Not to wear Shatnez, a cloth woven of wool and linen
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This Mitzvah's Summary
It is forbidden to wear garments made of a mixture of wool and linen (Shatnez).
This mitzvah prohibits wearing clothing woven from both wool and linen, known as Shatnez. While the Torah allows both materials individually, their combination in one garment is forbidden. This prohibition is part of the larger framework of kilayim (forbidden mixtures) that also applies to agriculture and animals.
The mitzvah is a chok (statute) — its reason is not fully explained, though commentators suggest it instills reverence for Hashem’s decrees and preserves symbolic distinctions in creation. Exceptions exist only in specific mitzvot (e.g., priestly garments, tzitzit according to some opinions), which demonstrate that sanctity is defined by Divine command, not by human logic.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Kilayim 10:1): Defines Shatnez as a mixture of wool and linen spun, woven, or joined together. Wearing even a thread’s worth in combination is prohibited.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 551): Explains that the root is to train us in obedience to Hashem’s laws, even when no reason is apparent, and to preserve separations in creation.
- Talmud (Niddah 61b, Yevamot 4b): Discusses details and rare exceptions, such as garments of kohanim.
- Rashi (Deuteronomy 22:11): Notes that the Torah singles out wool and linen as incompatible for ordinary wear, highlighting the Torah’s authority over material distinctions.
Commentaries
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 551) writes that the mitzvah of Shatnez is a chok — we follow it purely out of trust in Hashem, even when no rationale is apparent. This strengthens faith by training us to obey His decrees without question.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rashi (Deuteronomy 22:11) emphasizes that Hashem declared wool and linen unsuitable for ordinary use together. The separation itself instills holiness by reminding us that sanctity comes from Divine distinction, not human logic.
Kilayim – כִּלְאַיִם
- Rambam (Hilchot Kilayim 10:1) codifies that Shatnez falls under the broader category of forbidden mixtures, alongside agricultural and animal prohibitions. Observing these laws reinforces respect for boundaries in creation.
Priests – כֹּהֲנִים
- Talmud (Yevamot 4b) teaches that priestly garments contained wool and linen together — an exception made only by Hashem’s command. This shows that the same mixture forbidden to the people is permitted in service of the Temple, highlighting the sanctity of Divine service.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- Ultimately, this mitzvah expresses obedience to Hashem. It does not regulate interpersonal conduct but our direct relationship with G-d, showing loyalty to His statutes in even the smallest details of life.
