Q&A: Shaving in Honor of Simchat Torah
Shaving in Honor of Simchat Torah
Question
Hello Honorable Rabbi, I wanted to know whether it is permissible to trim the beard in honor of Simchat Torah.
On the face of it, the reason shaving is forbidden on Hol HaMoed is so that one should not enter the holiday looking disheveled, which means that, absurdly, this decree causes me to enter Simchat Torah looking disheveled….
In short, is it possible to trim the beard?
Answer
This absurdity is built into the prohibition on shaving during Hol HaMoed. Some have permitted shaving on Hol HaMoed because nowadays people shave every day. According to their view, of course it is permitted. If you think it is forbidden during the festival, I would not shave even in honor of Simchat Torah.
Discussion on Answer
You can search online. I know that Rabbi Lichtenstein permitted it.
Who are those who permit it?