I wasn't sure about having a beard. But now it’s really starting to grow on me.
In this week’s Parsha we have a list of Mitzvos which are designed to ensure our sanctity and segregation amongst society. One of these Mitzvos which applies only for men (Kiddushin 29a and 35b) includes the prohibition of shaving one’s beard with a razor (Vayikra 19:27). While the Rambam (Laws of Idolatry 12:1 and Guide to the Perplexed Vol 3 Chapter 37) connects this practice with ancient idolatrous ceremonial traditions and to avoid resembling idol worshippers (Sefer HaChinuch 251), Rabbeinu Bachya suggests that this law echoed the command for men to avoid feminine practices and avoid looking like a woman (see Devarim 22:5). The Beis Yosef explains that in essence this Mitzvah is superrational, and any reasons given are only part of the rationale and hence applicable in all times and all places.
A man is not allowed to have his facial hair cut with a razor, or even to assist a barber by moving one’s head to facilitate the cutting (Makkos 20b). While Biblically one may not use a razor, the Halachic commentators debate whether one may trim with scissors to which Halacha conforms that one may use scissors but avoid cutting too close to the skin to avoid Maris Ayin (Makkos 21a and S.A Y.D 181:3 and 10). Regarding the Peyos, some believe growing them out brings long life (Rabbi Meir of Premishlan) or that it is a Hiddur Mitzvah (Eretz Tzvi), whereas others trim them to avoid them intermingling with the beard for Kabbalistic reasons (Arizal and Igros Kodesh Vol 20 p. 10) or tuck them behind one’s ears.
Electric shavers have only been around for less than one hundred years and Rabbonim have argued on their permissibility, being that while they may not cut the hair as close as a razor due to the cover or metal screen (Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinsky), the outcome is very similar (Chofetz Chaim and Rav Moshe Sternbach). Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank was also lenient, though cautioned that one should not push the screen hard against the skin, though the Minchas Yitzchak cautioned that to do so in somewhat unavoidable and impractical. Rav Moshe Feinstein argued that the leniency to use electric shavers (that are not life and cut) stems from the fact that the hair is cut differently and that the prohibition of using a razor is based on the action of cutting the hair (being like scissors), and not the result.
The Ibn Ezra explains that the hair on the head and beard constitute our honour and dignity as a Jewish individual, and it is improper to destroy it. The Yemenite Jews call one’s Peyos Simanim, as they are the signs which we proudly wear to proclaim to those around us that we are Jewish. The Zohar (Parshas Naso, Idra Rabbah 10:72) similarly cautions one from touching one’s beard as it provides channels of blessings, and the Tzemach Tzedek writes that one’s beard is akin to the hair of a Nazir which is holy and should be left untouched. May we always feel comfortable and proud to display our Jewishness recognising that the beard adds an aura of spirituality into our lives.
Have a good Shabbos,
Rabbi Benjy
