OP-ED: The Issue of Shatnez and Cash in America
OP-ED: The mitzvah of shatnez, the prohibition of wearing wool mixed with linen, is often upheld in modern America. However, the potential for shatnez may be overlooked when carrying cash in one’s pocket, as U.S. paper currency is printed on a fabric consisting of both wool and linen. What can be done to avoid this? • Full Article
In America’s “golden medina,” or thriving society, during the 1800s and early 1900s, the observance of many Jewish traditions and practices, including the mitzvah of shatnez , the prohibition of wearing wool mixed with linen, was often neglected. It wasn’t until the mid-1900s that shatnez became more widely recognized and upheld, with many suit stores employing in-house shatnez checkers to ensure that their merchandise was not in violation of this mitzvah.
However, there is one area in which the potential for shatnez may be overlooked: carrying cash in one’s pocket. U.S. paper currency is printed on a fabric consisting of 75% cotton and 25% linen. This poses a problem for those who are wearing wool pants and place the currency in their pocket, as it is possible that small strands of linen may fall off the money and mix with the wool, creating a shatnez issue.
One solution to this issue is to always make sure to carry a wallet, which can cover the cash and prevent any linen fibers from falling off and mixing with wool. This simple measure can help to avoid any unintentional violation of the mitzvah of shatnez .
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