How Often Does One Tear Keriah When Seeing The Kotel
- Halacha Moment
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
The Daily Halacha Moment - How Often Does One Tear Keriah When Seeing The Kotel
״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)
“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)
Question:
How Often Does One Tear Keriah When Seeing The Kotel?
Answer:
One is only obligated to tear his clothing if he has not seen the Kotel/Makom HaMikdash within the past thirty days [1]. Some people have adopted the practice of “giving” their garment to a friend in order to exempt themselves from tearing, since one is not obligated to rip clothing that does not technically “belong” to him. While this might appear to be a convenient solution, it is discouraged and should not be relied upon, as it undermines the spirit and purpose of the mitzvah [2]. If a person wishes to change into a clean shirt after performing keriah, he should not do so immediately. Rather, he should pause for a short time, spend a few moments praying or reflecting in his torn garment, and only then switch into a fresh one [3]. Furthermore, if someone visited the Kotel and forgot to perform keriah, and only realized this once he had already left, he is not obligated to tear his clothing retroactively upon returning home [4].
Sources:
[1]. Shulchan Aruch 5615.
[2]. Ohr LeTzion, vol. 3, 30:5; Ashrei HaIsh, O.C., vol. 3, 73:13; Shevet HaLevi 7:78; Teshuvot VeHanhagot 4:131 & 5:165; Moadim U’Zemanim 7:257; Piskei Teshuvot §1.
[3]. Orchot Rabbenu, vol. 1, pages 318–319, 5 & p. 322, 14; ibid., vol. 2, pages 148 & 150, 5 & p. 153, 14; Ashrei HaIsh, O.C., vol. 3, 73:23.
[4]. Yaskil Avdi, vol. 8, O.C., siman 25, 4:3; Igrot Moshe, O.C., vol. 5, 37:4; Minchat Shlomo 1:73; Ashrei HaIsh, O.C., vol. 3, 73:20.
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