1. Where is the ceremony to take place?

The Upsherinish hair cutting ceremony may take place in any area, whether in a Shul or a home.

In a Shul:[1] Many are accustomed to begin the haircutting in a Shul in order to publicize the occasion, and honor congregants with the cutting. Cutting the hair in a Shul for the sake of an Upsherinish is not viewed as an act of disrespect.[2] However, some Poskim[3] rule that the full haircut should not take place in the Shul due to it being disrespectful. [Those who are nearby any of the to be mentioned sites, are accustomed to have the Upsherinish take place there. Based on the above, while it is valid to cut some of the locks of hair within the actual Tziyon even if it is a Shul, nonetheless, the full haircut with the machine is best to take place outside by the courtyard.[4]]

Meron:[5] Many people living in Eretz Yisrael, customarily have the Upsherinish ceremony take place in Meron, by the Tziyon of Rebbe Shimon Bar Yochai. This applies especially on Lag Baomer, although applies throughout the year. The Arizal took his son to Meron on Lag Baomer for his Upsherinish.[6] This is a proper custom that one is to strive to fulfill. The ceremonies take place there with great joy and dancing. The children who are having their hair cut are called Chasanim Derashbi.[7] The Rebbe stated that those who are unable to make it to Meron should at the very least imagine that the Upsherinish is taking place there.[8]

Shmuel Hanavi:[9] Some are accustomed to have the Upsherinish ceremony take place by the Tziyon of Shmuel Hanavi, found by the entrance to Jerusalem.

Shimon Hatzadik:[10] Some are accustomed to have the Upsherinish ceremony take place by the Tziyon of Shimon Hatzadik, found in East Jerusalem.

Other Kevarim:[11] Of those who are unable to make it to the above Kevarim, some are accustomed to have the Upsherinish ceremony take place by the Tziyon of other Tzaddikim. Many today are accustomed to go to the Ohel of the Rebbe for the Upsherinish ceremony.

Bathroom or bathhouse:[12] One is not to have the haircut of the Upsherinish take place in the bathroom or bathhouse, being that it is for the purpose of fulfilling the Mitzvah of leaving the Peyos.

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[1] Nitei Gavriel 8:4

[2] Mizbeaich Adama p. 7; Shulchan Gavoa 531:13; Sdei Chemed Beis Hakenses 10; Nitei Gavriel 8:4

[3] See Lev Chaim 2:172; China Dechayeh 55; Meoros Nasan 112; Nitei Gavriel ibid

[4] Nitei Gavriel 8:4

[5] Likkutei Sichos 14:387; Igros Kodesh 11:60; 22:311; Toras Menachem 14:67; Shevach Habris 1:12; Nitei Gavriel 8:1

[6] See Shaar HaKavannos, Inyan Sefiras HaOmer, 12; Peri Etz Chayim, Shaar Sefiras HaOmer, ch. 7; Nagid Umitzvah p. 64; Mishnas Chassidim Iyar 1:7; Lechem Min Hashamayim Inyan Sefiras Haomer; Shulchan Aruch Harizal Kavanas Sefiras Haomer 3; Shaareiy Teshuvah 531:7

[7] Toras Menachem 14:67; Hillula Derashbi p. 85

[8] Likkutei Sichos ibid

[9] See Radbaz 1:513 and 2:608; Nitei Gavriel 8:1

[10] See Tal Yerushalayim p. 38; Shaareiy Yerushalayim Shaar 9; Nitei Gavriel 8:2

[11] Sefer Shaareiy Yerushalayim Shaar 9; Nitei Gavriel 8:1

[12] Nitei Gavriel 8:3