#16: Cutting Nails for Shabbat

Rabbi Eli Ozarowski
  1. It is a mitzvah to cut one’s nails specifically on Friday in honor of Shabbat (Shulchan Aruch 260:1). As with regard to the previous halacha, this applies to both men and women (Shemirat Shabbat K’hilchatah 42:48). Some authorities hold that this applies to fingernails only but not to toenails since they are not visible (Ketzot Hashulchan 73), but the Arizal (R. Yitzchak Luria) would customarily cut his toenails as well on Friday (Sha’ar Hakavanot, p.62).   
  2. The Rema (260:1) writes that one should not cut one’s fingernails in order. The reason is that on a mystical level, this could lead to poverty and forgetfulness (Shulchan Aruch Harav 260:3). For additional information about the halachot and customs of cutting nails in general, see https://outorah.org/p/27269/ and https://halachipedia.com/index.php?title=Cutting_One%27s_Nails.

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.