How Low Do the Peyos Extend?

The Shulchan Aruch (Y.D. 181:9) states that the peyos extend to the “bottom of the ear.” Some say that the “bottom of the ear” means the bottom of the ear canal, which is below the protruding lower jawbone next to the ear (Shulchan HaLevi p. 123), others say it refers to the top of the earlobe (sefer Peyos Z’kanecha p. 48), and a third opinion maintains that the Shulchan Aruch refers to the bottom of the earlobe (Shulchan HaLevi p.123). According to all opinions, the peyos include the full width of the sideburn.

The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.