עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is there a specific order for cutting nails?
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I would like to ask regarding nail trimming. Is it permitted to cut nails at night? If not, why? Also, is it allowed to cut nails on the hands and feet on the same day?
And is there a specific order for cutting nails?
Thank you,
Mirit.
Answer
Hello,
1. It is permitted, as indeed, there are those who refrain from cutting nails at night based on Kabbalistic tradition, but according to halacha it is allowed, and many also hold that there is no concern regarding this (see Responsa Yechaveh Da'at vol. 4, Siman 20, and the book Minhagei HaRashal vol. 2, chapter 6, section 9).
2. Many are accustomed to be careful not to cut both hand and foot nails on the same day (see Mishnah Berurah, siman 276, se'if 6), however, the custom among Sephardim is not to be concerned about this (Or LeTziyon part 2, chapter 47, se'if 4).
Regarding this as well - the day begins at night and ends at the end of the following day (Azel Avraham of Butchatch, revised edition, siman 276), therefore, whoever is careful about this matter, if for example they cut their hand nails on Sunday night, they should not cut their foot nails until Monday night.
3. It is customary to cut the nails out of order (that is, one nail is cut and the next is skipped), and one begins by cutting the left hand's pinky nail, and the right hand's index nail (Rema, Orach Chaim, siman 276, se'if 1), and among Sephardim, they do not have a custom to be particular about this (Or LeTziyon there, and Hazon Ovadia Chanukah, page 256).
Best regards,
Hillel Meirs
