This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
After the first haircut, does one need to wait for a reprimand for a second haircut?
Answer
According to the basic law, there is no need to wait for an additional reprimand, and one is allowed to have a haircut at will after the first haircut, as is the custom of the Sephardim. However, the Ashkenazi custom is to be stringent, and even after the first haircut, throughout the year, they wait for a reprimand or three months, or in cases of necessity such as financial loss, etc.
Source
It is written in the Shulchan Aruch, Siman 390, Seif 4: "For all the deceased, one shaves after thirty days; for one's father and mother, until his friends reprimand him." And the Rema wrote: "And there is a dispute regarding the measure of reprimand, and the custom is three months (according to the opinion of the Mahari in his rulings and Agudah, Maharil, and Ran). And in these places, the custom is not to cut hair for father and mother for all 12 months (Maharil, custom of some places), unless necessary, such as when the hair becomes heavy, or when he walks among idolaters and becomes disheveled among them due to his hair, then it is permitted to cut (so answered the AZ)."
Therefore, according to the Shulchan Aruch, after the first haircut, the prohibition of haircut for the mourner ends, but according to the Rema, the custom is to be stringent for all 12 months to shave only when necessary or after a reprimand or after three months.
Rabbi Akiva Eiger wrote: "In the DM, he brought the AZ and said: if you can cut after your father within 12 months because you are engaged in your livelihood and are among the ministers, and I inform you that 12 months are not mentioned concerning hair growth, only until his friends reprimand him, and what is customary for 12 months is only a stringency for the honor of his father and mother, therefore you are allowed to cut as usual." It implies that according to the law, after waiting for the reprimand, it is permitted to shave afterward as usual, and there is no need to wait each time for the reprimand, but the custom is to be stringent for all 12 months, and since he walks among the ministers, there is no need to hold this stringency, and it returns to the law that after the reprimand, one shaves as usual, and this is the intention of the Rema here initially wrote, and in these places, it is customary, etc., and then wrote, unless, etc., and this means that then there is no need to worry about this custom, but before the time of reprimand, it does not help that he walks among the ministers, and after he shaved for the time of reprimand, there is no need to wait again for the reprimand, but shaves afterward as usual according to the habit." It implies that according to the basic law, it is not necessary, and the custom is to be stringent.
In Pitchei Teshuva SK 4, he wrote: "And see in Teshuvot Adnei Paz Siman 8, where it is written that the intention of the Rema is that after three months have passed, which is the measure of reprimand, it is permitted to cut oneself whenever he wishes according to his previous custom." And he holds that there is not even a custom to be stringent.
Practically, for Ashkenazim, one should not cut hair without necessity, without reprimand, or after three months. But in case of necessity, one can be lenient.
Comments
Have an additional question on this topic or need clarification? Leave your comment below. (Please note that the comment will not be published but will be sent directly to the answering Rabbi for review and a private response)