עברית
Halachot and Customs
What is the order for cutting nails?
Question
I understand that there is a specific order in which to cut nails. I would like to know which finger to start with first...
Answer
Greetings,
According to the method of several ancient mystics, there is a specific order to adhere to, which is mentioned in the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 195:1). They recommend starting with the left hand, beginning with the finger known as the kemiẓah, then to the index finger, followed by the ring finger, and finishing with the thumb. After that, one trims the nails of the right hand, starting with the finger known as the index finger, then to the kemiẓah, followed by the thumb, then the ring finger, and concluding with the pinky finger, known as the zaret.
However, Maran the Arizal did not take this into account at all, but preferably, one should follow what is written in the Shulchan Aruch.
Best regards, - Menashe Yisrael
