzit corresponding to the seven firmaments, but we leave out two knots when we do not have techeilet (Shut Radbaz 2333) because it is the techeilet that reminds of the sky. The gematria of tzitzit is 600, and when one adds eight strings and our present-day five knots, it comes to 613. 8+5 is also the gematria of echad. The five knots also remind us of the five books of the Torah. Since the five knots are doubled, it is also reminiscent of the ten sefirot (a Kabbalistic concept). None of these numerical significances are absolute requirements, as is true of the number of wrappings (Mishna Berura ibid.), but they are religious/spiritual preferences.
It is also possible that some of the gains of knots in between the chulyot do not depend on there being halachic knots. Single knots also are able to hold each chulya in place, take up some space, which is important (see Shulchan Aruch and Rama, OC 11:14), and make the different chulyot, with their significant number of revolutions, noticeable. The fact that a single knot is more secure than usual when it is in the midst of a g’dil that is surrounded by double knots might also give it prominence (see Maaseh Betzalel to Rikanati, Tzitzit 3). Again, despite this, the Shulchan Aruch at least recommends double knots each time.
There is another reason to want at least one of the middle knots to be a full halachic one. Sometimes the top knot starts getting looser, even to the point that it is no longer a halachic knot (see Living the Halachic Process IV, F-3). We are not usually overly concerned about this because the minimum requirements of the tzitzit are met when a minimal gedil is followed by a double knot. However, in your case, were the top knot to reach that point, there are no fallback knots after the beginning of the gedil.
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.