Anyone here familiar w/ Judaism?

[Zim Hosein]

A co-worker of mine told me that during this time of year, Jewish men cannot shave their facial hair. Is this true, and if so, anyone know the background behind this tradition? Thanks in advance :beer:

 

[amcdonald]

It's so they don't freeze to death during hibernation

 

[chrisms]

I don't think this is true.. but if it was it also depends on the type of Jew

 

[Strk]

I've never heard of this, but you never know with some of the Orthodox ones.

 

[Platypus]

I know my muslim coworker couldn't shave for some period of time after one of his relatives died.

 

[tami]

zim, next time you have a jewish question, PM me or the hubby

anyway, during the 7 weeks beginning with the first night of passover (some people have a custom to go up till the 33rd day instead of day 49), there is a mourning period that relates to the students of rabbi akiva (of the old days) who all died. the only day that they didn't die was on day 33 which is why that day is somewhat of a celebration. chances are, jews that keep this mourning custom will shave on day 33 but may (or may not) recommence "mourning" until day 49, which is the jewish holiday of shavuoth.

as far as shaving after a relative dies (parents, siblings, or a spouse), there's a mourning period for as well called "shiva" where the individual wears tattered clothing, doesn't shave, and sits on the floor (or lowered chairs) to remember their loved one -- for a full 7 days. people come in during certain hours and give their condolences.

 

[tami]

Originally posted by: chrisms
I don't think this is true.. but if it was it also depends on the type of Jew

it's true. the "type" of jew basically stems from the knowledge that the jew has about the situation and the level of observance. a lot of jews who never attended a jewish day school or don't really keep many of the jewish laws probably haven't even heard of it.

 

[Zim Hosein]

Originally posted by: tami
zim, next time you have a jewish question, PM me or the hubby

I forgot

Thank you for the detailed explanation, I appreciate the facts and insight

 

[tami]

Originally posted by: Zim Hosein

Originally posted by: tami
zim, next time you have a jewish question, PM me or the hubby

I forgot

Thank you for the detailed explanation, I appreciate the facts and insight

anytime, zimmie!