Halachos for Thursday, 18 Menachem Av 5770 , July 29 2010

1) It is a Mitzvah for Jewish males to hold their Tzitzis in their left hands, near the heart, during the recitation of Krias Shma [of Shacharis]. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 24:2)

The reason for their being held in the left hand is due to the Posuk (Devarim 6:6) V’Hayu HaDevarim Ha’eileh…Al Levavecha, and these words…on your heart” (ibid.)

2) The Tzitzis should be held between the pinky and the ring finger for the entire Shma, and when reciting the Parsha of Tzitzis (V’Yomer) it should also be held with the right hand and gazed upon. (Mishna Berura Siman 24:4)

They should be held in this position until after the words “Ne’emanim V’nechemadim La’Ad” [in V'yatziv] are said. They should then be kissed and released from both hands. (Mishna Berura ibid. quoting the Arizal)

Since the reason for the left hand is due to its proximity to the heart, there is no difference in this Halacha between righties and lefties.

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