Broken Threads

p. 35 Chapter Twelve   What Makes Zizit Unsuitable for Use

1. If all the threads of a corner are broken off but there remains enough attached on each thread to loop around all the other broken threads (of that corner) then these zizit remain suitable for use.  If there does not remain enough to loop around the other broken threads, even in the case where only one strand (see note after chap. 11 para. 2) has both its threads broken off, it is unfit for use.  It follows that since all strands are doubled over, if any two threads are broken off without enough remaining the zizit is unsuitable for use, because it may be that the two threads are from the same strand.  However, since it is our custom when making the zizit that we pay attention to designate the four tips of the strands so that these four tips are always on one side of the knot and the other four ends are always on the other side, if two threads are broken off on one side the zizit remain fit for use as they are definitely from different strands and the other end of each one still remains with more than the minimum suitable length. (Sh. Ar. 12)

Note from us: Please consult your own rabbi to find out what to do - these are for learning purposes only.
As quoted from:
Shulchan HaMelech, a Kitzur Shulchan Aruch in 3 volumes as compiled by Maharan HaRav Shmuel Laniado z'al, 1923 with the supplement "Al HaShulchan" containing various opinions compiled by Ezra Basri, Chief Justice of the District Court, Jerusalem in 1992.

We would like to dedicate this learning for the speedy and complete recovery of two people: our friends' 5-year-old son, Joseph Benjamin, son of Ireneusz Khrystof, diagnosed in April with ALL leukemia, and a longtime friend of the family, Frank, son of Joseph, having thyroid surgery soon. Please have them in mind when studying. If you would like updates on their progress, please let me know so I can tell you when I find out from either or both.