186. Shaving the Corners of the Head

Avodas Kochavim 11:16

All the forms of sorcery discussed in this chapter are lies that the idolators used to deceive the nations in order to get them to follow their idols. It is not appropriate for Jews to follow such nonsense, nor to attribute any value to them. Numbers 23:23 says, “There is no divination found among Jacob, nor soothsaying within Israel.” Deuteronomy 18:14 likewise states that “The nations you are driving out follow astrologers and diviners but God has not given you things like these.”

If a person believes in sorcery like these, thinking that they are true and wise albeit prohibited by the Torah, then he is foolish. Wise people know that all these magics that the Torah has forbidden are simply forms of emptiness that attract feebleminded people and cause them to abandon the path of truth. This is why, when the Torah prohibits all these things, it adds “Be of perfect faith with Hashem, your God” (Deuteronomy 18:13).

Avodas Kochavim 12:1

We are not permitted to shave the corners of our heads the way that the idolators and their priests do, as per Leviticus 19:27, “Do not round the corners of your heads.” A person is liable for each corner, so if he shaves both sides, he is liable for two sets of lashes. This is so even if he shaved both sides simultaneously and was only warned once. The prohibition applies both to a person who shaves off the corners but leaves the rest of his hair and to a person who shaves his entire head at one time. If a person shaves off the corners, he is liable.

The prohibition applies to the one who does the shaving; the one being shaved does not receive lashes unless he assists in the act. If a person shaves the corners of a minor’s head, he is liable.