In the 1890s, when the trend to shave the beard was gaining popularity in the Litvish regions of Lithuania and Russia and beyond (due to various secular influences*), the Chofetz Chaim zt’l published Kuntres Tiferes Odom. In this volume, the Chofetz Chaim systematically and vigorously refuted all the various justifications being advanced to defend removal of the beard and asserted (in his introductory remarks) that “it is a great mitzvah for the entire Jewish people to reinforce this observance and refrain from trimming the beard even with scissors.” [In contradistinction to common presumption that the accepted Litvish practice is to be beardless, the Chofetz Chaim attests in the first chapter of this work that, until that time, only “one in a thousand” shaved their beards]. Recently, much discussion has appeared in various widely-publicized forums on the topic of maintaining a beard. Is maintaining a beard a halachic imperative or a Kabbalistic/Chassidic stringency? Many individuals have expressed varied and often conflicting opinions and assumptions regarding this issue (especially regarding the position of the Litvish and other Gedolim). Following this precedent of the Chofetz Chaim (and in the spirit of “know how to respond….” in Pirkei Avos 2:14), a new volume has been prepared for publication to dispute and refute the various arguments and sources utilized by some in defense of shaving. Entitled Authoritative Responses to Common Misconceptions (and compiled by Rabbi Moshe Nisan Wiener, author of sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon and sefer Kvuda Bas Melech), this publication presents (in 25 chapters) various claims and contentions which have been advanced in defense of shaving and demonstrates that they are often based on erroneous assertions and misrepresentations of sources. It is hoped that the publication of this comprehensive volume will provide clarification and alleviate some of the confusion surrounding this issue. *As attested to by the Gadol Hador, Hagaon Rav Chaim Kanievsky shlita, in his sefer Orchos Yosher (chapter 5): “Throughout our history, it has been a disgrace for anyone not to have a beard. It is only in recent generations that some have started to treat this irreverently, having learned this from the non-Jews.” For numerous addition sources documenting this fact, see chapter 17 in this new volume and sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon section 2 chapter 4 at length. Click here to purchase the sefer    Click here to purchase the sefer Sponsorship opportunities are available to support the costs which are required to print and widely disseminate this volume. Please contact [email protected]. Authoritative Responses to Common Misconceptions may be viewed (at no charge) by clicking here. To review individual chapters, following is the table of contents with active links to each chapter (which can be accessed by clicking the chapter name): Preface: ……………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 Chapter 1: Glaring Omission I: What is the position of the non Chassidic Gedolim regarding maintaining a beard and shaving? …………………………………………….. 7 Chapter 2: Glaring Omission II: What is the position of the non Chassidic Poskim and Roshei Yeshiva  concerning all electric shavers? …………………………………………………………….. 13 Chapter 3: Was it appropriate to publish the sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon? …………………….. 20 Chapter 4: Is Rav Chaim Ozer Grodzinski zt’l a valid source to permit electric shavers? …. 23 Chapter 5: Is Rav Ovadia Yosef zt’l a valid source to permit electric shavers? ……………….. 27 Chapter 6: Is Rav Yosef Eliyahu Henkin zt’l a valid source to permit electric shavers?……… 29 Chapter 7: Is Rav Tzvi Pesach Frank zt’l a valid source to permit electric shavers?………….. 32 Chapter 8: Is Shaalos u’Teshuvos Tirosh v’Yitzhar a valid source to permit electric shavers? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 34 Chapter 9: Is Rav Avrohom Yitzchok HaKohen Kook zt’l a valid source to permit electric shavers? ………………………………………………………………………………………….. 36    Chapter 10: Is the Chasam Sofer’s statement about the Rama of Fano a valid basis to permit shaving the beard?………………………………………………………………………………. 40 Chapter 11: Did Rav Elyashiv zt’l consider electric shavers to be a sofek prohibition or a vadai?………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 44 Chapter 12: Is the opinion of Rav Moshe Feinstein zt’l an adequate basis to permit electric  shavers? …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 46 Chapter 13: Is it accurate to say that only the Israeli Gedolim prohibited electric shavers and not the American Gedolim? ………………………………………………………………….. 55 Chapter 14: Is it accurate to say that the Tzemach Tzedek halachically prohibited only total removal of the beard but not trimming?………………………………………………….. 59 Chapter 15: Is it true that the Chasam Sofer discounted the kabbalistic basis to prohibit shaving the beard?…………………………………………………………………………………….. 65 Chapter 16: What is the significance of the beard according to Kabbalah? ………………….. 67 Chapter 17: What is the mesorah of the Litvishe Torah community regarding maintaining a beard and shaving?………………………………………………………………………………… 74 Chapter 18: Are electric shavers really forbidden according to the Chofetz Chaim zt’l?….. 78 Chapter 19: Did the son-in-law of the Chofetz Chaim write that shaving machines are permissible? ………………………………………………………………….. 85 Chapter 20: What was the position of Rav Aharon Kotler zt’l concerning shaving and electric shavers? …………………………………………………………………………………………… 87 Chapter 21: The Tzemach Tzedek writes that the transgression of lo yilbash is relevant to cutting the beard. Is his position accepted or rejected by the Poskim? ……………… 93 Chapter 22: Shaving the Beard: A Preparation for Rosh Hashanah?! …………………………… 102 Chapter 23: Should Electric Shavers Be Given To Those Who Remove Their Beard With Razors? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 106 Chapter 24: Are Concerns for “Ga’avah” and “Yuhara” Valid Reasons to Shave the Beard? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 114 Chapter 25: What is the position of the Gedolim of the Sephardim regarding the beard and shaving? …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 117 Additional Challenges for Further Study ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….121 Addendum: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………….123 Epilogue: Why Does Mame Rochel Cry? ……………………………………………………………… 126

The urgency couldn’t be greater  The groundwork is laid.  The city is ready.  The time is now.  And what’s unfolding here will change the future of Meron—and Klal Yisroel.  Right now, as Lag Baomer fires light up the sky and music fills the air, something is taking place beneath the surface.  In the city of Reb Shimon, the only mikvah taharah is being completely rebuilt—from the ground up. Yes, Meron—the most visited Jewish site in the world, drawing over a million people each year—has only one mikvah. And for years, it stood in disrepair, barely usable. Thousands of local residents had nowhere to turn. Tens of thousands more—from Chassidish to Litvish, Sefardic to secular—come wishing to fulfill one of the holiest mitzvos… and need to leave to another city. But, for those not-yet observant, no mikvah nearby means no taharah at all. But now, that’s changing. Under the guidance of Gedolei Yisroel, Merkaz L’Taharas HaMishpacha is spearheading a complete rebuild of Mikvah Meron—kosher, beautiful, welcoming, and on track for completion within three months, b’ezras Hashem. This is not a first for Merkaz. Since 1942, the organization has built and restored over 1,100 mikvaos across Eretz Yisroel, with usage often doubling—and tripling—after their work is complete. Because when there’s a welcoming mikvah—they come.  In community after community, they’ve made taharas hamishpacha accessible to every Jewish woman, observant or not. Because taharah is not just a mitzvah. It’s our foundation. It’s what preserves the kedusha of our homes.  It’s what protects our future.  And it’s the source of untold yeshuos. “Reb Shimon never leaves a debt unpaid,” Hagaon Hatzadik Harav Shimon Galei Shlit”a, unwaveringly supporting the project, promises; “It is a tremendous zechus to become a partner in the purity of Am Yisrael, especially in the place of such a tzaddik.”  Supporters of Merkaz L’Taharas HaMishpacha have seen children born after decades of waiting. Shidduchim found after years of silence. Parnassah turnarounds, refuos, and peace in the home—after helping to build a mikvah. This is your chance to take part in one of the greatest mitzvos—in one of the holiest places—on one of the most special days of the year. And it gets even better.  This Lag Baomer, donors will have a chance to send a kvittel to be read by the Rachmastrivka Rebbe shlit”a at his hadlaka by the tzion of Reb Shimon.  Now’s your chance to have your name be mentioned by a Gadol b’Yisroel at this auspicious time.  Give $219—the gematria of taharah—(or $18.25/month), dedicate a room, or simply give what you can.  There’s no minimum to take part in the zechus.  Every dollar helps build the mikvah—and open the wellspring of yeshua. Seize the mitzvah, the zechus, and the bracha of a tzadik this Lag Baomer.  Could there be a more precious opportunity?  Donate now. [email protected] (855) 824-2727

A historic project is underway to rebuild the only mikvah taharah in Meron—serving every group in Klal Yisroel, in one of the holiest places on earth. Of all places, you wouldn’t expect this.  In Meron, the most visited Jewish site in the world, the only mikvah taharah has fallen into deep disrepair and is unfit for use.  Each year, over a million people pour in, drawn by the kedusha of Reb Shimon. And yet, just steps away, the only mikvah taharah stands in deep disrepair—its doors closed to those who need it most. Surrounding Meron are thousands of families in Moshav Meron and nearby communities, some of whom have no other mikvah at all. Beyond the locals, tens of thousands of women from every part of Klal Yisroel—Chassidish, Litvish, Sefardic, traditional, and secular—come hoping to fulfill this holy mitzvah. Every night, tens, if not hundreds, of women hope to fulfill a mitzvah that has sustained Klal Yisroel for generations. But with the mikvah unusable, many cannot.  And tragically, for women not-yet fully observant, no local mikvah often means no taharah at all. For the thousands living there and tens of thousands more who visit each year, a usable, welcoming mikvah is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline.  This can no longer wait. This must be done. Now, in an urgent and unprecedented initiative, Merkaz L’Taharas HaMishpacha is rebuilding Mikvah Taharah Meron from the ground up—under the direction of leading poskim, with the goal of completion within just three months. The new mikvah will serve: * The 1,000 residents of Moshav Meron * Thousands more in surrounding yishuvim (who have no local mikvah) * Over one million visitors annually  And unlike any other mikvah in Eretz Yisroel, Mikvah Meron will serve the full spectrum of Klal Yisroel—from the most connected to the most distant. The leaders of purity, the builders of worlds.  This is not a first.  Merkaz L’Taharas HaMishpacha has been preserving purity for over 83 years. Since 1942, the organization has restored or built more than 1,100 mikvaos across Israel. In community after community, mikvah usage doubles and even triples after a proper facility is built. This is how taharah becomes accessible and lasting. Supported by Gedolei Yisroel throughout the generations, Merkaz’s work is guided by halachah and powered by those who understand that kedushah is the bedrock of our people. As we prepare for Lag BaOmer, the urgency couldn’t be greater.  This is Meron. This is Reb Shimon. This is the one and only mikvah taharah near the tzion of Rashbi. And this is your chance to help build it. “Rashbi gave his very life for the purity of Am Yisrael. His merit will stand for anyone who strengthens the purity of our people in his place—to be bentched with yeshua and rachamim.” —Rachmastrivka Rebbe Shlit”a “Reb Shimon never leaves a debt unpaid. It is a tremendous zechus to become a partner in the purity of Am Yisrael, especially in the place of such a tzaddik.” —Hagaon Hatzadik Harav Shimon Galei Shlit”a “Surely his zechus will stand for all who help build this mikvah—they will see bracha, hatzlacha, and shefa in everything they do, because this is truly one of the greatest mitzvos.” —Maran Rosh HaYeshiva Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch Shlit”a Can there be a greater mitzvah, in a

A historic project is underway to rebuild the only mikvah taharah in Meron—serving every group in Klal Yisroel, in one of the holiest places on earth. Of all places, you wouldn’t expect this.   In Meron, the most visited Jewish site in the world, the only mikvah taharah has fallen into deep disrepair and is unfit for use.  Each year, over a million people pour in, drawn by the kedusha of Reb Shimon. And yet, just steps away, the only mikvah taharah stands in deep disrepair—its doors closed to those who need it most. Surrounding Meron are thousands of families in Moshav Meron and nearby communities, some of whom have no other mikvah at all. Beyond the locals, tens of thousands of women from every part of KlalYisroel—Chassidish, Litvish, Sefardic, traditional, and secular—come hoping to fulfill this holy mitzvah. Every night, tens, if not hundreds, of women hope to fulfill a mitzvah that has sustained Klal Yisroel for generations. But with the mikvah unusable, many cannot.  And tragically, for women not-yet fully observant, no local mikvah often means no taharah at all. For the thousands living there and tens of thousands more who visit each year, a usable, welcoming mikvah is not a luxury—it’s a lifeline.   This can no longer wait. This must be done. Now, in an urgent and unprecedented initiative, Merkaz L’TaharasHaMishpacha is rebuilding Mikvah Taharah Meron from the ground up—under the direction of leading poskim, with the goal of completion within just three months. The new mikvah will serve: * The 1,000 residents of Moshav Meron * Thousands more in surrounding yishuvim (who have no local mikvah) * Over one million visitors annually  And unlike any other mikvah in Eretz Yisroel, Mikvah Meron will serve the full spectrum of Klal Yisroel—from the most connected to the most distant. The leaders of purity, the builders of worlds.  This is not a first.  Merkaz L’Taharas HaMishpacha has been preserving purity for over 83 years. Since 1942, the organization has restored or built more than 1,100 mikvaos across Israel. In community after community, mikvah usage doubles and even triples after a proper facility is built. This is how taharah becomes accessible and lasting. Supported by Gedolei Yisroel throughout the generations, Merkaz’s work is guided by halachah and powered by those who understand that kedushah is the bedrock of our people. As we prepare for Lag BaOmer, the urgency couldn’t be greater.  This is Meron. This is Reb Shimon. This is the one and only mikvah taharah near the tzion of Rashbi. And this is your chance to help build it. “Rashbi gave his very life for the purity of Am Yisrael. His merit will stand for anyone who strengthens the purity of our people in his place—to be bentched with yeshua and rachamim.” —Rachmastrivka Rebbe Shlit”a “Reb Shimon never leaves a debt unpaid. It is a tremendous zechus to become a partner in the purity of Am Yisrael, especially in the place of such a tzaddik.” —Hagaon Hatzadik Harav Shimon Galei Shlit”a “Surely his zechus will stand for all who help build this mikvah—they will see bracha, hatzlacha, and shefa in everything they do, because this is truly one of the greatest mitzvos.” —Maran Rosh HaYeshiva Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch Shlit”a Can there be a greater mitzvah, in a holier place, at a more special time? This is Klal Yisroel’s project—and there’s a way for everyone to take part. Donate $219 (the gematria of taharah)—or spread it out as a monthly gift of $18.25 for 12 months. Dedicate a room or space in the mikvah as a zechus. Or simply give whatever you can—any amount helps build the mikvah and open the wellspring of bracha. However you can

The southern periphery is quickly catching up to the center: there is an accelerated wave of building and development across the south, particularly in Netivot, which boasts the country’s more expansive building plans. Alongside tens of thousands of housing units already under construction, the government is investing astronomical sums into the area’s growth: from developing a state-of-the-art industrial park, to founding a national hi-tech center, to building a new rail network that will drastically reduce commute times to the center of the country. >> All the details on the meteoric rise of the Torah city of the south below. The air is filled with an intoxicating scent of fresh beginnings, the pounding of hammers, and the rumble of construction vehicles. Young couples and growing families are arriving by the day to see the massive construction of thousands of housing units—and to sign on the dotted line for their new homes. The Torah city of the south is experiencing a surge in construction, development, and population growth it hasn’t seen since its establishment. Thousands of new units have gone up in the past few years; many are expected to be move-in ready soon, and tens of thousands more are expected to be built in the coming years. There is no doubt: Netivot has become the premier alternative for bnei Torah seeking to live in a strong, serious kehilla of yungeleit with excellent mosdos chinuch and communal support, at prices that simply don’t exist anywhere else in the country. Roshei Kehillos from Yerushalayim, Bnei Brak, and Modiin Illit during a visit to the Kiryat Beit Halevi site following the completion of Stage A sales to hundreds of young avreichim. A Wave of Growth and Renewal It’s important to note that Netivot is part of a broader surge of development and renewal. In recent years, the entire southern region has been undergoing a rapid and intense development process, with major investments in infrastructure, transportation, entrepreneurship, and business spearheaded by the Israeli government. Close to 70% of current and future national development plans are centered in this region, making it, without question, the most promising investment channel in today’s market. And the good news doesn’t end there: the government has earmarked tens of thousands of new homes for the entire region. Beyond the 36,000 housing units set to be built in Netivot, another 34,000 will soon be put on the market in nearby Kiryat Gat, 18,000 more in Ofakim, and another 10,000 in Yerucham. This is in addition to those in Kasif—a new city currently in advanced planning stages, expected to include 50,000 units in its first phase—and the future city of Tila, where another 20,000 homes are expected. This broad supply of housing stands in stark contrast to the severe shortage and skyrocketing prices of available apartments in central Eretz Yisroel. Adding to the challenge, much of the available inventory under government subsidized plans like “Mechir Lemishtaken” (Buyer Fixed Plan) is now being designated for army reservists, leaving young charedi couples little realistic chance of securing a home of their own in the center. All of this makes Netivot the obvious choice. What’s more, planning and development officials are now projecting that around 70% of young charedi couples will end up settling in the south in the coming years, simply due to the

“Netivot Is On Its Way to Becoming the Torah City of the Negev” Dozens of Community Leaders from Yerushalayim, Bnei Brak, Beit Shemesh, and Modiin Illit Tour the Sites of Thousands of New Homes for the Chareidi Tzibbur  *Community leaders visited kollelim where hundreds of avreichim are already learning in Netivot, toured the magnificent mosdos chinuch, and were shown the massive construction sites adjacent to the existing kehilla, where work has begun on thousands of housing units for the chareidi public. *500 families from the finest yeshivos have already purchased homes in Ramat Meir, and 150 outstanding avreichim, talmidei chachomim from leading yeshivos, have bought homes in Kiryat Beit HaLevi. *The Housing Committee expressed tremendous satisfaction with the unprecedented scale of construction designated for bnei Torah and held an extended practical discussion about the future of these large and distinguished kehillos set to flourish in the city over the coming years, with the construction’s completion. Dozens of leaders from chareidi communities across the country toured Kiryat Beit HaLevi and Ramat Meir in Netivot, witnessing firsthand the areas where, in the coming month, construction will begin on thousands of new homes designated for bnei Torah. As previously reported in ‘Yated Ne’eman,’ the cornerstone laying event for them new kehillos took place several weeks ago, attended by Maran HaRav HaGaon HaRav Moshe Hillel Hirsch, shlit”a, HaRav HaGaon HaGadol Reb Aryeh Levi, shlit”a, HaRav HaGaon HaGadol Reb Aviezer Piltz, shlit”a, and Roshei Yeshivos and Rabbonim, shlit”a, who strongly encouraged their talmidim to establish their homes in these new neighborhoods. 36,000 New Housing Units Underway The kinus was opened by Reb Aharon Asayag, shlit”a, the visionary behind the Yadir Torah mosdos in Netivot, who has led and built the Torah revolution in the south. Acting as the trusted emissary of the Gedolei Yisroel, shlit”a, Reb Asayag has spearheaded the initiative to establish kehillos for distinguished avreichim in the city, going so far as to enlist support from philanthropists from around the world to assist avreichim in purchasing apartments. In his remarks, Reb Asayag presented the vision of expanding Torah in Netivot—a vision initiated by HaRav HaGaon HaGadol Rav Yissachar Meir, zt”l, and now continuing to unfold. He detailed the decades of Torah growth in the region, recalling the remarkable history of how the spiritual landscape of the south was transformed over the past twenty years, with the establishment of mosdos Torah, kollelim, and chinuch. “Now, b’siyata d’Shmaya, the opportunity has come,” he said. “Government policies have created an unprecedented window for avreichim to purchase a home in a place that is entirely built on Torah and chinuch.” 36,000 housing units are currently being built in Netivot, all under fully approved government budgets. “To grasp the scale of this development,” it was noted at the kinus, “all of Kiryat Sefer (Modiin Illit), across its many neighborhoods, contains just 11,500 apartments. Here, in Netivot, the cost of a home is 700,000 shekel less than in the four largest chareidi communities. The goal is for Netivot to become the Torah city of the entire south. There are already strong kehillos in the South—in Netivot, Tifrach, and Ofakim—but building an entire city of Torah is on a different level.” A 25-Minute Train from Israel’s Center to its South It was also reported at the kinus that 70% of