Note: We present this recent exchange in time for this week’s Parasha (Shelach), which includes (final paragraph) Num. 15:38
Dear Rabbi Simon
Should we be wearing Techeiles in our Tzitzis today? (I am asking a few rabbis this question.) FYI, here is a site which presents people who agree and disagree with wearing techeiles: http://techeiles.org/debate.php. I also found this informative article on the subject: http://dinonline.org/2013/06/01/parashas-korach-the-mitzvah-of-techeiles/. What is your view?
Kol tuv,
Alistair
Dear Alistair,
Techeilet is a worthy subject for halakhic consideration/debate. My issue with it is that the matter has become caught up in religious politics (Gush Emunim, etc), inasmuch as the rediscovery of techeilet is associated with the messianic era. I long ago advised a student (who asked me about this) to follow the example of the roshei yeshiva where he was learning. I would still give the same advice today. These practices tend to change slowly (if at all) and perhaps in another generation the widespread version of techeilet will become the norm throughout the mitzvah-observant world. This is not (yet) the case today.
Rabbi Rashi Simon