I have seen this on TV and wonder what is the reason or what does it mean?!
2007-03-09 05:29:56 · 4 answers · asked by salmasharif2001 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Here's an answer from a prominant orthodox rabbi:
The Torah says, "You shall not round off the peyos of your head" (Leviticus 19:27). The word peyos refers to sideburns -- i.e. the hair in front of the ears that extends to underneath the cheekbone which is level with the nose (Talmud - Makkot 20a). The Talmud explains that this law only applies to men, not to women.
Maimonides explains that the prohibition of “rounding” prohibits the removal of sideburns, by razor, tweezers or any other means. Though it is permitted to trim the sideburns, even very close to the skin, using scissors.
Even though sideburns are enough to satisfy the Torah requirement of peyos, many Jews grow their peyos long as a way of emphasizing the commandment (Peyos sounds like pious, right?!), or simply of Jewish identification. Some will curl their peyos, while others while tuck them behind their ear. It’s just a matter of individual taste, or communal custom.
Hair is also a symbol of vanity, a preoccupation of how one looks. The prohibition against cutting off the peyos reminds a person to de-emphasize his looks, and instead depend on intellect and good character. (Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, 19th century Germany)
From a mystical perspective, peyos separate between the front part of the brain which is used for abstract thought that can be used for holiness, and the back part of the brain that governs the body.
2007-03-09 05:38:10 · answer #1 · answered by mzJakes 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are called "Peyos"
The Torah says, "You shall not round off the peyos of your head" (Leviticus 19:27). The word peyos refers to sideburns -- i.e. the hair in front of the ears that extends to underneath the cheekbone which is level with the nose (Talmud - Makkot 20a). The Talmud explains that this law only applies to men, not to women.
2007-03-09 05:36:09 · answer #2 · answered by Kallan 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
As others have reported, it somewhat is non secular Jews that notice the injunction against slicing the hair. and that i completely trust ANNA; Chaim Potok is a marvelous author and the chosen gives you a shifting and thrilling glimpse into the lives of Chassidic Jews.
2016-10-17 23:20:12 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they interpret scripture that basically says not to cut the corners of your hair
2007-03-09 05:34:14 · answer #4 · answered by Quantrill 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋