Order of getting dressed like a Jew

Which clothing is one to wear first?[1]

The custom amongst Chassidim and G-d fearing Jews is to get dressed from top to bottom.[2] Thus one is to first wear the Yarmulke[3], then the undershirt, Tzitzis, shirt and then the underwear, pants, socks and shoes. The custom amongst Ashkenazi Jewry is to get dressed from bottom to top, first putting on the pants and only then the shirt and Tzitzis.[4]

Which clothing is one to remove first?[5]

The custom amongst Chassidim and G-d fearing Jews is to get undressed from bottom to top.[6] Thus one is to first remove his pants and then his shirt and Tzitzis [and last he is to remove his Yarmulke[7]]. The custom amongst Ashkenazi Jewry is to get undressed from top to bottom.[8]

Maaseh Shehaya:

The following story was related by a student in the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva of Kfar Chabad, Israel: In the 1980’s, I studied in the central Yeshiva in Kfar Chabad. I would immerse in the communal Mikveh each morning prior to prayer. It once occurred that I was in the Mikveh at the same time as the famed Mashpia, the scion of Mesirus Nefesh, Reb Mendel Futerfas. Upon him seeing me dressing in the improper order he quickly scolded me stating that Chassidim get dressed from top to bottom. It was only after many years in an advanced Talmudic institute that I merited to learn how Chassidim get dressed.

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[1] See Toras Yekusiel 1:8 and 101 for a thorough discussion on this matter.

Background:

The Chassidim and Ashkenazim practice different orders in dress. The Chassidim get dressed starting from the top, while the Ashkenazim from the bottom. The order of getting dressed and undressed is discussed in Tractate Derech Eretz Zuta and Raba. It is also mentioned with regards to how the Kohanim would dress in their priestly garb when serving in the Temple. In Derech Eretz Zuta 8 it states to get undressed from bottom to top [and hence one is to get dressed from top to bottom]. In however Derech Eretz 10 it implies one is to get undressed from top to bottom, and so is the order of dress of the Kohanim. The following are the opinions and reasons behind the customs.

[2] Miseches Derech Eretz Zuta chapter 8; Or Tzaddikim 1:8; Toras Yekusiel 1:8 and 101; Mishneh Sachir 2:2; Minchas Yitzchak 4:60; Shulchan Hatahor Tznius 4; Kaneh Bosem 2:1; Shraga Hameir 1:24; Piskeiy Teshuvos 2:4

The source: In Derech Eretz Zuta 8 it states to get undressed from bottom to top [and hence one is to get dressed from top to bottom]. The Sefer Or Tzaddikim ibid of Rav Meir Papirish, a student of the Arizal, writes to precede the Tzitzis to the pants. The Minchas Yitzchak ibid writes this order as a tradition from the Tzaddik of Ziditchov. He then concludes that this is the “custom of all the G-d fearing”; The Shulchan Hatahor ibid writes that those that get dressed and undressed the opposite way are considered Perutzim [licentious].

The reason: This order is followed in order so one precedes his Tzitzis which is a Mitzvah to other clothing. [Or Tzaddikim ibid; Toras Yekusiel ibid]

Opinion of Rebbe: The Rebbe once stated in an unedited Sicha [Sichas Kodesh Pekudei-Shekalim 1981 letter 39] that even a child knows the custom that he readily witnesses in which people first wear their pants, as did the Kohanim. See Hiskashrus 105, 698, 703 where the Rebbe’s opinion is discussed.

[3] Ben Ish Chaiy Vayishlach 16; Kaf Hachaim 2:9; Minchas Yitzchak 4:60

[4] Toras Yekusiel ibid based on the order mentioned in Derech Eretz 10, and the order of dress and undress of the Kohanim mentioned in Yuma 23. The Kaneh Bosem ibid writes that the Ashkenazim misunderstood the wording in Derech Eretz 10 and in truth it is a source for the Chassidic custom and not the Ashkenazi custom, and so retracts also the Toras Yekusiel in a latter response that he made a mistake in the understanding. The dispute stands as with regards to if the word Pirkoso is understood to mean pants or shirt. Since it is the last item mentioned there to remove, therefore if it’s translated as pants it is a source for the Ashkenazim. If it is translated as shirt then it is a source for the Chassidim.

The reason: This order is followed in order so one covers his Erva as soon as possible. [Toras Yekusiel ibid] This order follows the order of the Kohanim. [Toras Yekusiel ibid; Sichas Kodesh ibid]

[5] See previous footnotes

[6] Toras Yekusiel 1:8 and 101; Mishneh Sachir 2:2; Minchas Yitzchak 4:60: “custom of all the G-d fearing”; Shulchan Hatahor Tznius 4; Kaneh Bosem 2:1; Piskeiy Teshuvos 2:4

[7] Minchas Yitzchak 4:60; Piskeiy Teshuvos 2:12; See Shaareiy Teshuvah 2:3; Birkeiy Yosef 2

[8] Toras Yekusiel ibid.