From where does one measure the shiur of 12 gadulim by the tzitzis. From the first kesher or from the last kesher? And if it’s measured from the first kesher then why is it a problem of all the tzitzis get cut down until the last kesher even if you are missing c’dei aniva, certainly from the first kesher of the tzitzis you’ll have 4 gadulim that is the shiur b’dieved in tzitzis?
Answer:
The measure of 12 godlim (approx. 24cm) is measured from the first knot (the part of the strings that are parallel with the begged doesn’t count).
However, If the strings get torn, the “kedei anivah” has to be from the loose strings, and not from the gedil. This is the common custom, and it is based on Rashi. According to the Ri, the “kedei anivah” can be from the gedil, too.
