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THE DAFYOMI DISCUSSION LIST
brought to you by Kollel Iyun Hadaf of Yerushalayim
Rosh Kollel: Rabbi Mordecai Kornfeld
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Nidah 017: Cutting nails
Zvi Shapiro asked:
(a) Can I get more insight as to why cutting nails is potential
hazard which can cause a miscarriage? I am not following this
gemara. How come? What is the source for this? I see no verse that
gives the reason. I see just a statement from the Gemara and what
seems like nothing to back it up? Why is cutting nails a potential
hazard; what is this based on?
(b) Where in Shulchan Aruch does it state this? What areas
constitute a reshus harabim? What if cutting nails is done in one's
own bathroom? Does it have to be with a nail clipper or is this
problem also with biting nails off? Is it finger and toenails?
PLease respond.
Zvi Shapiro, Long Beach, CA USA
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The Kollel replies:
(a) There certainly may be a hazard that has roots in metaphysical,
Kabbalistic sources which were passed from teacher to student.
However, it's very possible that there is a simple, physical reason
behind the hazard as well.
The Gemara tells us (Bava Kama 63b) that a sudden jolt, such as that
caused by a loud dog's bark, can cause a woman to miscarry. The jolt
caused by walking on a sharp piece of toenail (barefoot, or with
sandals that are open on top to let in the nail) can have the same effect.
If so, it would make no difference whether the nail is clipped or
ripped, whether it is from a finger or toe, or whether it is in a
bathroom or elsewhere. In either case it should not be left in a
place that a pregnant woman might frequent. In an area not
frequented by women, it is permitted.
(b) These laws were codified by the Mishnah Berurah in OC 260:1:6
based on the Be'er Heitev there.
The Be'er Heitev adds a Kabbalistic reason for this, from the Tola'as
Yakov. Before Adam sinned, he was entirely covered by a protective
nail-like substance. After sinning, he lost it and all that remained
were the fingernails. Since Woman caused this loss of these "nails",
she is disposed to be punished through nails.
Best wishes,
Mordecai Kornfeld
Kollel Iyun Hadaf
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