A THOUGHT ON PARSHAS SH'LACH

"...u're'isem oso u'zchartem es kol mitzvos..."

"...and you will see it and remember all the commandments..." (15:39)

Wearing fringes on four-cornered garments is a commandment and the Torah further tells us that by looking at the fringes, tzitzis, we will somehow remember all of HaShem's mitzvos. Many have pondered the meaning of this clause, and have explored the ways in which tzitzis can remind us of all of the 613 Biblical commandments. Perhaps the interpretation most familiar to us is the one cited by Rashi, who enumerates the numbers of knots and strings and adds the sum to the gematria of the word tzitzis and produces a total of 613. For the thinking person, or one versed in versatile arithmetic, this formula might work as a bridge between seeing, calculating and remembering.

The Ralbag, on the other hand, offers a different approach. It is one which seems to veer from his general style, which is typically quite linear and direct. Here, the Ralbag ventures into a more spiritual contextual realm, while offering a different number formula. He first observes that the tzitzis garment is worn throughout the day, and since it embodies a mitzva, it serves as an ongoing reminder that we are meant to serve HaShem through all of His mitzvos. He then observes that there is a relationship between G-d consciousness and obedience to G-d. Just as one who denies G-d will ultimately scoff r'l at all of His commandments, one for whom G-d is a reality is motivated to serve Him, which will take place through his observing all of His commandments. Seeing "it" (oso) is a step towards "seeing" Him (Oso.) How so?

Now come the numbers: there are four corners, which symbolize the four elements of the earth and universe - earth, wind, fire and water. These are the elements of the lower or material world. The many strings extending from each corner symbolize the complexities of the world, all of the compounds and derivatives and products which come from the four elements. Nothing exists or materializes without some interaction between the four elements, and this idea is captured by the fringes descending from each of the four elemental corners. Intertwined within each fringe cluster, however, is a sky-blue string. This is the higher-realm symbol. It signifies that although there are derivatives and products yielded by the lower elements, there is Heavenly handiwork to be found within and around each and every act and compound. This reminds us that nothing is, in fact, new or independent in this universe. Everything is materially interdependent, and everything is in turn essentially dependent upon HaShem.

Each corner's fringe cluster is identical. This is to remind us that HaShem is One and that regardless of the context or setting, it is His indivisible and unitary force and will which are a constant, and a constant Presence. The Ralbag adds that if we wish, we can find other numerical allusions in the fringes. There are seven white strands with a surrounding thread of blue. This may symbolize that even in the higher realm, that of the seven firmaments (as in "seventh heaven") there is still the Highest Presence, Above and beyond, as signified by the eighth strand of blue. We can also read into the strings another numerical formula: each string cluster has eight strands and five knots. This is 13. When we hold the strands of the front corners in hand (as some do during She'ma) they total 26. That is the gematria of the Name of HaShem.

What makes the Ralbag's interpretation different from most of the other ones is that his view of "seeing and remembering" has to do with remembering HaShem, not remembering the commandments. He reasons that consciousness of HaShem is the compelling factor for our serving Him. By remembering Him, we remember the importance of obeying all of His commandments. Lower mathematics yet higher spirituality, I think.

Good Shabbos. D Fox