Nazir 40 continues the analysis of possible sources for the rule that a nazir is required to utilize a razor when shaving at the end of the nazir period. In so doing, the gemara attempts to learn this rule from the general principles by levi'im as well as from metzora in that the levi'im must be properly groomed for the avoda and the metzora must shave off all body hair as part of his purification process.
As part of the discussion, the daf makes reference to the gemara in Makkos 20a which details the rules that prohibit Jewish males from cutting off certain parts of the beard. As anyone who has ever been (or taken their son to) a barber knows, this is the source for the rule that the peyot (sideburns) must not be cut off. Ironically, the biblical reference for this law is found in this week's parsha of Kedoshim where at 19:27 the Torah states that you shall not destroy the corners of the beard.
When I was in law school I used to try to find the time to learn daf with my chavrusa, R' Daniel H. We were not always successful in covering whole mesechtot, but we tried to work it into our schedule. We used to have an expression that when the daf referenced that week's parsha or discussed a holiday that was swiftly approaching that "the daf laughs at you." This discussion of the laws of peyot in today's daf would certainly fall into that catrogory.
In any event, since there is a dual reference, I though it appropriate to at least discuss briefly the laws of not trimming one's sideburns too short. The gemara in Makkos indicates that the verse in Kedoshim bars one from making the hair at the temples even with the area behind the ears. The gemara further teaches that there is a separate violation for shaving each temple. So if your barber makes a mistake, you may be better served telling him that it will grow back, rather than having him even it out.
If you have seen this post being carried on another site such as JBlog, please feel free to click here to find other articles on the kosherbeers blogsite. Hey its free and you can push my counter numbers up!
As part of the discussion, the daf makes reference to the gemara in Makkos 20a which details the rules that prohibit Jewish males from cutting off certain parts of the beard. As anyone who has ever been (or taken their son to) a barber knows, this is the source for the rule that the peyot (sideburns) must not be cut off. Ironically, the biblical reference for this law is found in this week's parsha of Kedoshim where at 19:27 the Torah states that you shall not destroy the corners of the beard.
When I was in law school I used to try to find the time to learn daf with my chavrusa, R' Daniel H. We were not always successful in covering whole mesechtot, but we tried to work it into our schedule. We used to have an expression that when the daf referenced that week's parsha or discussed a holiday that was swiftly approaching that "the daf laughs at you." This discussion of the laws of peyot in today's daf would certainly fall into that catrogory.
In any event, since there is a dual reference, I though it appropriate to at least discuss briefly the laws of not trimming one's sideburns too short. The gemara in Makkos indicates that the verse in Kedoshim bars one from making the hair at the temples even with the area behind the ears. The gemara further teaches that there is a separate violation for shaving each temple. So if your barber makes a mistake, you may be better served telling him that it will grow back, rather than having him even it out.
If you have seen this post being carried on another site such as JBlog, please feel free to click here to find other articles on the kosherbeers blogsite. Hey its free and you can push my counter numbers up!
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