From the Rav’s Desk: Shaalos Veteshuvos on Peyos & More

Placing the Peyos behind or covering ears:^[1]

A person should avoid covering his ears with his Peyos during Shemoneh Esrei and throughout Davening. [Some^[2] learn that one is to be particular in this throughout the day and not just during prayer. Some^[3] learn that this means that one is not the place of the Peyos behind the ears, although others^[4] learn this to mean that the Peyos should not be placed on the ear, covering the hole, although may be placed behind the ear. Regarding the Chabad custom, Chassidim from Russia were accustomed to tie their Peyos on their ears.[5] Nonetheless, in a published letter the Rebbe records in the name of the Munkatcher that this should not be done.^[6]]

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[1] Zohar Chadash p. 27; Yesod Veshoresh Havoda 5:2; See Sefer Shemiras Haguf Vihanefesh [Lerner] 77; Minhag Yisrael Torah O.C. 91:5

[2] Darkei Chaim Veshalom 880

[3] Darkei Chaim Veshalom 880

[4] Otzros Yerushalayim 138:224

[5] Nitei Gavriel 6:5 footnote 8

[6] Igros Kodesh 20:10 printed in Shulchan Menachem 4:132

How much hair is forbidden to be removed from the Peyos area?

Some Poskim^[1] rule that it is permitted for one to remove hair from the Peyos area so long as 40 hairs remain in the area. Other Poskim^[2], however, rule that one is biblically liable if he removes even two hairs from anywhere in the Peyos area. Practically, it is forbidden to remove even one hair from this area.^[3]

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[1] Rambam Hilchos Avoda Zara 12:6; Ishus 2:16; Chinuch Mitzvah 251, L.S. 31; See Chasam Sofer Y.D. 139

[2] Beis Yosef 181; Semag L.S. 57; Tosefta Makos 4:4; See Bach 181

[3] Setimas HaMichaber in 181:9 who writes”Lo Siga Bo Yad”; Biur Hagr”a ibid that he holds like Semag

Should the Sandek wear the Tallis over his head or should he rather wear a hat over it?

Seemingly, there is no need to wear it over the head as it is simply worn for reasons of honor and respect of the occasion[1], and not for the sake of the mitzvah, and so indeed was witnessed by the Rebbe.[2] Nonetheless, there is no prohibition to wear it over the head, and hence it remains one’s choice as to whether to wear the Tallis or the hat over the head.

[1] Ginas Veradim O.C. 1:25

[2] Koveitz Minhagei Chabad Binyanei Bris Mila p. 24 in name of Yimei Melech 2:633 and that so he heard from people who witnessed it

Sandek:

According to all, a Sandek does not need to fast on the day of the Bris. Nonetheless, if the Sandek desires to do so due to Chivuv Mitzvah, then he may.