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There are Tzitzis that have one hole and some have two. What is the significance and why and who have the custom to have one and who has the custom to have two?

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3 Answers

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The Beis Yosef, in the last paragraph in Siman 11, deals with this issue. The reason for 2 holes seems to be that when you put the tzitzis through 1 hole, they apply on both sides of the garment, making them 8 and not 4 and therefore pasul (reason?).

Based on the minhag around the Beis Yosef, he did not subscribe to this logic and has strong words for someone who does. Others give much weight to the 2-hole theory. The Mishna Berurah (39) gives power to both minhagim that have developed.

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what is the svara (i don't understand it) based on only having one hole used [when 2 are actuly there??} why not 4 holes, or 5 or 7, etc, ?? either way, even if you put it through both holes, wouldn't the strings still appear on both sides (albeit on one side, just for a small section??) please explain the svara? and wasn't the gra a mekubal as well? [perhaps his shita was based on svara, or perhaps....... – mechoel zev Aug 25 '11 at 5:45
with 2 holes, you don't have to fold the tzizit in half. – avi Aug 25 '11 at 8:12
@mechoel zev, could you please rephrase your question? – YDK Aug 25 '11 at 20:47
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I have seen followers of minhagei haGr"a having two holes in each corner of the talis katan.

This practice is also listed in the Sefer Haminhagim of Chaba"d.

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Gra-Chabad customs are generally the city custom of Jerusalem, as I understand. Is having two-holed corners a J-m custom? – msh210♦ Mar 15 '11 at 4:16
IS there a stated reason? – SimchasTorah Mar 15 '11 at 12:45
I've never heard of this being among Minhagei HaGR"A. But that could be. It's definitely practiced widely by ChaBa"D. – Seth J Mar 15 '11 at 19:07
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The AriZal says in Shaar HaKawanot Derush Waw that there should be 2 holes on the Tallit Katan and 1 on the Tallit Gadol (based on the Agor, and in Peri Es Haim Shaar Sisit Pereq Alef he quotes the Itur). According to most Posekim there should be one in each.

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Hi Gabi Hanson and welcome to Judaism.SE! Can you cite the Itur specifically? I look forward to seeing you and your additions around. – WAF Nov 24 '11 at 0:06

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