Rabbi Chayim Palachi (rabbi of Izmir, Turkey, 19th century), in his work "Kaf Ha'chayim" (Siman 10), cites two earlier sources – the "Chesed Le'alafim" and "Orchot Yosher" – that emphasized the importance of regularly laundering one's Tzitzit – both the Tallit Katan and the Tallit Gadol. He bemoans the fact that people show such concern for the appearance of their clothing generally, to ensure that their clothes are not tattered or stained, and are entirely indifferent when it comes to the appearance of their Tzitzit, which is used for a Mitzva. The "Kaf Ha'chayim" admonishes that one should ensure the cleanliness of his Tallit Katan and Tallit Gadol at least to the same extent as he does when it comes to his other garments.
Later in this same chapter, the "Kaf Ha'chayim" elaborates on the benefits of the Mitzva of Tzitzit. He writes that proper observance of this Mitzva has the power to protect one from evil spirits and destructive angels. Additionally, he cites the Chida (Rav Chayim Yosef David Azulai, 1724-1806) as asserting that this Mitzva protects a person from the harmful effects of the Ayin Ha'ra (evil eye). And already the Talmud remarked that one who fulfills this Mitzva properly will be attended to by many servants during the period of Mashiach. Furthermore, the Kabbalists teach that observance of Tzitzit helps one overcome a tendency towards anger. Several commentators noted that the phrase, "Al Tirgezu Ba'darech" ("Do not grow angry along the road"), which Yosef said to his brothers before they left to bring Yaakov to Egypt, has the same combined numerical value as the words, "Arba Tzitzit" - "four Tzitzit." Meaning, one can avoid or overcome the destructive quality of anger by grabbing hold of his four Tzitzit strings. In addition, Rabbenu Bachya (1255-1340, Spain) writes that one who observes this Mitzva meticulously will earn the merit to experience Techiyat Ha'metim (resurrection).
Finally, the Kaf Ha'chayim Sofer (by Rabbi Yaakov Chayim Sofer, 1870-1939) writes that when one puts on his Tallit and recites the Beracha, "Le'hit'atef Be'tzitzit," he should have in mind the combined numerical value of the letters "Lamed" and "Bet," with which the words "Le'hit'atef Be'tzitzit" begin. These letters have the combined numerical value of thirty-two, which signifies the thirty-two "pathways of wisdom" discussed in Kabbalistic teachings, as well as the thirty-two teeth in a person's mouth, indicating that proper observance of this Mitzva helps protect against toothaches and other maladies involving one's teeth.
In light of all we have seen regarding the benefits of performing the Mitzva of Tzitzit, in addition to the fact that we thereby fulfill one of the Torah's commands, we should all commit ourselves to perform this Mitzva with particular care and vigilance.
