May Kohanim ascend the platform wearing shoes?
Synopsis
The Mechaber rules that Kohanim may not ascend in shoes (sandals) but may ascend in socks. The Rema notes some are stringent when the socks are made of leather. The Aruch HaShulchan explains the underlying rabbinic enactment of Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai — fearing a strap might snap causing delay and suspicion — and explains why the decree was not rescinded even though modern footwear lacks straps.
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