FAQs: Growing & Keeping the Beard
In honor of Lag B’Omer, the hilula of Rashbi, we present a selection of halachic Q&As on the important topic of keeping one’s beard, by HaRav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, Mara D’Asra and member of the Crown Heights • Full Article
Lag B’Omer is a day of great simcha, happiness. Normally, the day of the passing of a Tzaddik is not necessarily a day of happiness; in this case, it is different, as Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai himself asked that on the day of his passing, we should rejoice and celebrate. The restrictions of Sefira are virtually non-existent on the day of Lag B’Omer amongst almost all groups of Yidden.
Sefardim are particular to wait to lift the restrictions until the day after Lag B’Omer, and the Kabbalah says that haircuts should not be taken on Lag B’Omer according to many opinions. Upshernishen for children certainly are done on Lag B’Omer, even those that are particular with the ways of Kabbalah.
It is ironic that some people shave davka on Lag B’Omer as a celebration of Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai, when Rabi Shimon Bar Yochai was particular about maintaining the Tzelem-Elokim, the dignity of the human being created in Hashem’s image, and with regard to a Yid, by wearing a full beard. Halacha2Go #13
Growing a Beard
Q. Do you think that I should grow a beard? How important is it in Judaism to have a beard. Do you think that growing a beard will give me good luck?
A. Most certainly. A beard evokes the thirteen attributes of mercy, and brings down blessings for success. These attributes draw forth from Hashem’s unlimited, infinite mercy and has the ability to bring infinite bracha in this finite and limited reality of the world.
The Rebbe writes: “If you would have listened to me about the thirteen Tikkunei Dikna [the beard]… you would have already seen a tangible change in your parnassa, evident even to the physical eyes.” “Growing a beard is a special segula to draw down Hashem’s brachos in abundance, in quantity and in quality. Thus, anyone who needs additional brachos from Hashem in matters of health, finances, and even more so spirituality, must surely very much hold on to this development.”
The beard is a part of the Tzelem-Elokim (G-dly image) and when removing the beard, even according to those who permit it in certain ways, this person lacks the G-dly image.
Equally important, perhaps more important, is a fact that, according to many great halachic authorities, not growing a beard is a severe prohibition in the Torah. Even according to the opinion that one may shave, there are serious issues with the kashrus of the shavers available on the market
Sources: Teshuvos “Tzemach Tzedek” (Yoreh-Deah, par. 93), his Sefer “Yahel-Or” on Tehillim (in the Miluim, on the verse “Vehu Rachum,” p. 626). Igros Kodesh 26: 155. Ibid. 10:311 See at length in Sefer Hadras Panim Zakan. #2870*
Picking the Beard
Q. Is one permitted to pick his beard? Not because I am trying to look good, but rather out of habit.
A. The Arizal warned against picking one’s beard. One should therefore refrain even from picking.
The Rebbe in a letter mentions the conduct of certain special people who wouldn’t even comb their beards – but stresses that it was a special conduct. On one occasion, the Rebbe advised someone who had such a habit to put something unpleasant on their hands like mustard, or even better – wear gloves on their hands. #1337*
Combing the Beard
Q. The Rebbe writes in a letter (Likkutei Sichos Vol. 7 p. 325) that it is permitted to comb your beard with a comb. What does the Rebbe mean by writing in another letter (Likkutei Sichos Vol. 32 p. 249) that it has to be a proper comb. What type of comb are you allowed to use? Is it better not to comb your beard at all?
A. One may comb their beard, provided the comb will not definitely pull-out hair. [There’s merit to avoiding any combing at all, but if concerns of kavod ha’briyos and certainly kibbud av v’eim are involved, one should not be machmir.] #6335*
Fallen Hairs from the Beard
Q. When hair falls out from someone’s beard, is it necessary to put it in a Sefer? It always made me uncomfortable opening a Sefer and seeing it.
A. There are various sources that indicate that this was a common practice amongst tzaddikim, due to the holiness of their beard.
However, in more recent times, many poskim have decried this custom, especially when placing into a sefer that does not belong to oneself, due to its being repulsive, disrespect to the sefer, causing bittul Torah (prevents others from using it), etc.
This is especially true if one would normally throw the hair away, but places it in a sefer only while learning. #8826*
Trimming the Mustache
Q. Are men allowed to trim their mustache when it interferes with the food that goes into their mouth?
A. Many are lenient in this matter to trim with scissors the part of the mustache that interferes with eating. #8826*
*References are available for this Halacha on the websites: www.Halacha2Go.com and www.AskTheRav.com
Please note that these halachos apply in general situations, if you are unsure whether the halacha applies to your particular situation, please consult a Rav
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