Shalom, Mitspacha!
Prohibition of shaving the beard
"Do not round the corner of your head, nor destroy the corner of your beard.
- Wayyiqra (Leviticus) 19:27
"Therefore, having girded up the loins of your mind, being sober, put your expectation perfectly upon the favour that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Yahusha HaMashiach, as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts in your ignorance, instead, as the One who called you is qodesh, so you also should become qodesh in all behaviour, because it has been written, βBe qodesh, for I am qodesh.β
- KΔpha 1 (1 Peter) 1:13β16
YHVH gave instructions concerning the hair and the beard as part of His distinction between what is set apart to Him and practices that He forbids. His instructions are not ours to dismiss simply because the surrounding culture treats them as outdated or unimportant.
Obedience is expressed through respect for His commands, even in matters that others may regard as merely outward or personal. We must be careful not to adopt practices without considering whether they conflict with the standards YHVH has established.
Our appearance and personal choices should not be separated from our commitment to YHVH. The question is not simply what is fashionable, acceptable, or convenient, but whether our choices reflect respect for His instructions.
Let us examine our habits and traditions honestly. Are we allowing cultural expectations to take precedence over obedience? Do we treat any of YHVH's instructions as optional because they seem small?
Qodesh living involves the whole person. May our outward conduct and inward intentions reflect the set-apart life to which YHVH calls us.
YHVH, teach us to respect Your instructions and not to dismiss any part of Your Word as unimportant. Give us understanding to recognise practices that conflict with Your will, and courage to choose obedience rather than follow the expectations of the world.
Examine our hearts, our habits and our decisions. Help us to live as a set-apart people, with humility, discernment and faithfulness in every area of our lives.
Baruch YHVH. Emet.
YHVH bless you and guard you.
YHVH make His face shine upon you and show you favour.
YHVH lift up His face upon you and give you peace.
- Bemidbar (Numbers) 6:24β26
Shalom until tomorrow.