Thus, we see that tzitzis functions as an os, a sign, just like tefillin, except that not only is it permitted on Shabbos, it actually unites with and supports the os of Shabbos. These ideas shine brightly and are sweet as when they were given at Sinai. (See further below.)
We have mentioned many times the concepts of seeing the tzitzis and kissing them, a custom accepted among our people from generation to generation: to hold the tzitzis in our hands throughout Krias Shema and kiss them each of the three times that we say the word “tzitzis” in the parashah of tzitzis. We look at the tzitzis in order to fulfill the mitzvah of, “You shall see it," and we draw them close to our faces and kiss them. In the words of our masters who authored the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law), the Mechaber and the Rema (Orach Chaim 24:4): "There are those who have the custom to look at the tzitzis when they reach the words 'and you shall see it,' and to place them upon their eyes. It is a beautiful custom and an expression of affection for the mitzvah." The Rema adds: "Some also have the custom to kiss the tzitzis when they look at them, and all of this is an expression of affection for the mitzvah."
The Mekubalim (Kabbalists), foremost among them the Arizal, reinforced and emphasized the practice of holding the tzitzis and gazing upon them. Thus writes Nagid U'Mitzvah, by the students of the Arizal: "A person should look at the tzitzis at every moment, as the verse says, 'And you shall see it and remember...' This is of great benefit to the soul, so that sin will not come near it, and also to attain great benefit..." Throughout the generations, this custom of bringing the tzitzis close to our faces, looking at them, and kissing them became the heritage of all the entire Jewish nation. It resembles the manner in which we kiss the Torah, as an expression of love for holiness, for the mitzvos, and for closeness to Hashem.
In the beloved popular halachic work Kitzur Shulchan Aruch (Abridged Code of Jewish Law) (Siman 17, Hilchos Krias Shema), it is written: "Before Krias Shema, when one says “v'haviʼeinu,” he takes the tzitzis in his hand and holds them during Krias Shema in his left hand, between the ring finger and the small finger, opposite his heart. When he reaches “Vayomer,” which is the section of tzitzis, he holds them in his right hand as well, and when he says, 'And you shall see it,' he kisses them. The custom is to kiss them every time he says the word 'tzitzis.' He continues holding them until the words ‘venechmadim la'ad,' at which point he kisses them and releases them from his hands."
Let us examine this more deeply. The central principle of the parashah of tzitzis is the instruction: “And you shall not stray after your hearts and after your eyes," that is, not to be misled by our emotions, desires, and visual temptations. The custom of kissing the tzitzis enables us to guard our eyes and hearts in a deliberate and active manner. The Torah commands us: "And you shall see it," to look upon the tzitzis with our eyes. When we gaze at them three times, we attain a segulah (a mystical aid) for guarding our eyes and controlling where our vision wanders. Looking at the tzitzis reminds us of the Torah of Hakadosh Baruch Hu and His mitzvos, and thereby we do not stray after our eyes.
When we kiss the tzitzis, we are demonstrating the love within our hearts, as it says: "And you shall love Hashem your G-d with all your heart." We are demonstrating our affection for the mitzvos, and especially for the mitzvah of tzitzis, which is equivalent to all the mitzvos together. Expressing our love through holding and kissing the tzitzis serves as a spiritual safeguard, helping us remain firm in our faith and not stray after our hearts. This simple custom is both beautiful and profound. It is intentional, protective, and fulfills the command of "You shall see it."
We repeat it three times every morning. Three times establishes a chazakah (pattern; deep impression), a threefold cord that is not easily broken, strengthening us for the entire day. We can then proceed through the rest of our day with this protection, which follows Krias Shema, our daily declaration of faith. Kissing the tzitzis is a beautiful custom stemming from the Torah's command of "You shall see it," within which deep secrets are embedded. May it be Hashem's will that we merit to actualize all the powers of the great segulos of the mitzvah of tzitzis, which is equivalent to all the mitzvos. Amen.
