What Should Be Done With Torn Tzitzit Strings?

Greetings,

According to Sephardi custom, it is permitted to throw torn tzitzit strings into the trash, and according to Ashkenazi custom, they should not be thrown directly into the trash. One who is stringent and stores away tzitzit strings will be blessed.

Sources: The Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim (siman 21, seif 1), writes that torn tzitzit strings may be thrown into the trash, because this is a mitzvah that does not itself possess sanctity. However, the Rema there wrote: and there are those who say, that even after they have been torn, one should not treat them disrespectfully by throwing them in a disgraceful place, though they do not require genizah. The Mishnah Berurah (seif katan 7) writes that this means it is prohibited to throw them into the trash with one’s hands; but if, because they were not stored away, they were thrown out on their own, there is no concern.

The Rema there also wrote that there are those who are precise to store them away, and one who is stringent and careful with mitzvot will be blessed. See also the Mishnah Berurah (seif katan 8) in the name of the Maharil, that one should place the tzitzit inside a book as a sign, or use them for some other mitzvah, for since one mitzvah has been performed with them, another should be performed with them as well.

With blessings,

Hillel Meirs