2,877. A Nazir Like the Hairs of His Head

Hilchos Nezirus 3:17

If someone says, “I am a nazir according to the fullness of this building” or “according to the fullness of this basket,” we inquire as to his intention. If he says that his intention wasn’t to be a nazir for his whole life, rather just for a long time, then he must observe nezirus for 30 days. If he says that he made the vow without any specific intention in mind, then we treat the bucket as if it were filled with mustard seeds, with the result that he must observe nezirus for the rest of his life, cutting his hair every twelve months and bringing offerings in the manner of a permanent nazir.

Hilchos Nezirus 3:18

If someone declares himself a nazir like the hairs of his head, like the dust of the earth or like the sand of the sea, it’s tantamount to saying that he will observe as many nezirus periods as there are hairs on his head, dust on the earth or grains of sand on the shore. Accordingly, he must shave every 30 days, observe another 30-day nezirus period, then cut his hair and repeat this pattern until he dies. When he shaves, he is prohibited to drink wine or be rendered unclean through contact with the dead. If he drinks wine or is rendered unclean, he is liable to the penalty of lashes. This is true even of the day he shaves.