Shaving in Judaism

Common card · No. 448319

Halacha, or 'Jewish law' prohibits shaving with a razor on the basis of a rabbinic interpretation of Leviticus 19:27, which states, "Ye shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard." The Mishnah interprets this as a prohibition on using a razor on the beard. The prohibition does not, however, apply to trimming with scissors or other forms of facial hair removal that do not involve a razor on the face. Based on the words "the corners of your heads" in the same verse, halacha requires that Jews not cut their sideburns above the cheekbone, leaving pe'ot. This prohibition is further expanded upon in kabbalistic literature.

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