Is it permissible to trim the mustache or the hair of the neck?
The Mishna teaches that there are five peios (“edges”) of the beard — “two from here, two from here, and one from below” — and the destruction of each one incurs a separate set of malkus.
The rishonim debate the exact boundaries of these “edges,” and Shulchan Aruch therefore rules that a yerei shamayim should not use a razor anywhere on the beard.
Most rishonim hold that all the “edges” are located on the face and not on the neck or throat, though the Bach understands that the fifth “edge” is in the area of the Adam’s apple.
The Rama rules that one may not use a razor on the neck area, but one may be lenient to give a razor-like shave with scissors in this area since it isn’t the primary location of the “edges.” The implication of the Rama’s more lenient approach for this area is that this isn’t due to destroying the beard but the separate issur of lo yilbash (beautifying oneself like a woman).
In his chidushim on Shas, the Tzemach Tzedek discusses the Bach’s prohibition of shaving the throat area, and seems to accept it as binding.
Moreover, the Tzemach Tzedek prohibits trimming any part of the beard due to lo yilbash. The Arizal was likewise careful not to trim any hair on the throat area.
What about the mustache? Some rishonim identify the sides of the mustache as “edges” of the beard, but the main portion of the mustache above the mouth is definitely not part of the beard. Some even encourage trimming mustache hairs that interfere with the food one eats. Yet, others still avoid it.
In response to a questioner, the Rebbe refers him to Rabbonei Anash to verify the custom of elder chassidim.
לזכר נשמת מרת חוה לאה בת ר' שמשון הכהן ע"ה
RABBI CHAIM HILLEL RASKIN
לעילוי נשמת שטראקס ע"ה אברהם ישעי' בת ר' מוסיאמרת נפטרה כ"ה אד"ר תשפ"ד
