Noah Sinclair
Jewish customs and traditions have a lot to say about the cutting of nails. There are various rules and superstitions surrounding the practice, such as not cutting nails sequentially, not cutting them on Thursdays, and not cutting toenails and fingernails on the same day. These customs are rooted in mystical beliefs, superstitions, and interpretations of Jewish texts, with some believing that cutting nails in a certain order can bring forgetfulness, poverty, and even the premature death of one's children. There are also specific days when nail-cutting is discouraged, such as Rosh Chodesh (the Jewish New Moon) and Chol Hamoed (the intermediate days of Jewish holidays). Additionally, some believe that cutting nails on Thursdays is forbidden as nails start to regrow after three days, leading to regrowth on Shabbat, which is considered a forbidden act.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Order of nail cutting | Nails should be cut out of sequence, skipping the finger adjacent to the one just cut. The left hand should be cut first, starting with the index finger closest to the pinky. The right hand should be cut next, starting with the index finger closest to the thumb. |
| Days to avoid nail cutting | Thursday, Saturday, Rosh Chodesh (the Jewish New Moon), Chol Hamoed (the intermediate days of Jewish holidays) |
| Days to cut nails | Friday (for hand nails), Thursday (for toenails), Wednesday (before sunset) |
| Superstitions | Nails are associated with impurity and bad luck. Nails should not be burned unless they are burned with another item, such as wood. |
| Pregnancy | Pregnant women may be harmed by stepping on cut fingernails, especially if they were cut with scissors, if fingernails and toenails were cut on the same day, and if something else was not promptly cut afterward. Nails should be discarded properly to avoid this danger. |
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What You'll Learn
The order of cutting nails
Jewish customs and laws around cutting nails are complex and vary according to different interpretations. Here is the order of cutting nails according to different sources:
Order of Cutting Nails
The Rama, citing the Avudraham, writes that one should not cut their nails in sequential order. The recommended order for the left hand is: the fourth finger, followed by the second, fifth, third fingers, and concluding with the thumb. For the right hand, the order is: the second finger, followed by the fourth finger, the thumb, the third finger, and finally, the fifth finger. This translates to the number order of 4, 2, 5, 3, 1 for the left hand and 2, 4, 1, 3, 5 for the right hand.
Skipping Nails
Some sources suggest that rather than cutting nails sequentially, one should skip the finger that is adjacent to each finger that is cut and instead cut the finger next to the skipped finger. So, for the left hand, one would begin with the index finger closest to the pinky and skip a finger each time. For the right hand, one would start with the index finger closest to the thumb and also skip a finger each time.
Days to Avoid Cutting Nails
There are several days when it is advised to refrain from cutting nails. These include Rosh Chodesh (the Jewish New Moon), Chol Hamoed (the intermediate days of Jewish holidays), and Saturday night. Additionally, cutting nails on Thursdays is discouraged as nails are believed to start regrowing three days after being cut, which would mean nails would begin growing again on Shabbat, the day of rest.
Toenails
Cutting toenails and fingernails on the same day is also discouraged for reasons related to well-being and prosperity. However, toenails may be cut at any time, according to some sources.
Superstitions and Beliefs
There are various superstitions and beliefs associated with cutting nails in Jewish tradition. One belief is that cutting nails in sequential order is done when preparing a dead body for burial, so cutting nails out of order distinguishes life from death. Nails are also associated with impurity, and it is believed that pregnant women may be harmed by stepping on cut fingernails, especially if they were cut with scissors or if fingernails and toenails were cut on the same day.
After Cutting Nails
There are different practices for what to do with nails after they are cut. Chassids burn their nails, righteous people bury them, and rashas discard them on the floor.
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Days to avoid cutting nails
There are several days that Jewish people are advised to avoid cutting their nails on.
Firstly, it is considered inauspicious to cut both fingernails and toenails on the same day. This is due to reasons of well-being and prosperity, and some believe it is dangerous. The Mishneh Berurah also cites the Gemara, which says that one who throws nail trimmings out haphazardly is a Rasha, or wicked person. Therefore, it is recommended that nail trimmings are burned or buried.
Secondly, it is advised to avoid cutting nails on Rosh Chodesh or Shabbat. If Rosh Chodesh falls on a Friday, one should not cut their nails on that day, but if it falls on a Thursday, it is acceptable to cut nails on Friday.
Thirdly, some sources advise against cutting nails on Thursdays, as this causes them to begin growing on Shabbat, reducing the level of honour for Shabbat. However, if one is unable to cut their nails on a Friday, it is acceptable to cut them on a Thursday. This is also the recommended day for toenail cutting, as fingernails should ideally be cut on Fridays in honour of Shabbat.
Finally, it is advised to cut nails during the daytime, avoiding cutting nails after sunset on Wednesday nights and Thursdays.
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Superstitions and beliefs
Jewish tradition has a longstanding obsession with fingernails, dating back to the biblical tale of Adam and Eve. According to the story, Adam and Eve were initially covered with a thin layer of fingernail-like armour in place of skin, which disappeared from their bodies after they were led astray by a serpent. This tale led to the belief that impurity lived under the fingernails, sparking a tradition of fingernail-related superstitions.
One such superstition is the custom of gazing at one's fingernails in the light of the Havdalah candle, a practice sometimes associated with witchcraft and divination. Another belief holds that one should not cut their nails in sequential order, as it can bring forgetfulness, poverty, and premature death. This belief is based on the idea that during the Tahara process of preparing a Jewish person for burial, the nails are cleaned and cut in sequential order. By cutting their nails out of order, Jews differentiate their nail-cutting practices from those associated with death.
Additionally, it is considered a mitzvah, or religious commandment, to trim one's nails on Friday in honour of Shabbos, or Shabbat, the day of rest. However, cutting nails on Thursday is discouraged as nails are believed to start regrowing three days after being cut, and regrowing nails on Shabbos would reduce the honour of the day. Furthermore, some believe that cutting toenails and fingernails on the same day is inadvisable, as it may lead to well-being and prosperity concerns.
The disposal of nail clippings is also subject to superstition. According to the Mishneh Berurah, one who burns their nail trimmings is considered a Chasid, or pious person, while burying them is deemed a Tzadik, or righteous act. On the other hand, throwing nail clippings out haphazardly is considered an act of a Rasha, or wicked person.
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Customs for discarding nails
According to Chassidic customs, one should burn their nails after cutting them. Rebbe Rashab would mix some wood with the nails before burning them. This custom is based on the belief that nails contain a certain impurity that can be harmful to pregnant women if they step on them, potentially causing a miscarriage.
A righteous person, on the other hand, is advised to bury their nails, while a Rasha discards them on the floor. It is also permitted to throw nails in a Beis Hamidrash or similar places where women do not usually enter.
Another custom is to cut wood from a table or another wooden object after trimming one's nails. This practice is mentioned in the verse, "With a nail of a shamir engraved on the slate of their heart and on the horns of your altars" (Yirmiyahu 17:1). Rashi interprets this verse as symbolizing an altar, and some even slice wood from each of the four corners of their table. However, it is important to note that these wood-slicing customs are not widely practised or known in most communities.
The order in which nails are cut is also significant in Jewish tradition. Some sources recommend cutting the nails of the left hand first, starting with the ring finger, then the index finger, pinky, middle finger, and finally the thumb. For the right hand, the order is index finger, ring finger, thumb, middle finger, and pinky finger. This custom is believed to ward off forgetfulness, poverty, and premature death of one's children.
Additionally, there are specific days when nail cutting is discouraged. For example, it is considered inauspicious to cut nails on Rosh Chodesh (the Jewish New Moon) or on Chol Hamoed (the intermediate days of Jewish holidays). Thursday is also generally avoided as nails are believed to start regrowing three days after being cut, and cutting them on Thursday could lead to regrowth on Shabbat, which is considered a forbidden act.
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Toenail and fingernail cutting differences
Jewish customs advise against cutting both toenails and fingernails on the same day, for reasons related to well-being and prosperity. There is also a belief that cutting nails in sequential order is a practice reserved for the dead, so some Jews stagger the cutting of their nails or cut them in a specific order.
Toenails and fingernails have some differences in cutting techniques, as well as in the tools used.
Cutting Techniques
Toenails are thicker and tougher than fingernails, especially on the big toe. Toenails also grow more slowly than fingernails. To cut toenails, it is recommended to make small cuts straight across the nail, rather than one large cut, to prevent unnecessary bending and weakening of the nail. Cutting toenails straight across also helps to reduce the chance of developing ingrown nails.
Fingernails, on the other hand, can be cut straight across with multiple cuts, and then shaped with a nail file. The corners of fingernails can be slightly rounded with a file to help keep them strong and prevent them from catching on things.
Cutting Tools
Toenail clippers have a heavier bite and a straighter edge to handle thicker nails and the risk of ingrown toenails. Fingernail clippers, on the other hand, are generally smaller and more curved. It is recommended to have separate clippers for toenails and fingernails to reduce the chance of transferring bacteria or fungus between the hands and feet.
Timing and Frequency
In addition to the differences in cutting techniques and tools, there are also some differences in the timing and frequency of toenail and fingernail cutting. Toenails should be cut every six to eight weeks, or more frequently for active individuals or athletes. Fingernails, on the other hand, may need to be cut more often due to their faster growth rate.
It is generally recommended to cut toenails before a shower, as dry toenails are less likely to bend or tear. Fingernails, however, can be cut right after a shower or bath when they are softer and easier to trim.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some sources suggest that nails should be cut out of order, i.e., not sequentially. The recommended order for the left hand is the fourth finger, then the second, fifth, third, and thumb. For the right hand, start with the second finger, then the fourth, thumb, third, and finally, the fifth finger.
Cutting nails sequentially is believed to bring forgetfulness, poverty, and even the premature death of one's children. Nails of the dead are cut sequentially, so cutting nails out of order is believed to distinguish life from death.
Yes, it is discouraged to cut nails on Thursdays as they might start growing on Shabbat, which is considered a forbidden act. It is also discouraged to cut nails on the Jewish New Moon, Rosh Chodesh, and Chol Hamoed, the intermediate days of Jewish holidays.
Yes, it is customary to cut nails as part of Shabbat preparations to ensure a pleasant appearance. Nails are also considered impure, so they should be discarded properly to avoid any harm to pregnant women. Some burn or bury their nails, while others simply throw them away.
Yes, some believe that it is dangerous to burn nails without burning something else with them, so a piece of wood from a table is often burned alongside. It is also believed that pregnant women may be harmed by stepping on cut fingernails, especially if cut with scissors or if fingernails and toenails are cut on the same day.
