Spring 2026

The Torah forbids men to use a razor to shave the pei’as hazakein, which are the corners or edges of the beard. There are many opinions regarding the exact location of these corners, which are not delineated in the Gemara. Therefore, to fulfill all opinions, the Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 181:11) states that a G-d-fearing person should not use a razor on any area of his beard.

This prohibition is found twice in the Torah: In Vayikra 21:5, the Torah forbids giluach – shaving, while in Vayikra 19:27, it forbids hashchosa – destruction. From this, Chazal explain the prohibition as the complete removal of the hair (hachchosa) with an implement that is commonly used for shaving (giluach).

A man is therefore permitted to cut his beard with scissors, which does not completely remove the hair. He may also pluck his hair with tweezers or use depilatory cream, as these are not common […]