Rabbi Yitzchak Elchonon Zak, a member of the Techeiles Chabura, grew up in Miami, Florida, and now resides in Yerushalayim. His journey with Techeiles began through his father-in-law Rabbi Yitzchak Brand, who had been wearing Techeiles for over 20 years. Observing this, Rabbi Zak gradually started delving into the sugya. At one point, his shver’s argument—that it’s a Mitzvas Aseh MiDeOraisa with nothing to lose by fulfilling it—struck him deeply. Nobody could offer an honest rebuttal as to why not to wear it. So, why not?
Currently, he wears Techeiles from Ptil exclusively on his Tallis Kotton. He also reasoned that if, after 10 years, no one could seriously disprove this Techeiles, then the proof of its validity speaks for itself. After about a decade, he decided it was time to take the sugya seriously. He invested time and energy into properly learning it and frequently discussed the matter with Rabbi Yechezkel Toporovich. Interestingly, both Rabbi Yechezkel and Rabbi Yechezkel’s father-in-law independently researched the sugya of Techeiles, and neither one knew the other was so immersed in it until later.
For those interested in learning more about the requirements for kosher Techeiles, Rabbi Yechezkel Toporovich has given a shiur on this topic.
