Halacha Date: 26 Cheshvan 5786 November 17 2025
The Tur and subsequently Maran Ha’Shulchan Aruch (Chapter 2) write that even when one is in an enclosed room alone, one should not say to himself, “Who sees me anyway?”, for Hashem’s glory fills the entire world. Thus, when one gets dressed in his room, one must try to act as modestly as possible by not getting up from one’s bed while improperly dressed, as we have discussed several days ago (besides for in the restroom or shower when one has no other choice).
Two Garments Simultaneously
When one is getting dressed, one should take care not to put on two garments at once, for according to the Mekubalim, doing so causes one to forget his Torah learning. However, removing two garments at the same time is permissible. Nevertheless, some are stringent and abstain from removing two garments at the same time as well and this is especially praiseworthy. This is especially relevant when one removes one’s coat and jacket (blazer) at the same time.
Inside Out
Maran Ha’Shulchan Aruch adds that one must take care to wear one’s garment the way it was meant to be worn and not wear it inside out, for the Gemara (Shabbat 114a) states, “Rabbi Yochanan said: A Torah scholar to whom we return a lost object even without proper signs and marks and merely with his personal recognition of the item is one who wears his clothing in the usual manner.” Although the Gemara relates this issue only with regards to a Torah scholar, the Poskim quote it with regards to others as well.
Shoes
One should put on his right shoe first and not tie it yet; one should then put on his left shoe, tie it, and only then tie the right shoe. The reason for this is because right is always given precedence besides for with regards to tying shoes, in which case the left shoe should be tied first. Similarly, if one has shoes without laces (slip-ons), one should put on the right shoe first and then the left shoe.
