Must one separate the tzitzit strings from each other before wrapping?

Tzitzit & TefillinTzitzit Strings

Synopsis

The Mechaber requires separating the tzitzit strings. The Magen Avraham says today this is only a zecher (reminder) of when techeiles had to be separated from the white; the Beur HaGra and the Aruch HaShulchan say the separation is required by law even today. The Aruch HaShulchan clarifies that if the strings are already separated, there is no need to manually separate them.

Early Acharonim
Late Acharonim
Lenient
Strict
Lesser cited
Major authority

Discussion

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