One who is familiar with the substance, style and tone of the Aruch Hashulchan can easily distinguish between when he is writing halachah psukah, that is strict issur v’heter, from issues where he is advising or recommending to be “on the safe side”, without actually forbidding. In the paragraph discussing interlocking fingers, the Aruch Hashulchan is quite ambivalent, mentioning sources from both sides, siding with the “be on the safe side”, but ultimately leaving it up to the individual’s personal preference. Besides, the entire paragraph specifically concerns hand position during davening, and does not relate to a person’s conduct in everyday life. In any case, towards the end of a siman the Aruch Hashulchan often states his personal preferences but has no intention of stating an unequivocal psak that must be accepted by all. This is a good example. So I maintain my opinion as I previously stated.
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