Untying Knots And Emptying Pockets

(This should not be relied upon for practical halacha. When a question arises a Rabbi should be consulted.)

1. Some have the custom that before the chuppah we untie any knots that are on the clothing of the chosson and kallah (Sefer Matamim Chosson V’Kallah 78 and Shulchan Haezer vol. 2 page 31). This is also the custom of Chabad Chassidim (Sefer Haminhagim page 76). 2. The custom of Chabad Chassidim is for the chosson to untie shoelaces as well (Shaarei Halacha Uminhag Even Haezer 37), while the opinion of the Sanz-Klausenberger Rebbe, Harav Yekusiel Yehuda Halberstam zt”l, is that one need not untie the shoelaces (see Netai Gavriel Nisuin page 117).

3. Most ashkenazic and Lithuanian communities never accepted this custom of untying knots (see Hanisuin Khilchosom page 442).

4. Some, including Chabad Chassidim, have the custom that before the chuppah the chosson and kallah remove their jewelry, as well as anything that may be in their pockets.

This custom serves as an additional reminder to the couple of their mortality because one cannot take any objects or jewelry with him to the next world (Shulchan Haezer vol. 2 page 137. For a different reason for this custom see Mesorah vol. 8 page 51 from Harav Soloveitchick zt”l).

5. Many, however, do not have this custom (Hanisuin K’Hilchosom ibid.).

6. Some think that giving away one’s personal belongings, such as jewelry, to a friend before going to the chuppah is some sort of segula. In reality, there is no such segula (pashut - see also Halachically Speaking vol. 4 issue 12).

If you have a question, comment, or an idea for an article please email  me at avizakutinsky@gmail.com.

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