Mitzvah #253 - Payot; the Torah haircut

One is forbidden to shave off the corners of the head of a Jewish male.

Even cutting them off with scissors is forbidden. Trimming them is allowed.

("The corners of the head" is the hair that grows in the triangular area from the top of the ear to the forehead to the sideburns all the way to the bottom of the skull near the hole in the ear.)

One who shaves off both corners has transgressed twice.

The one who does the shaving has transgressed; a woman's "corners" may be shaved, but a woman may not shave a man's "corners".

The one being shaved has not transgressed, unless he assists in the process.

It is also forbidden to shave a boy's "corners" - even if he is under Bar Mitzva.

Applies to everybody, on males only, everywhere, always.

Verse: "Do not round off the corners of your heads" (Vayikra 19:27)

Source: The Chafetz-Chaim's Sefer haMitzvot haKatzar; Prohibition 176

- Danny
Sunday, 16 Marcheshvan 5771