Rabbi Moshe Wiener, author of the Sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon on the Halachic prohibition of cutting one’s beard, forwarded to us the following letter from the Rebbe to the directors of a summer camp who asked whether it was okay to hire a staff-member who cut his beard.
The following is the Rebbe’s response (translation by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger):
Regarding the camp: I received comments from several people that the success of the camp would be increased if the counselors would align their external appearance with the [values and principles] that they wish to ingrain within the children. They immediately added that, of course, regarding conducting oneself according to Shulchan Aruch, everything was in order, but several of the counselors did not have a beard. It can be actually seen that the appearance of someone who has a full beard makes an impression on anyone with whom they come in contact, and particularly on children of a young age. Such a person serves as a living example of the image of Jewish spiritual giants which children – and even adults – picture in their minds.
As is well known, an important Rabbinic leader of the general Jewish community brought several arguments against the ruling of the Tzemach Tzedek in his responsa (Yoreh Deah, responsum 93) [which forbids cutting the beard in any manner]. After [his] analytic discussion [of the matter], one of the listeners asked [the Rabbi]: “How did he picture the image of Moshe Rabbeinu, the receiver of the Torah? Did he have a beard?”
Without thinking at length, the Rabbinic leader answered: Of course, he had a beard – even though that explicitly, the Tanach only mentioned Aaron’s beard.
The questioner than asked: If the license to cut one’s beard is so clear in his opinion, why was it so obvious to not only him – but indeed even to non-Jews – that Moshe Rabbeinu had a full grown beard? The logical conclusions of this are obvious.
Our Sages’ adage: “We do not cry out over the past.” In this instance, however, I am focused more on the future than on the past. May it be G-d’s will that these words be accepted according to their intent, for they were meant for your good and the good of your wife in material and spiritual matters.
(Igros Kodesh – Miluyim – 13 Menachem Av 5718)
the same thing goes to tznius obviously. Same Torah and same G-d.
The Rebbe clarified his position regarding trimming the beard in a letter published in Likutei Sichos volume 12 page 490. Following is a translation of part of the text: With regard to maintaining a full beard: It is obvious that, according to all opinions, there is positive religious significance to such an act. The differences of opinion [among the Rabbis] involve only whether leniency can be granted due to perceived duress and whether the prohibition is Scriptural or Rabbinic. It is, however, obvious according to the revealed tradition of Torah Law – and to an even greater degree according to… Read more »
See: http://www.koshershaver.info Following is a translation of the Rebbe Rashab’s halachic ruling about whether it is permissible to trim the beard: Important Announcement To our Jewish brethren, “believers, children of believers”: Since there are many who permit themselves to cut their beards with scissors, basing it on what is quoted in the Shulchan Aruch and declaring that they are acting thus in accordance with the Halacha as stated in Shulchan Aruch – It is our obligation to announce publicly that they are in error, for this is absolutely prohibited (Isur Gomur) according to the Torah itself (Midorayso), as many of… Read more »
First in response to the last commentator – unless it is out of print there is a very large English Sefer on the Halachic of the beard with tons of notes. Second – Imagine r”l walking in manhattan and you pass a church and not one but ten of your former students come out with their new non Jewish wives. You cry in your heart for the chain that has now been severed. Their children will not be Jewish. Why did this have to happen. I am not putting the blame anywhere but when a child starts to rebel and… Read more »
Some people can’t physically grow a long beard – people have asked why my extremely frum husband has such a short beard. The reality is that although he is super careful with it – it just doesn’t grow. He is close to 50 now and still has a sparse beard. There is a story of the Rebbe where a man without any beard had gone to the Rebbe and the Rebbe gave him great honor but everyone was confused. The reality is that in Russia he had taken a medicine that made all his hair fall out in his whole… Read more »
From some of the sincere comments posted here and elsewhere, it seems that our institutions need to include why Chassidim have full beards and why it is deemed so critically important. This should include real textual study which include the ruchniyus aspect, from Zohar and the like, and Halchik texts, of which there are many, including the well worded Teshuvas and writings of our Rabeim. If the only reason to grow a full beard is perceived as cultural, we are allowing pure ignorance to permeate our communities. That is according to all opinions.
I personally keep a full beard but I dont understand why people take so seriously in terms of measuring frumkite. I live in a place with litvish/ yeshivish place and I know lots of very learned frum people who dont have a beard and it doesnt reflect anything. On the hand I know chabad people who atent so religious. In general but do keep a beard. It seems more like a cultural preferance more than a religious one.
But I did not see the answer whether hire or not.
So they why do these camps and schools ask for money, from chabad business man who cut or trim their beards? Just leave these business man alone
So is it okay to cut or not?
Furthermore, my Rav told me a woman cannot trust a Mikveh attendant who doesn’t cover her hair, despite her experience, character & being shomer Shabbos etc. We expect balanot, teachers, counselors etc to impart yiras shamayim. That means they DRESS as they should. Outside appearances are the first indication of where a person holds. My husband was very upset when he saw my daughter’s teacher wearing a short skirt, and he asked me to complain. The principal didn’t care & denied it. (Before you all say he shouldn’t be looking, he was holding the door for her as he was… Read more »
But to publicly honor someone without a beard who gives money that enables the institution, that’s ok.
Alright. I get a distinction. Counselor has direct connection to and strong influence on the youth.But let’s not take license from this, that one may judge another (at all, including) by his facial hair. That’s between him and his creator, Rebbe, mashpia.
Back to camp counselor – it could be as easy as any other service establishment. There’s a uniform to be worn. And in a Lubavitch camp they can require whatever dress code (external appearance) they wish.