Shaving: Is it allowed in Judaism?

[White Israelite]

So I've been told by many people that shaving is prohibited (razors) in Judaism because of harm to the body or something to that effect. I was quoted by a rabbi a while back on ask moses about it. They said something about men not supposed to look feminine and it was prohibited.

Now i'm referring mainly to beards or heads.

Nowadays you see a lot of modern day Jews with clean shaven faces, infact in US I think it's kind of hard to get away with a beard because a lot of jobs actually prohibit beards, I personally can't stand growing a beard but I can get away with a few days stubble because it will itch like crazy. Most of my family had moustaches but no beards and were modern orthodox.

I think it's rather uncommon to see hasidic men without a beard or glasses.

What is the reason that one would be prohibited from shaving their face? I've heard there are ways around it if you don't use razors.

Also back to shaved heads, i've seen a lot of Israelis or Jews with bald heads, either from losing their hair or just for the heck of it, if I recall, there were several reasons against Jews shaving their heads as I believe there is scripture that says "Do not round the corners of your head", or do not cut around the temples of your head. I've heard a few say that this is also forbidden because pagan religions used to shave their head for ritualistic purposes.

awkward topic but I'd like some response to this.

[דוד בן זאב אריה]

According to Jewish law a blade can't touch the face on 5 points. You can't use an electic razor that doesn't touch the face. And you can trim. They call it a kosher razor I use one

[White Israelite]

According to Jewish law a blade can't touch the face on 5 points. You can't use an electic razor that doesn't touch the face. And you can trim. They call it a kosher razor I use one

A kosher razor? How is it different than a regular razor? Also isn't trimming a very long and time consuming process? I would think that would still leave a lot of hair (or patches) on the face.

I use a Mach-3, don't think it's kosher though

According to this site, theres no such thing as a kosher shaver?

http://www.koshershaver.info/

[דוד בן זאב אריה]

A kosher razor is and electic razor where the blade doens't touch the skin. It get quite close but I doesn't touch. That is how you determine a kosher razor. I'd consult a Rabbi

[White Israelite]

A kosher razor is and electic razor where the blade doens't touch the skin. It get quite close but I doesn't touch. That is how you determine a kosher razor. I'd consult a Rabbi

Does it still give the smooth feel to the skin or is it more stubbly?

[דוד בן זאב אריה]

It won't be as smooth as a Blade but it will be good enough for any employer. Also it will keep the hair short enough if that bothers you.   

[White Israelite]

It won't be as smooth as a Blade but it will be good enough for any employer. Also it will keep the hair short enough if that bothers you.   

Hard to say, I mean generally I can go one day or two days (even up to 3) without shaving and have a bit of stubble and it doesn't bother me, after about the 4th when I start to look like a caveman, it'll bug the living daylights out of me. Then if I shave, it's fine but sometimes even shaving can suck as I break out bad during the winter when i'm not out in the sun often.

[Tzvi Ben Roshel1]

If you keep yourself from shaving, and make a nice shape, after some time you will get used to it. I cant see myself with no hair on my beard, now it seems awkward for me.
 About shaving heads, some say it shouldn't be done by women (who do that and then put on wigs). BUT for men the hair on the head (not beard), represents Dinim (strick Judgements). Removing a lot of the hair on the head is a very good thing, and actually the Shulhan Aruch says that the first thing to do to a Baal Tishuva is to give him a haircut.

[White Israelite]

If you keep yourself from shaving, and make a nice shape, after some time you will get used to it. I cant see myself with no hair on my beard, now it seems awkward for me.
 About shaving heads, some say it shouldn't be done by women (who do that and then put on wigs). BUT for men the hair on the head (not beard), represents Dinim (strick Judgements). Removing a lot of the hair on the head is a very good thing, and actually the Shulhan Aruch says that the first thing to do to a Baal Tishuva is to give him a haircut.

Whats the point of a women shaving her head if shes going to wear a wig?

I don't know too many women who would want to shave their head for religious purposes, I mean theres a few women that shave their head for other reasons (goths/punks, or a niche), or for medical purposes.

I think most men that shave their head do it for several reasons, if they are balding, sometimes they prefer to just get rid of the rest of the hair. Military, I think hygiene purposes and order, and then there are the racist kind that shave their head. (though not all racists shave their head)

[Americanhero1]

This is like when i had asked me friend who is a Hindu why does he not Shave he said it is a gift from god the hair

I told him it grows back

[White Israelite]

This is like when i had asked me friend who is a Hindu why does he not Shave he said it is a gift from G-d the hair

I told him it grows back

I dunno, I grown goatees before but I don't look right with them, plus since I look young, people think it is fake haha so it doesn't look right.

I'd say it was the most agonizing longest days of my life itching my face like there was no tomorrow and rustling my face against my pillow. Once it was grown it, wasn't too bad. I guess a lot of the newer generation females here don't like guys with facial hair because they claim that it annoys their face or something.

[DALMACIJA]

Serbs and Jews are like Cetniks that's why they do not shave!

Our enemies would be more scared of us if we did not shaved!

Ask the Ustashi how they react when they are confronted with armed unshaved Sebs in uniforms!

[Americanhero1]

DALMACIJA what does this topic have to do with Croatian Nazis?

[Lubab]

According the Rambam, being completely shaved on the head is considered a blemish for a woman and even a man. However, a close cut on the head is appropriate for a man. Of course, the corners of the head (peyot) cannot be shaved but most authorities allow haircut that is at least a number 3 clip or more.

As far as the beard, the verse of the Torah mentions using a razor is prohibited, however there is ample Rabbinic evidence that suggests that even cutting the beard with scissors is prohibited as well. (see sefer called Sefer Hadras Panim Zakan).

Here's some statements on the topic from a Chabad perspective if anyone is interested:

From the onset of Chassidism, and especially amongst Chabad Chassidim, there has always been an emphasis placed on maintaining a full untrimmed beard.


The purpose of this essay is to explain the reasons and rationale that lie behind the wearing of a beard. These include the many benefits and blessings that one receives for keeping one’s beard. There are those, who are unaware of the importance of the beard and this has led some to begin trimming their beard, tearing out the hair root, or in some instances, shaving.


I. The Halachic Prohibitions


There are many famous Halachic issues involved in removing a beard. The Sefer Hadras Panim Zakan brings literally hundreds of Poskim [Halachic authorities] that discuss these issues. It is not possible to present all the opinions on this subject, so we will focus on the opinion of the third Lubavitcher Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek , which is the authoritative opinion as far as Lubavitcher Chassidim are concerned. The Tzemach Tzedek did not just regard the discussion about wearing beards as an academic matter, in fact, he waged many battles for its observance. The Russian Czar Nikolai I wanted to institute a policy making it mandatory for all Jews to shave. The Tzemach Tzedek exerted himself and through Mesiras Nefesh [self-sacrifice] was able to get this decree revoked.


A summary of the Tzemach Tzedek’s opinion follows:


A. It is forbidden to remove the beard through scissors, (even with those that do not resemble a razor) or through depilatories (hair removal through medicine). This is due to the law of Payos Hazakain, “Neither shall you mar the corners of your beard.”


B. Those who remove their beards transgress the Torah law of, “A man shall not wear the garment of a woman.” Some authorities hold that this brings with it a punishment of Malkos (lashing). This reason applies even to those who cut their beard with a scissors.


C. Removing the beard without a razor can lead one to remove the beard with a razor – leading to a transgression of Torah law. Furthermore, using a scissors to cut the beard violates the reason that underlies the prohibition (Taam Hamitzvah ).


D. The hairs of the beard contain a high degree of holiness as is taught in Tanach and the words of the Rabbis.


E. The Rabbis from the time of the receiving of the Torah were accustomed not to remove their beards


F. There is a basis to permit the removal of hair that is under the throat (totally out of the area of the “corners”) but due to the fact that we do not know the exact place of the Payos (corners), we should be strict in this matter.


The Rebbe disapproved of the practice of trimming the beard, and says that the Tzemach Tzedek himself requires one to refrain from trimming.


In regard to pulling out the hairs of the beard, the Arizal writes that, it is strictly prohibited to pull or uproot even one of the hairs anywhere on the beard, because they are “pipes for a divine flow.” (They are a path by which the Divine blessings and revelations are channeled to a person.)


II. The Benefits


Maintaining a beard carries with it great advantages, as the Tzemach Tzedek writes: “Therefore, he who doesn’t shave his beard or touch it with metal at all, awakens the Yud Gimel Tikkunei Dikna.” (This refers to a very high spiritual level as is known to those well versed in Kabbala and Chassidus.)


If it seems that wearing a beard relates only to abstract spiritual levels, the following are two letters that the Rebbe wrote addressing this subject:


“Without quoting here what it says in the Inner part of Torah and in the holy Zohar and in many Seforim, that the hairs of the beard are the idea of Yud Gimel Tikkunei Dikna; and how they elicit success in learning Torah and fulfilling Mitzvos, behold everyone agrees that the beard is a part of the Tzelem Elokim (G-dly image) and removing the beard, even according to those who permit it in certain ways, nevertheless, [this person] lacks the G-dly image.”


“In regard to the idea of growing one’s beard, it is simple that according to all opinions there is an important point in it, and all the differing opinions are whether to permit [the removal of the beard] when one must [remove it] so to speak, and whether this is a Rabbinical or Torah prohibition. But, as mentioned above, it is simple in the revealed part of Torah, and specifically and strongly in the Inner part of Torah, that in the Tikkunei Dikna (as they are called in Zohar and Kabbala Seforim, which are accepted by all Jews with the full strength of the Oral Torah) there is a very high level of holiness, and the attribute of Hashem is Midda K’negged Midda [measure for measure]. A measure [the beard hair] of man [below] elicits the same measure from above, so to speak. "


As can be seen from the above letters, the hairs of the beard are the receptacle for Divine blessing in one’s day-to-day life.


Furthermore, even those who disagree with the Tzemach Tzedek in this matter, concur that a beard is a sign of Yiras Shamayim [fear of Heaven]. The Rebbe writes in a letter, expressing his amazement that someone without a beard should be involved in making Tefillin because the one who wears the Tefillin is dependent on the Yiras Shamayim of the one who fashioned them.


There is a story told that a man once came to one of the Chabad Rabbeim and asked him: “Why are Chabad Chassidim so careful not to touch their beards, but are not as scrupulous when it comes to Loshon Hora [evil talk]?”


The Rebbe answered him, “To speak Loshon Hora doesn’t require a great deal of contemplation – it comes before one even realizes what he is saying. However to touch one’s beard, a person has to make a conscious decision to act."


In another letter the Rebbe writes: a certain man came to him with complaints about wearing a beard. The Rebbe asked him, “Why is it that when someone conjures up an image of Moshe Rabbeinu or Aharon Hakohen, whether Jewish or not, they picture them with a big beard?”


The man answered that not only when he imagines Moshe Rabbeinu but even when he thinks about people who kept Torah and Mitzvos throughout the generations, he imagines them with a full untouched beard.


III. Conclusion


It seems clear that that there are many Halachic reasons to refrain from shaving or trimming one’s beard. There are many blessings that are elicited through keeping a beard, both in a material and spiritual sense. The choice seems obvious...

[White Israelite]

I'm curious how many people here follow this then, wouldn't many modern orthodox be in violation of this law then?

Why do some Jewish women shave their head?

[Lubab]

I'm curious how many people here follow this then, wouldn't many modern orthodox be in violation of this law then?

Why do some Jewish women shave their head?

They have their own Rabbis upon whom they rely upon and I don't disrespect them for that, not every Rabbi views this as I do, but in my opinion these practices (shaved heads, and cutting the beard) have veered from the perspective of the traditional sources.

[abdithefaithful]

Kosher razors rule!! If they were advertised during the SuperBowl football game would more people subscribe to using them? I'm glad and thankful that this intriguing topic has been brought up on the forum.

[דוד בן זאב אריה]

Kosher razors rule!! If they were advertised during the SuperBowl football game would more people subscribe to using them? I'm glad and thankful that this intriguing topic has been brought up on the forum.

Yes they rock

[Tina Greco - Melbourne]

Why do some Jewish women shave their head?

Because its seen as immodest for a woman to have their hair free, its the domain of maidens. When a woman marries she is meant to cover her glory and only be seen by her husband.

Having your hair covered most of the day is not an easy thing to do, the hair gets matted, sweaty, and you can develop heat rash. Having a scarf on your head not much air gets to the scalp. Its very uncomfortable.

In hot climites your head gets very hot. 80% of body heat escapes from your head.

Many women that are religious shave thier heads because its cleaner, and far more comfortable.

Wigs I hate, and they have their own set of problems, but at least your feel clean and cool.

Many women in the past shaved their heads, then wore very light scarfs.

Its very individual.

My answer would not suit many in their Torah version, but I speak solely as a woman and past experience.
 

[Rubystars]

A married woman shouldn't show her hair because it becomes a private part just like no woman should show her breasts.

Great, now every time I see people's hair I'm going to think of your post. 

[White Israelite]

A married woman shouldn't show her hair because it becomes a private part just like no woman should show her breasts.

How is head hair a private part? Why is it ok for men to show their hair but not for women?

[Tina Greco - Melbourne]

A married woman shouldn't show her hair because it becomes a private part just like no woman should show her breasts.

Great, now every time I see people's hair I'm going to think of your post. 

Hahaha

Trust me Ruby it wears off 

[Tina Greco - Melbourne]

A married woman shouldn't show her hair because it becomes a private part just like no woman should show her breasts.

How is head hair a private part? Why is it ok for men to show their hair but not for women?

You are meant to be sexually attracted to a womans hair 
 

[MasterWolf1]

This is all pretty interesting, what about women lets say hair on legs or under their arms?

[q_q_]

religious jews these days tend to use electric shavers instead of razers.

you are not meant to use a blade direct to the face.

the electric shaver should not uproot the hair though.. many do.

I read somewhere that reb moshe feinstein ztl had a test of putting felt tip on your arm and running a shaver on it and seeing if it faded it.

Most electric shavers have a really useful thing that pops out, that`s a bit like a blade.. but guarded.. Is that ok?  It prob is.. since the main blades are guarded , and I think that makes them ok. That certainly doesn`t uproot hairs. But people only use that to trim it down before using the main part of it.