Tekhelet Tying Detailed Instruction: Raavad by Mois Navon Ptil Tekhelet Organization

The following pages describe, in detail, the necessary steps to tie tzitzit according to the Raavad. This method consists of making 5 knots, in between which there are four groups of winds. The Raavad considers groups 1, 3, and 4 to be “chulyot” which are composed of 7 winds, starting with a white wind and alternating between white and blue, till the 7^th wind which is white (as shown below). Group 2 is considered a “spacer” group and should be would with 7 white winds (though it would be permissible to wrap it as the other groupings). The photographs below show how to make the Raavad chulya for group 1 – it is to be repeated for groups 3 and 4. The Raavad indicates that the 5 knots to be made consist of taking the blue shamash and the white shamash and looping them through themselves (shamashim knot). The picture below shows this knot holding the internal groups together; however, I have used a standard double knot at the beginning and at the end of the completed tzitzit for the sake of stability (i.e., the shamashim knot tends to come loose). Halachically there is really no issue replacing all the knots with double knots, as all opinions agree that a double knot is a “knot”). The description begins assuming that the tier has placed the four strings into the corner hole, folded them over evenly, and tied them with a double knot. Click on any picture to view it enlarged. General Glossary Finger names: thumb, index, middle, ring, little. Shamash: primary winding strand Chulya: triplet winding Special thanks to my wife Deena for the photography
THE CHULYA
1		Take hold of both the white shamash and blue shamash with the right thumb and index finger; keeping the white shamash to the right. Hold the remaining six strings (“core”) in the left hand.
2		Wrap the two shamashim around the core strings – going over the top of the core and away from oneself, then pulling down and under the core towards oneself.
3		Wrap the shamashim around the core again – going over the top of the core and away from oneself.
4		Complete the wrap of the two shamashim around the core strings – pulling down and under the core towards oneself.
5		Repeat step 3.
6		Repeat step 4.
7		Release the blue shamash and taking hold of only the white shamash, wrap it around the top of the core and away from oneself. Use the left index finger to keep the wrapped strings in place.
8		Complete the wrap of the white shamash around the core strings – pulling down and under the core towards oneself, and placing it together with the blue shamash – this time to the left of it.
9		Wrap the shamashim around the core again – going over the top of the core and away from oneself.
10		Complete the wrap of the two shamashim around the core strings – pulling down and under the core towards oneself.
11		Holding the wraps tight with the left thumb and index fingers, grasp the two shamashim in the right hand and wrap them over the extended left middle finger and under, such that they go behind the core strings toward the garment corner.
12		Bring the shamashim up and around the core and insert them through the “triangle” area created by the shamashim.
13		Pull the shamashim slowly such that the knot created falls on the wrapped portion of the strings.
14		Continue to pull the shamashim tight and guide the knot down till it falls just below the wrapped chulya (this may require slight readjusting).
15		The completed chulya should appear as shown.
THE COMPLETE TIE

www.tekhelet.com mois@tekhelet.com