From the Rebbe:
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]. 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 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.
(Source: Igros Kodesh – Miluyim – 13 Menachem Av 5718. Translated by Sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon. To order The Beard in Jewish Law, visit Kehot.com
In response to the comments suggesting that the non-Chasidic, Litvish gedolim believe that it is acceptable for Jews to cut their beards – Following is the view of the recognized “Gadol Hador” of the Litvishe world of the current generation, Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita, quoted from his sefer Orchos Yosher (perek 5): “The Gemora (Shabbos 152a) states: “Hadras Ponim — the splendor of the countenance — means a beard.” Throughout our history, it has been a disgrace for anyone not to have a beard. It is only in recent generations that some have started to treat this irreverently, having learned… Read more »
The difference between other “heterim” and cutting the beard is clear. Other “heterim” are viewed by the sources of the heter as “l’chatchila.” Regarding cutting the beard with scissors, the Rebbe explains that “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” (Likkutei Sichos, Vol. XII, pg. 206; Igros Kodesh, Vol. XXII, pg. 490, See there where the Rebbe writes further: “According to the Rebbe, the Tzemach Tzedek and many halachic authorities who preceded him and followed him, [trimming the beard] involves a… Read more »
The seminal source reference for this discussion is the letter of the Rebbe Rashab, which is (not a letter to a private individual, but rather) a “Public Announcement” addressed (not to Lubavitchers, but) to the entire Klal Yisroel. The Rebbe Rashab wrote as follows [translated from the Igros Kodesh of the Rebbe Rashab, vol. II p.527]: “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… Read more »
that someone is talking about tznius for the men.
Pack away your shorts, your t-shirts with slogans, cut your hair (after Tisha b’Av), and for goodness sake, grow your beard. Galach – shaven – is not a nice name for a Yid.
the rebbe wants as he clearly indicates a: “full beard” !!
see tzemach tedek’s resposa (to which the rebbe is metzayain)
thatv trimming the beard is to say the least an issur chotzi shiur of “loi yilbash gever simlas ishah” and chotzi shiur is OSUR MIN HATORAH!
the rebbe’s letter of course is applicible to teachers and magidai shiur and should be brought to the attention of pricipal and hanhalah who hire them
Lets resist the urge to knock other people comments or questions.
Please realize some are children, or anyone may be hurt by your insensitivity…
well you know there is the thing about 2 shirum a day even when there is a day off? this is for all staff all over the world. oh my learning in the summer. From the top down. this is a great way to change the world for the positive and bring growth to us all.
Innocently seems you don’t live in this world, nevertheless you use a computor, anyway and to answer your rethorical question, : that is fine and it is highly discernable, of course
to #1
Don’t be infantile, if someone cannot, emphasis cannot, even though it is his will, to grow a beard, how could the Rebbe or the Torah blame him.
Can’t grow one? See a doctor. Don’t want to grow one? See the Shulchan Orech.
While there will be hundreds of comments on the article on the so called tznius police, here it will be deathly quiet as viewers will skim over the rebbe’s words yawning & thinking to themselves that this is way above my head
The former. Obviously there is no judgement for a bochur who can’t, or at least at the moment hasn’t yet begun to have his beard come in naturally. This directive of the Rebbe was circa 1958, when Lubavitch was much, much smaller than it is today, and many boys who were brought closer to Lubavitch from other backgrounds, or even some who came from Chassidic roots but were more modern, shaved. Hence, it wasn’t a farfetched possibility to have a good, eidel bochur who shaved in that epoch. Very different outlook today, where a beard is seen, and justly so,… Read more »
I have a close relative who has no hair therefore has no beard and he was one of the best counselors in camp the kids know the difference when ones beard doesn’t grow or when the beard is being removed, I think this will suffice.
should also be tznius, as well as Chabad House receptionists. I know placses where Shul pre-school teachers and employees don’t cover their hair and dress modern orthodox, it’s not good for the children’s neshamos.
This letter is clearly referring to someone who shaves or trims his beard in violation of the prohibition explained in the Teshuva of the Tzemach Tzedek cited by the Rebbe in the letter.
Yes, of course a bochur who can’t grow a beard isn’t thereby excluded. Neither are the counselors in girls’ camps. 🙂 It is indeed referring to bochurim who shave their beards.
Is this talking about shaving? What about a bochur that just can’t grow one?