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Leviticus 19:27 - Preserving sacred physical identity?

Leviticus 19:27 - ויקרא 19:27

Hebrew Text

לֹא תַקִּפוּ פְּאַת רֹאשְׁכֶם וְלֹא תַשְׁחִית אֵת פְּאַת זְקָנֶךָ׃

English Translation

You shall not round the corners of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the corners of thy beard.

Transliteration

Lo takifu pe'at roshkhem velo tashkhit et pe'at zekanecha.

Hebrew Leining Text

לֹ֣א תַקִּ֔פוּ פְּאַ֖ת רֹאשְׁכֶ֑ם וְלֹ֣א תַשְׁחִ֔ית אֵ֖ת פְּאַ֥ת זְקָנֶֽךָ׃
לֹ֣א תַקִּ֔פוּ פְּאַ֖ת רֹאשְׁכֶ֑ם וְלֹ֣א תַשְׁחִ֔ית אֵ֖ת פְּאַ֥ת זְקָנֶֽךָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Prohibition Against Shaving the Head and Beard

The verse לֹא תַקִּפוּ פְּאַת רֹאשְׁכֶם וְלֹא תַשְׁחִית אֵת פְּאַת זְקָנֶךָ (Vayikra 19:27) prohibits two distinct acts:

  • Rounding the corners of the head (לֹא תַקִּפוּ פְּאַת רֹאשְׁכֶם): This refers to shaving the hair at the temples in a circular manner, leaving the center of the head untouched (Rashi, based on Makkot 20b). The Talmud explains that this was a pagan mourning practice (Makkot 20b), and the Torah forbids imitating such customs.
  • Destroying the corners of the beard (וְלֹא תַשְׁחִית אֵת פְּאַת זְקָנֶךָ): This prohibits shaving the beard with a razor. The Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 12:6) clarifies that while shaving with a razor is forbidden, trimming with scissors or another tool is permitted.

Spiritual and Ethical Significance

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 252) explains that these prohibitions serve to distance the Jewish people from idolatrous practices and cultivate a distinct appearance that reflects holiness. The beard, in particular, is seen as a symbol of dignity and wisdom (Vayikra Rabbah 27:6).

Halachic Details

According to the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 181):

  • The prohibition applies to five areas of the beard: the upper jaw, lower jaw, and the sides (based on the Talmud in Makkot 20a).
  • Shaving with an electric razor is debated among poskim, with some permitting it if it does not cut like a blade (Igrot Moshe, YD 2:137).
  • The prohibition of rounding the head applies only to men (Tosafot, Nazir 58a).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Makkot 20b
The verse is discussed in the context of the prohibitions against rounding the head and destroying the beard, as part of the broader discussion on the commandments related to personal appearance and mourning practices.
📖 Kiddushin 35b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the applicability of certain commandments to women, with the sages debating whether the prohibition against rounding the head and marring the beard applies to both men and women.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'You shall not round the corners of your heads' mean in Leviticus 19:27?
A: This verse prohibits shaving or cutting the hair at the temples (pe'ot) in a circular fashion, leaving sideburns. According to Rashi, this was a pagan practice, and the Torah forbids imitating such customs. The pe'ot (sidelocks) are a sign of Jewish identity and commitment to Torah commandments.
Q: Why does the Torah forbid marring the corners of the beard?
A: The Torah prohibits destroying (or shaving completely) the five corners of the beard, as explained in the Talmud (Makkot 20b). Rambam (Hilchot Avodat Kochavim 12:7) states that this was associated with idolatrous practices. Many Jewish men today leave their beards untrimmed or use scissors rather than a razor to avoid violating this commandment.
Q: How do Orthodox Jews apply Leviticus 19:27 today?
A: Many Orthodox Jewish men grow pe'ot (sidelocks) and avoid shaving their beards with a razor. Some use electric shavers with leniencies based on halachic opinions, while others grow full beards. The exact practice varies among communities, but the principle remains to distinguish Jewish appearance from forbidden idolatrous customs.
Q: What is the significance of pe'ot (sidelocks) in Judaism?
A: Pe'ot serve as a physical reminder of Jewish identity and adherence to Torah commandments. The Midrash (Sifra Kedoshim) connects them to holiness (kedusha), emphasizing that Jews must separate themselves from non-Jewish practices. Many Chassidic and Yemenite Jews grow long pe'ot as a sign of piety.
Q: Does Leviticus 19:27 apply to women as well?
A: No, this commandment specifically addresses men. The Talmud (Kiddushin 29a) explains that women are exempt from positive time-bound commandments, and this prohibition is linked to male grooming practices. However, modesty in hair covering (for married women) is derived from other Torah sources.