Why do orthodox jews have curls

Overview

The practice of Orthodox Jewish men wearing side curls, known as "payot" (singular: payah), originates from a biblical commandment in Leviticus 19:27 which states: "You shall not round off the corners of your heads, nor destroy the corners of your beard." This verse has been interpreted by Jewish legal authorities for over two millennia as prohibiting the complete shaving of the hair at the temples. The tradition dates back to ancient Israelite practices, with archaeological evidence from the Second Temple period (516 BCE-70 CE) showing depictions of Jewish men with distinctive side locks. During the Middle Ages, particularly in 12th-13th century Europe, Jewish communities maintained this practice despite persecution, with rabbinic authorities like Maimonides (1138-1204) emphasizing its importance. The modern Orthodox observance developed through centuries of halakhic (Jewish legal) interpretation, with the Mishnah (compiled around 200 CE) and Talmud (completed around 500 CE) providing detailed discussions about hair-cutting laws. Today, approximately 1.8 million Orthodox Jews worldwide maintain some form of payot observance as part of their religious identity.

How It Works

The implementation of payot follows specific halakhic guidelines derived from biblical interpretation. According to traditional Jewish law, the "corners of the head" refer to the area above the temples, extending from the hairline to a point level with the bottom of the ear. Most authorities define this as the area where hair naturally grows in front of the ears. The minimum requirement is to leave hair uncut in this area, though customs vary regarding length and styling. In many Hasidic communities, men grow their payot long and often curl them, sometimes reaching 3-4 inches or more. Other Orthodox groups, particularly Modern Orthodox Jews, may keep shorter payot that are less conspicuous, often tucking them behind the ears. The actual cutting or trimming of payot is typically done with scissors rather than razors, as some interpretations extend the prohibition to include complete removal of hair in the temple area. Children usually begin growing payot around age three, following the traditional Jewish education timeline. The practice is maintained daily as part of grooming routines, with special attention during haircuts to preserve the side curls according to community standards.

Why It Matters

Payot serve multiple significant functions within Orthodox Jewish life, extending beyond mere ritual observance. First, they function as a visible marker of Jewish identity and religious commitment, similar to other distinctive garments like the kippah (skullcap) and tzitzit (fringed garments). This external manifestation helps maintain community cohesion and reinforces religious boundaries. Second, the practice represents a tangible connection to biblical commandments and centuries of Jewish tradition, serving as a daily reminder of religious obligations. In contemporary society, payot have become particularly important in Hasidic communities where they signify allegiance to specific rebbes (spiritual leaders) and traditions. The visibility of payot also impacts social interactions, sometimes leading to both positive identification within the Jewish community and potential discrimination in secular contexts. During the Holocaust, payot made Jewish men more identifiable to persecutors, adding historical significance to their maintenance. Today, the practice continues to evolve, with debates about appropriate length and visibility reflecting broader tensions between tradition and modernity in Orthodox Judaism.