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Length of Tefillin Straps

May I ask about the appropriate length for the retzuot of the shel rosh. I just received a new pair of tefillin and the straps go to about my knees, which is too long (at least for practical considerations). During the bowing of the amida and aleinu, the retzuot almost touch the floor.

Should I cut them, and then if so, with what might I cut them (I am sephardic,in case there is any difference in minhagim).

I appreciate your response. Thank you.

Answer:

Both straps should descend to the height of the navel (Shulchan Aruch, 27:11).

Some add that the right-hand strap should preferable descend to the height of the milah (mentioned in Tur, quoting from Shimusha Rabba; see Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, 10:13), whereas others write that the left-hand strap should only reach the height of the chest area. The minimum length is two tefachim from the knot.

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