"May the mouths of those who speak falsehood be shut"
(יסכר פי דוברי שקר)
Rabbi ELCHONON HALPERN
189, Golders Green Road,
London, N.W.11.
Phone: 01-455 6298 |
אלחנן בהר"ר דוד ז"ל היילפרין
מרדומישלא-קאַשוי
רב ור"מ בלונדון נ.וו.
נשיא הכבוד דהתאחדות קהלות החרדים |
ב"ה
Free Translation
15 Kislev, 5764
I call out to you, esteemed men, about an issue that has been raised numerous times in the past. The issue concerns a great failing that has taken root even among Torah scholars, namely, to shave their beards with electric shavers.
One who peruses the sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon, authored by Rabbi Moshe Wiener of New York and published over twenty years ago, will see, recognize, and understand that doing so entails biblical prohibitions.
It is untrue what has been repeated in the name of one or more gedolim [ושקר ענו בנו בשם גדול או גדולים ] that there are certain shavers that may be used; may the mouths of those who speak falsehood be shut [יסכר פי דוברי שקר ]!
I therefore request of you to please have mercy upon yourselves and discontinue using any shaver that removes all the hairs of the beard.
I am also turning to the righteous women to come to Hashem's assistance with might-the might of Torah, by influencing their husbands to rectify this shocking breach.
May we see the fulfillment of the possuk in Shir Hashirim, "Show me your appearance, let me hear your voice, because your voice is sweet and your appearance is beautiful." This means that the acceptance of our prayers on High is dependent on our appearance. Your favorable reward will be complete from Hashem. May it be pleasant for those who will heed to the above, and may blessings of good come upon you.
Along with them are all those who fear the word of Hashem, pious individuals and men of stature, wise, understanding, and knowledgeable men, who follow and heed the directions of the wise and intelligent. They let their beards grow, in contrast to those who destroy it. [The beard is rooted in and draws down blessings from] the thirteen Pathways of Mercy, displaying a radiant, pleasing countenance, and the mercy of Heaven is upon them. May Hashem be with them as he was with their fathers, and may he never leave them or forsake them. May we merit all together to greet our righteous Moshiach speedily, Amen!
(Rav) *Elchonon Halpern |
