Shalom, Mitspacha!
Prohibition of shaving the corners of the head
"Do not round the corner of your head, nor destroy the corner of your beard.
And do not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor put tattoo marks on you. I am YHVH.
- Wayyiqra (Leviticus) 19:27–28
"they do not make any bald place on their heads, and they do not shave the corner of their beard, and they do not make a cutting in their flesh.
They are qodesh to their Elohim and do not profane the Name of their Elohim, for they bring the offerings of YHVH made by fire, and the bread of their Elohim, and shall be qodesh.
- Wayyiqra (Leviticus) 21:5–6
"You are the children of YHVH your Elohim. Do not cut yourselves nor shave the front of your head for the dead,
for you are a qodesh people to YHVH your Elohim, and YHVH has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a treasured possession above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.
- Devarim (Deuteronomy) 14:1–2
The Torah gives specific instructions concerning the shaving of the corners of the head and beard, and the cutting of the body in connection with the dead. These commands were given to Yisra’el as a people set apart to YHVH.
Wayyiqra 21 also gives particular instructions to the priests, whose service required them to maintain their holiness before Elohim. Devarim reminds all Yisra’el that they are a qodesh people and a treasured possession of YHVH.
We must therefore distinguish between the instructions given specifically to the priesthood and those given to Yisra’el as a whole, while taking care not to dismiss the purpose behind either.
The outward customs of a people can carry meanings that are not immediately apparent. These passages call us to examine the practices we adopt and the traditions we follow, asking whether they honour YHVH or reflect customs associated with the dead and the surrounding nations.
We should study the instructions in their context, understand whom they address, and apply them with discernment. We must also avoid using these passages as an excuse to judge others without understanding their circumstances.
Our calling is to be a people set apart to YHVH, mindful that we belong to Him.
YHVH, our Elohim, teach us to understand Your instructions with wisdom and discernment. Help us to examine our customs and practices in the light of Your Word, and to distinguish Your ways from the traditions of the nations. Keep our hearts devoted to You, and guide us to walk as a people set apart for Your purpose. May our lives honour Your Name in both what we do and what we refrain from doing.
Baruch YHVH. Emet.
"YHVH bless you and guard you;
YHVH make His face shine upon you, and show favour to you;
YHVH lift up His face upon you, and give you peace.
- Bemidbar (Numbers) 6:24–26
Shalom until tomorrow.