עברית
Halachot and Customs
Is it permitted to cut the strings of tzitzit?
Question
My son is not yet 3, but he is starting in talmud Torah and I put tzitzit on him, and the strings are very long and reach his shoes. The question is whether it is permitted to shorten the strings with scissors? Thank you
Answer
Hello,
It is possible to shorten the strings of the tzitzit, but if you can, it is better to be careful not to cut them with scissors or a knife made of iron, but rather to use a sharp plastic knife and the like.
Sources: See Magen Avraham (siman 11, seif katan 18) in the name of the Shelah and Mateh Moshe, Shulchan Aruch HaRav (seif 24), and Mishnah Berurah (seif katan 61). See also what is written about this in the book Halacha Berurah (seif 20, and Shaar HaTziyun seif katan 50).
With blessing,
Hillel Meirs
