<html>
<body>
From
<a href="http://www.dailyhalacha.com/display.asp" eudora="autourl">
http://www.dailyhalacha.com/display.asp</a><br><br>
<font size=3>The Zohar Ha’kadosh, in Vayikra (p. 24), writes that when a
harsh judgment is issued against a person, Heaven forbid, his fingers
will unwittingly begin moving, and the fingers of his two hands will
become interlocked. As interlocking hands is a sign of harsh judgment, it
is improper for a person to intentionally hold his hands in this
position. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), in
Parashat Pinhas (18), cites this Halacha in the name of the Arizal (Rav
Yishak Luria of Safed, 1534-1572). This is mentioned in other sources, as
well, including the Sefer Ha’hasidim (by Rabbenu Yehuda Ha’hasid,
Germany, d. 1217) and the Kaf Ha’haim (Rav Yaakob Haim Sofer,
Baghdad-Israel, 1870-1939). Thus, while it is permissible to place one
hand on top of the other, one should not interlock the fingers of the two
hands. <br><br>
The Ben Ish Hai goes even further, writing that one should never place
his hands behind his back, and should rather keep them in front of him at
all times. Indeed, there are different kinds of spiritual powers
associated with the positioning of one’s hands and fingers, as Rabbenu
Bahya discusses at length.<br><br>
The Sefer Hazechira mentions that those who are accustomed to
interlocking their fingers run the risk of experiencing extreme anxiety,
Heaven forbid.<br><br>
There are many warnings of this kind that we hear as children, and many
people are unable to distinguish between those that stem from folklore
and superstition, and those which have a clear basis in Jewish tradition.
When it comes to interlocking fingers, this is a well-documented warning
that originates already from the Zohar and the teachings of the
Arizal.<br><br>
Summary: According to Kabbalistic tradition, one should not merge his
hands together such that the fingers of the two hands interlock.
According to some sources, one should also refrain from placing his hands
behind his back. <br>
<hr>
Given that I know almost nothing about kabbala, I really do not know what
to make of the above. Anyone care to enlighten me? <br><br>
For the record, in "ancient" times when I was in kindergarten
through at least second grade (IIRC) we were required to sit with
our hands folded in front of us on our desks. YL</font></body>
<br>
</html>