Dear Matzav Inbox,
For us yidden who keep halacha, there are certain obligations that, while they might seem minor to outsiders, carry serious religious significance. One of these is the prohibition of *shatnez*—the mixing of wool and linen in a garment. This mitzvah, found in the Torah, is something that many of us are careful to observe, especially in today’s world, where so many garments are made with a variety of materials. But here’s the question I’ve been grappling with: why is shatnez checking so expensive?
To illustrate my point, let me tell you about an experience I had recently. I bought a jacket, It had a nice, high-quality look, and I thought I’d gotten a great deal on it. I also was familiar with the brand and knew they had a pretty good track record for shatnez free clothing. However, before wearing it, I had to be sure it didn’t contain any shatnez, as we’re all taught from a young age.
So, I went to a local shatnez checking service. When I walked in, I expected to pay a nominal fee—maybe $5 or $10, just to have someone check, and make sure everything was in order. Instead, the man behind the counter told me the fee would be $20 to check the jacket. I was taken aback. I mean, $20 to check a jacket? I’ve had items dry cleaned for less!
“Twenty dollars?” I asked, trying to make sense of it. “It’s just a quick check, isn’t it?”
“Well,” the man replied, “it’s not just a matter of looking at the tag. We do a thorough inspection. We need to check the fibers, sometimes with a microscope, and make sure everything is kosher.”
While I understood the need for thoroughness, $20-$30 for a relatively simple task didn’t sit right with me. It wasn’t that I was looking to skimp on halacha—it’s just that the price felt a little out of proportion, especially considering how simple and quick the actual process seemed to be. The jacket wasn’t made of anything particularly complex, so why such a steep fee? I was shocked as I watched the man open the suit take a peek and close it. The whole process, lest then 120 seconds.
Let’s take a step back and think about this. The fact is that shatnez checking does require some expertise. It’s not just about glancing at a fabric tag; you need someone who knows exactly how to identify wool and linen, who can spot the mixtures, sometimes with specialized tools like microscopes or magnifying glasses. (Even though in most cases all it takes is a quick look.) But even so, the fees seem to be on the high end for something that takes 10 minutes, tops. If you compare that to other services in the community—like a regular dry cleaning job, which involves pressing, washing, and sometimes even repairs—shatnez checking seems disproportionately expensive.
And that’s the crux of the issue: *shatnez* checking is essential, but it’s also niche. There’s a limited number of places where you can get it done, and the service is in high demand among those who want to keep halacha properly. But does that justify the cost?
Now, before anyone misunderstands me: I’m not saying that the testers aren’t providing a valuable service. I fully appreciate the skill and knowledge required for an accurate check. But the truth is, for many in our community, the high cost of shatnez testing is a serious barrier. The price is enough to make a person hesitate before checking their clothing, and that’s where the problem lies. If shatnez checking becomes prohibitively expensive, we risk making it harder for people to fulfill this important mitzvah in a way that is consistent with the Torah’s intent.
Let’s also consider the lack of transparency in some of these places. When I paid $20 for my jacket to be checked, I didn’t really get a breakdown of why it cost that much. Sure, the tester explained that they used tools and techniques to ensure the fabric was kosher, but what exactly went into that fee? Is the $20 fee covering the technician’s salary, the tools, overhead costs, or simply the rarity of the service?
I’m not arguing that the service should be free or that shatnez testing isn’t worth paying for. But we should be asking ourselves whether this is a fair price for the average person. For many families, especially those with children or multiple garments to check, this is a real financial burden. When I paid my $20, I thought to myself: Wouldn’t it be better if this service were more affordable, so that we could ensure all our clothing is halachically correct, without worrying about it being a financial strain?
So, what can be done about it? For one, it would be nice if there were more standardization in pricing across the board. If you’re in a city with several options, you may find a place charging anywhere from $15 to $30 for a single check, with no explanation for the discrepancies. That’s a problem in itself. Some sort of communal transparency or even standardized pricing could help bring down the costs.
Additionally, I wonder if there could be innovations in the way shatnez testing is done. Could technology play a role in streamlining the process or making it more accessible? Perhaps with advancements in fiber analysis, there’s a way to offer a quicker, less expensive check. Not every item of clothing needs a lengthy, in-depth examination—maybe there’s room for some simple, quick-check options for less expensive items.
At the end of the day, the mitzvah of shatnez is one that we all want to fulfill properly. It’s not something to be taken lightly, and we want to make sure our clothing is in accordance with halacha. But at the same time, we have to recognize that when a service becomes too expensive, it defeats the purpose. The goal should be to make this mitzvah as accessible as possible to all who want to observe it, without financial strain.
So next time I’m standing in front of the counter, jacket in hand, I’ll certainly want to make sure it’s checked thoroughly. But I’ll also be asking: is there a way to make this service more affordable for the everyday person who’s simply trying to live a halachically proper life? Maybe it’s time for a reevaluation of the costs—because when it comes to fulfilling mitzvos, no one should feel that they can’t afford to do the right thing.
A Reader
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