I have often been asked to explain the various opinions regarding shaving with an electric shaver. Without addressing any of the Kabbalistic aspects, as they are above my pay grade, I would like to elaborate on the basic Halachic positions of those who are stringent and lenient.<\/p>\n
The Mishna in Makkos\u00a0on Daf\u00a020a\u00a0writes that one only receives lashes for transgressing the prohibition against shaving when a razor is utilized. The Pesukim\u00a0(Vayikra\u00a021:5 and 19:27) describe the Issur\u00a0as both \u201cshaving\u201d the beard as well as \u201cdestroying\u201d the hairs. The Gemara on 21a\u00a0elaborates that a scissors is\u00a0not included in \u201cdestruction\u201d though it would qualify as \u201cshaving\u201d. On the other hand, the Gemara continues that tweezing the hairs would be excluded because it is not considered \u201cshaving\u201d, even though the hairs are destroyed from the roots.<\/p>\n
From this Gemara the Poskim derive that to be forbidden, two qualifications must be met. To be considered \u201cshaving\u201d a method considered a typical procedure for cutting the hairs must be employed. An electric shaver would certainly meet this requirement.<\/p>\n
However, there are two basic opinions regarding the definition of \u201cdestroying\u201d. The more stringent position considers anything that leaves no perceptible stubble to have removed all hair above the skin level equivalent to a razor, and considers this included in the Biblical prohibition against shaving the face. Consequently, most high-end electric shavers would be problematic. The important factor is the results, and in this they are identical. (This point itself is debatable. It is very questionable if any electric shaver can cut quite as close as razor due to the intervening shield.)<\/p>\n
The second view distinguishes between a tweezers which uproots the roots from within the follicle and is certainly \u201cdestruction\u201d with a method of cutting. In their opinion, any blade that does not cut independently and requires an opposing surface to create a scissor action is inherently different than\u00a0a razor. Furthermore, according to this opinion, if the blade does not make direct contact with the skin, it is intrinsically different than\u00a0a razor and is more similar to a permitted scissor. Since all electric shavers consist of a screen or grill between the blade and skin, they would be permitted.<\/p>\n
The majority of Litvish\u00a0Poskim\u00a0in Chutz\u00a0l\u2019Aretz, including apparently Reb Moshe Feinstein zatzal\u00a0although there is no explicit Teshuva\u00a0from him on this subject, followed the second more lenient view. However, the Chassidic\u00a0and many Sefardi\u00a0Poskim\u00a0ruled stringently, in addition to giving greater weight to the Kabbalistic concerns. Additionally, a number of the Litvishe\u00a0Poskim\u00a0in Eretz\u00a0Yisroel\u00a0subscribe to the more stringent position. Other authorities cite additional issues such as whether shaving is inherently \u201cnot Jewish\u201d or gives a feminine appearance. Ultimately, each individual should follow his Rav\u00a0and Posek.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
I have often been asked to explain the various opinions regarding shaving with an electric shaver. Without addressing any of the Kabbalistic aspects, as they are above my pay grade, I would like to elaborate on the basic Halachic positions … Continue reading