Shaving the Beard
Question
What are the Halachas regarding trimming the beard?, Is trimming with a scissor allowed? Follow up question: Is under the face near the bottom of chin and neck part of the beard (is cutting that different)
Answer
Shalom!
Thank you for your question!
The Torah tells us that “You shall not destroy the corners of your beard.” (1)
The Talmud (2) explains this to mean that one only transgresses the prohibition if one uses a razor blade to shave the beard. It is explained that only a razor “destroys” the beard. Using a razor, is in fact, an especially severe transgression.
It is permitted, however, to shave with scissors. This is true even if the final result might look similar to having shaved with a blade. As the Ritva (3) writes, “According to the letter of the law, if one shaves with scissors, even in a way that is similar to a razor, it is permitted…However, it is customary among pious individuals not to do so.”
The halacha is in accordance with this view, and the Shulchan Aruch (Code of Jewish Law) allows shaving the beard with scissors even if it gets close to the face, appearing similar to a razor. (4)
This brings us to the modern day electric shaver. Although it might not be readily apparent, electric shavers are considered to be “scissors” from the perspective of Jewish law. This is because an electric shaver cuts the hair of the beard as a result of the movement of two components: the screen and the blade. One of these components will not shave without the other. This is similar to a scissor which requires the movement of two components, namely, both blades of the scissor, in order to cut something.
Nevertheless, one who uses an electric shaver must be sure that it is of the type that leaves at least a small amount of hair visible that is also apparent to the touch. One must not use a saver that renders one completely clean shaven.
While it is best not to use a blade on the neck, it is permitted to do so if truly needed. (5)
Source
1. 1. Vayikra 19:27
2. 2. Makkot 20a; Nazir 39
3. 3. Makkot 21a
4. 4. YD 181.
5. 5. Gra, YD 181