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The Torah Learning Library of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah

Ki Tetze – The Rosh Yeshiva Responds – Trying on a Suit That Has yet to be Checked for Sha’atneiz

by Rabbi Dov Linzer (Posted on September 11, 2024)
Topics: Ki Tetze, Rosh Yeshiva Responds, Sefer Devarim, Torah

https://pixabay.com/photos/fashion-suit-tailor-clothes-1979136/

לֹ֤א תִלְבַּשׁ֙ שַֽׁעַטְנֵ֔ז צֶ֥מֶר וּפִשְׁתִּ֖ים יַחְדָּֽו:

You shall not wear shatnez, wool and linen together (Devarim 22:11).

This question is taken from a WhatsApp group in which Rabbi Linzer responds to halakhic questions from rabbis and community members.

QUESTION—Brooklyn, NY

Can I put on a suit to have it tailored prior to having it tested for sha’atneiz?  I will bring it in for a sha’atneiz check after it’s tailored; this timing works better for me before chag.

ANSWER

Yes, you may. There is no specific leidat hasafeik, reason for suspicion, yet (unless you know that this brand often has sha’atneiz). If you know that the brand has sha’atneiz, then according to the Beit Yosef, it is a debate of the Tur/Rambam, although the Taz‘s discussion on this leaves room to think that for the Rambam it would also be permitted. The issue is whether it is permitted to put it on when it is not tzorekh levishah, for the purpose of wearing it, e.g., as a convenient way to carry it, or putting it on your lap to make adjustments. Is wearing it to try it on tzorekh levishah, because you davka need to be wearing it, or not (because you are not wearing it for the reason people wear clothes)? See Shulchan Arukh YD 301:6, and the Taz there. For the Rema at that same citation, it is unambiguous that it is mutar regardless.

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