Q&A: Desecration of God’s Name?
Desecration of God’s Name?
Question
Hi Rabbi, I’d be glad to ask for your advice and hear what you think is more correct. A religious man who is also known in the synagogue and from the Torah classes in the synagogue as someone who is “careful about Jewish law, etc.” accidentally got his hair cut too short. On the sides of the head, and it is not in accordance with Jewish law, and it will take a full week until it looks in accordance with Jewish law. Is it proper for him to go to the synagogue during this time, when the sides are cut too short? It could be interpreted as though this is permitted, and people might even say: well, look at him—he is knowledgeable in the laws, but he doesn’t even know how to get a haircut according to Jewish law, and so on…
What is the most correct thing to do? Thanks..
Answer
It is advisable to avoid it because of appearances. What is forbidden because of appearances is forbidden even in private rooms, and therefore it seems that this is not only because of the concern that others may learn from him, but that there is an intrinsic prohibition here as well (though that can be challenged). There is also another category of prohibitions, “because of suspicion,” and that applies here too. Perhaps it is the same prohibition.