Shaving: Difference between revisions
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→Boundaries of the Peot HaZaken
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# One should not cut one’s moustache with a razor and some say one shouldn’t even do so with a scissor that’s close to the face. <Ref>Taz Y”D 181:3. Peot Zekenecha (pg 60, 64) writes that it’s permissible to cut in the middle of the moustache but just not the edges. </ref> | # One should not cut one’s moustache with a razor and some say one shouldn’t even do so with a scissor that’s close to the face. <Ref>Taz Y”D 181:3. Peot Zekenecha (pg 60, 64) writes that it’s permissible to cut in the middle of the moustache but just not the edges. </ref> | ||
==Boundaries of the Peot HaRosh== | |||
# The lower boundary of the peot harosh is strictly speaking the top of the jaw bone, which aligns with the middle of the ear.<ref>Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 4 quoting Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky, Rav Moshe Feinstein, and the Eretz Tzvi</ref> Others say it is until the end of the cartilaginous part of the ear<ref>Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 3 quoting the Imrei Yosher 2:183</ref> and lastly others say it is until the bottom of the ear.<ref>Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 2 citing the practice of Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, Rav Tzvi Sobolofsky, and Rav Michael Taubes</ref> | |||
==Boundaries of the Peot HaZaken== | ==Boundaries of the Peot HaZaken== | ||
# The five places of Peot HaZaken according to the Rishonim are as follows | # The five places of Peot HaZaken according to the Rishonim are as follows | ||
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# Because of the multitude of opinions of the boundaries of Peot HaZaken, one should not cut the entire area of the face below the Peot HaRosh (from bottom of the ear) with a razor and some say not even with a scissor close to the face. <Ref>S”A Y”D 181:11 quotes the Rosh saying that one should not cut the entire area of Peot HaZaken because of the multitude of opinions. The issue of “a scissor close to the face” is discussed above. </ref> | # Because of the multitude of opinions of the boundaries of Peot HaZaken, one should not cut the entire area of the face below the Peot HaRosh (from bottom of the ear) with a razor and some say not even with a scissor close to the face. <Ref>S”A Y”D 181:11 quotes the Rosh saying that one should not cut the entire area of Peot HaZaken because of the multitude of opinions. The issue of “a scissor close to the face” is discussed above. </ref> | ||
# Because of there is some disagreement regarding whether or not the front of the neck is included, one should refrain from using a razor in that area. <ref>Yafeh LeLev 3:121, Ein Lamo Michshol (pg 166) </ref> | # Because of there is some disagreement regarding whether or not the front of the neck is included, one should refrain from using a razor in that area. <ref>Yafeh LeLev 3:121, Ein Lamo Michshol (pg 166) </ref> | ||
==Electric Shavers== | ==Electric Shavers== | ||
# There is a major dispute regarding electric shavers, some are lenient<ref> Sh”t Har Tzvi, Sh”t Chelkat Yacov 3:39, Sh”t Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:459 in name of Rav Chaim Ozer, Peot Zekenecha (pg 81) in name of Rav Pinchas Sheinburg and Rav Moshe Feinstein. | # There is a major dispute regarding electric shavers, some are lenient<ref> Sh”t Har Tzvi, Sh”t Chelkat Yacov 3:39, Sh”t Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:459 in name of Rav Chaim Ozer, Peot Zekenecha (pg 81) in name of Rav Pinchas Sheinburg and Rav Moshe Feinstein. | ||
* Regarding Rav Moshe, Sam Chayim p. 38 quotes Rav Reuven Feinstein as saying that his father only permitted electric shavers if the blades weren't sharp enough to cut the hair on their own without the screens. Also, that leniency only existed when non-Jews didn't commonly use electric shavers, but today that it is common it is forbidden.</ref> and some are adamantly opposed and forbid.<ref> Likkutei Halachot of the Chafetz Chaim, Minchat Yitzchak 4:113 in name of the Chazon Ish, Rav Vosner in Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 4:96, Chavalim BeNeeymim Y”D 4:27, Kovetz Teshuvot 1:32 written by Rav Elyashiv, Peot Zekenecha (pg 80) in name of Rav Chaim Kanievsky in name of his father the Steipler, and Rav Nassim Karlitz (Chut HaSheni Hilchot Shabbat vol 1 at the end). </ref> Among those who are quoted as subscribing to the lenient approach include: Rav Moshe Feinstein,<ref>Though he never wrote a written responsum on the topic, Rav Moshe Feinstein's student unanimously agree that Rav Moshe Feinstein permitted electric shavers. The students of Rav Moshe who quote him as holding such a position include: Rav Yisrael Belsky (Shulchan Halevi p. 127-8), Rav Moshe Heinemann ([https://www.star-k.org/articles/kashrus-kurrents/563/electric-shavers/ Star-K]), Rav Reuven Feinstein (Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 36), and Rav Aharon Felder (Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 49). While Rav Moshe Heinemann and Rav Yisrael Belsky (cited by Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 50) quotes Rav Moshe as only permitting electric shavers after subjecting the blade to a sharpness test, Rav David J. Bleich and Rav Aharon Felder (cited by Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 49) quote Rav Moshe as permitted even without that test.</ref> Rav Chaim Ozer Grodinsky,<Ref>Sh”t Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:459</ref> Rav Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook,<ref>The Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 32 quoting Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook quoting his father as the baseline halacha permitting electric shavers. See Sh"t Orach Mishpat 128:53.</ref> Rav Yakov Kamenetsky,<ref>The Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 30 quoting Emet Lyakov YD 181. See the letter on p. 220 where Rav Yakov expresses concern about more advanced shavers. Rabbi Jachter in The Halachic Haircutting Handbook allays those concerns.</ref> Rav Yitzchak Hutner,<Ref>The Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 32 in the name of Rav David H. Schwartz quoting Rav Aharon Lichtenstein quoting Rav Hutner. A story about Rav Hutner's original practice to shave and his change is found in mishpacha magazine December 2020, p. 89.</ref> Rav Shimon Schwab,<Ref>Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 50 quoting Rav Baruch Simon quoting Rav Shimon Schwab. Rabbi Simon quotes Rav Schwab as permitting all shavers even without any sharpness test, while his grandson quotes Rav Schwab as subjecting them to the sharpness test.</ref> Rav Aharon Soloveitchik, Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein,<Ref>Haircutting Handbook p. 28</ref> Rav Ben Tzion Abba Shaul,<ref>Yabia Omer 9:10:15</ref> Rav Mordechai Eliyahu,<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 170:2</ref> Rav Meir Mazuz,<ref>Haircutting Handbook p. 45 citing Yitzchak Yiranen 5:6:3</reF> Rav Yisrael Rozen,<ref[ | * Regarding Rav Moshe, Sam Chayim p. 38 quotes Rav Reuven Feinstein as saying that his father only permitted electric shavers if the blades weren't sharp enough to cut the hair on their own without the screens. Also, that leniency only existed when non-Jews didn't commonly use electric shavers, but today that it is common it is forbidden.</ref> and some are adamantly opposed and forbid.<ref> Likkutei Halachot of the Chafetz Chaim, Minchat Yitzchak 4:113 in name of the Chazon Ish, Rav Vosner in Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 4:96, Chavalim BeNeeymim Y”D 4:27, Kovetz Teshuvot 1:32 written by Rav Elyashiv, Peot Zekenecha (pg 80) in name of Rav Chaim Kanievsky in name of his father the Steipler, and Rav Nassim Karlitz (Chut HaSheni Hilchot Shabbat vol 1 at the end). </ref> Among those who are quoted as subscribing to the lenient approach include: Rav Moshe Feinstein,<ref>Though he never wrote a written responsum on the topic, Rav Moshe Feinstein's student unanimously agree that Rav Moshe Feinstein permitted electric shavers. The students of Rav Moshe who quote him as holding such a position include: Rav Yisrael Belsky (Shulchan Halevi p. 127-8), Rav Moshe Heinemann ([https://www.star-k.org/articles/kashrus-kurrents/563/electric-shavers/ Star-K]), Rav Reuven Feinstein (Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 36), and Rav Aharon Felder (Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 49). While Rav Moshe Heinemann and Rav Yisrael Belsky (cited by Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 50) quotes Rav Moshe as only permitting electric shavers after subjecting the blade to a sharpness test, Rav David J. Bleich and Rav Aharon Felder (cited by Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 49) quote Rav Moshe as permitted even without that test.</ref> Rav Chaim Ozer Grodinsky,<Ref>Sh”t Teshuvot VeHanhagot 1:459</ref> Rav Avraham Yitzchak Hacohen Kook,<ref>The Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 32 quoting Rav Tzvi Yehuda Kook quoting his father as the baseline halacha permitting electric shavers. See Sh"t Orach Mishpat 128:53.</ref> Rav Yakov Kamenetsky,<ref>The Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 30 quoting Emet Lyakov YD 181. See the letter on p. 220 where Rav Yakov expresses concern about more advanced shavers. Rabbi Jachter in The Halachic Haircutting Handbook allays those concerns.</ref> Rav Yitzchak Hutner,<Ref>The Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 32 in the name of Rav David H. Schwartz quoting Rav Aharon Lichtenstein quoting Rav Hutner. A story about Rav Hutner's original practice to shave and his change is found in mishpacha magazine December 2020, p. 89.</ref> Rav Shimon Schwab,<Ref>Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 50 quoting Rav Baruch Simon quoting Rav Shimon Schwab. Rabbi Simon quotes Rav Schwab as permitting all shavers even without any sharpness test, while his grandson quotes Rav Schwab as subjecting them to the sharpness test.</ref> Rav Aharon Soloveitchik, Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein,<Ref>Haircutting Handbook p. 28</ref> Rav Ben Tzion Abba Shaul,<ref>Yabia Omer 9:10:15</ref> Rav Mordechai Eliyahu,<ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 170:2</ref> Rav Meir Mazuz,<ref>Haircutting Handbook p. 45 citing Yitzchak Yiranen 5:6:3</reF> Rav Yisrael Rozen,<ref>[https://www.zomet.org.il/eng/?CategoryID=253&ArticleID=141 Zomet]</ref> and Rav Mordechai Willig.<ref>Haircutting Handbook p. 62</ref> Among those quoted as holding of the stringent approach include: Rav Yaakov Breish,<ref>Chelkat Yakov YD 90</ref> Rav Ovadia Yosef,<ref>Yabia Omer 9:10</ref> Rav Yitzchak Weiss, Chazon Ish, Rav Yaakov Yisrael Kanievsky (Steipler), Rav Chaim Kanievsky, Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, Rav Nissim Karletiz, and Rav Shmuel Wosner.<ref>Kuntres Sam Chayim</ref> The opinion of the following rabbanim is ambiguous: Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach<ref>See Halichot Shlomo v. 1</ref> and Rav Aharon Kotler.<ref>Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 31 quotes Rav Hershel Schachter and Rav Meir Senderovic as reporting that many students in Lakewood shaved and Rav Aharon did not say anything. He also quotes Rav Moshe Heinemann as quoting that Rav Aharon forbade electric shavers.</ref> | ||
#According to the stringent view, it is forbidden to use an electric shaver to get a clean shave, but it is permitted to shave in a way that leaves a thin layer of facial hair.<ref>[https://www.koltorah.org/halachah/clarifying-peot-and-electric-shavers-part-3-by-rabbi-chaim-jachter?rq=electric%20shaver Rabbi Jachter] quoting Yabia Omer 9:10 and Chelkat Yakov YD 90. Lhorot Natan 3:62 agrees.</ref> One possible way to shave permissibly according to this opinion is to disable the lift portion of a shaver and not repeatedly shave any area of the face.<ref>[https://www.koltorah.org/halachah/clarifying-peot-and-electric-shavers-part-3-by-rabbi-chaim-jachter?rq=electric%20shaver Binyamin Jachter]</ref> | #According to the stringent view, it is forbidden to use an electric shaver to get a clean shave, but it is permitted to shave in a way that leaves a thin layer of facial hair.<ref>[https://www.koltorah.org/halachah/clarifying-peot-and-electric-shavers-part-3-by-rabbi-chaim-jachter?rq=electric%20shaver Rabbi Jachter] quoting Yabia Omer 9:10 and Chelkat Yakov YD 90. Lhorot Natan 3:62 agrees.</ref> One possible way to shave permissibly according to this opinion is to disable the lift portion of a shaver and not repeatedly shave any area of the face.<ref>[https://www.koltorah.org/halachah/clarifying-peot-and-electric-shavers-part-3-by-rabbi-chaim-jachter?rq=electric%20shaver Binyamin Jachter]</ref> | ||
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# Zomet approved its use since it functions with a scissor action between the screen and blade.<ref>[https://www.koltorah.org/halachah/clarifying-peiot-and-electric-shavers-part-5-by-rabbi-jachter-and-binyamin-jachter-17 Rav Jachter (Shavers part 5)]</ref> | # Zomet approved its use since it functions with a scissor action between the screen and blade.<ref>[https://www.koltorah.org/halachah/clarifying-peiot-and-electric-shavers-part-5-by-rabbi-jachter-and-binyamin-jachter-17 Rav Jachter (Shavers part 5)]</ref> | ||
====Those Who Permit All Shavers==== | ====Those Who Permit All Shavers==== | ||
#Many poskim are of the opinion that according to the lenient view almost all electric shavers are permitted.<Ref>[https://www.zomet.org.il/eng/?CategoryID=253&ArticleID=141 Zomet], [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/746830/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-electric-shavers/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (Ten Minute Halacha, Electric Shavers)], [https://www.koltorah.org/halachah/clarifying-peiot-and-electric-shavers-part-5-by-rabbi-jachter-and-binyamin-jachter-17 Rabbi Jachter (Shavers part 5)]. Rabbi Jachter writes that many poskim permit all electric shavers and there is no difference between the different types. He concluded that almost all are permitted like Zomet's conclusion, though he isn't aware of any that are absolutely forbidden. See Peot Zekenecha (pg 81). See also the RJJ journal (Vol 36 article on Electric Shavers by David Schwartz) which quotes various testimonies of Rav Moshe's opinion (pg 108). Rav Mordechai Eliyahu in his comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 170:2 writes that although it is permitted to cut one's beard with a scissor like action even if it cut the hair so that the face is smooth, one should consult a posek about electric shavers because some cut in a scissor like fashion and some in a razor like fashion. See also [https://www.star-k.org/articles/kashrus-kurrents/563/electric-shavers/ Star-K] article on this.</ref> | #Many poskim are of the opinion that according to the lenient view almost all electric shavers are permitted.<Ref>[https://www.zomet.org.il/eng/?CategoryID=253&ArticleID=141 Zomet], [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/746830/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-electric-shavers/ Rav Aryeh Lebowitz (Ten Minute Halacha, Electric Shavers)], [https://www.koltorah.org/halachah/clarifying-peiot-and-electric-shavers-part-5-by-rabbi-jachter-and-binyamin-jachter-17 Rabbi Jachter (Shavers part 5)]. In his work, Halachic Haircutting Handbook p. 75 culled the opinions of Rav Shmuel Fuerst, Rav Hershel Schachter, Rav Elazar Meyer Teitz, Rav Mordechai Willig as holding that all shavers are permitted. Rabbi Jachter writes that many poskim permit all electric shavers and there is no difference between the different types. He concluded that almost all are permitted like Zomet's conclusion, though he isn't aware of any that are absolutely forbidden. See Peot Zekenecha (pg 81). See also the RJJ journal (Vol 36 article on Electric Shavers by David Schwartz) which quotes various testimonies of Rav Moshe's opinion (pg 108). Rav Mordechai Eliyahu in his comments to Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 170:2 writes that although it is permitted to cut one's beard with a scissor like action even if it cut the hair so that the face is smooth, one should consult a posek about electric shavers because some cut in a scissor like fashion and some in a razor like fashion. See also [https://www.star-k.org/articles/kashrus-kurrents/563/electric-shavers/ Star-K] article on this.</ref> | ||
==Haircutting Machines and Trimmers== | ==Haircutting Machines and Trimmers== | ||
