Please note:
- This page and all derivatives is/are a continued work in progress. Please send a message for any corrections and those will be considered and/or actioned as soon as possible.
- Just because the below authorities wearing Techeiles are listed doesn’t mean we have contact info on all of them. This is for informational purposes only.
- String Ratio: Raavad Ratio
- Tying Method: Rabbi Yaakov / Jacob Sofer Weekday Tying, Vilna Gaon (GR”A) Method
- How We Know: Picture(s), Saw in Person
- Current Location: Toronto, ON
Type of wearer: Canadian/Toronto Rabbis
Affiliation: Charedi, Chassidish
R’ Sofer holds that Halacha should be Raavad ratio. He has two types of tying, one for the week and one for Shabbos, and specifically holds of strings from Ptil Tekhelet as being the best.
The Shabbos tying he claims is based on the “Raya MiHemna,” a.k.a. GR”A tying.
The weekday tying method he personally uses is as follows, with regular Ashkenazi Winds and 7-8-11-13, but with a special configuration.
It should also be noted that he feels we have the Techeiles for the same reason R’ Belsky ZT”L felt: that the space between Tyre and Haifa has tons of murex shells in a factory setting, and that was the only place for it. Therefore it’s Vadai Techeiles.
About Wearer
Rabbi Yaakov Sofer, known fondly as the Rav of Kahal Avreichim—often called the “Boat Shul”—is a respected spiritual leader whose practices subtly inspire his congregation. R’ Sofer embraces the mitzvah of Techeiles, wearing blue tzitzit threads, though he keeps details of his choice private, including the source, tying style, or any specific hiddurim. Observers note that all his winds are blue, possibly hinting at a 7-8-11-13 pattern, though he remains discreet. His adoption of Techeiles, whether Radzyner or Murex Trunculus, reflects his view that there’s spiritual value in wearing colored strings, an idea that resonates with an increasing number of modern scholars.
The “Boat Shul” nickname reflects the unique history of its building, which once housed a boat dealership. There are stories that, when the synagogue first opened, a full-sized boat was still suspended from the ceiling. The “Shiff Shul” name might also draw on Vienna’s historic Schiffshul or the literal Yiddish translation of “boat shul,” adding layers of character to this community space. Through his understated approach, Rabbi Sofer conveys a powerful message: mitzvos that speak to one’s soul are worth embracing, giving the Boat Shul its own unique spiritual atmosphere.
