by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com

Someone once posed the following question to Rav Chaim zatzal regarding barbers.� It is the custom when one enters a barber shop to wait in line based upon when you entered.� However, some people prefer to wait for the particular barber that they prefer.� Essentially, a second (or even third) line forms in that barber shop.

Is this a problem of ben adam l�chaveiro?� Should there be a concern that the barber with no line is being insulted in that people are not going to him?� In essence, he is saying, �I do not trust you to do a good job and prefer your friend.�� Isn�t this an insult?

Rav Chaim responded that there is no concern and it is no insult.� Every person purchases what he wishes to purchase from whom he wishes to purchase.� This is no different. This is the method of business and it is no different than a market place. [The extension to hair salons is the author’s and was not part of the original question].

Lachazos p. 21

To read more of Rav Chaim’s Torah go to orchotyosher.org

The author can be reached at [email protected]