Pe'os and Beard Shaving: Pesik Reishei, Plucking, and Metzora's Shaving

From: Rabbi Moshe Sofer

To: Unknown recipient

Description

The Chasam Sofer defends and refines his earlier positions on hakafas ha'rosh and hashchasas ha'zakan: loose uprooted hairs do not implicate the Torah prohibition of hashchasa; pesik reishei is not forbidden in rabbinic prohibitions outside Shabbos; plucking pe'os is permitted according to both the Rambam and Gilyon Tosfos; and the metzora's positive commandment to shave does not override the prohibition of hashchasa, since the obligation can be fulfilled through alternative means without violating the negative commandment.

Source: Shu"t Chasam Sofer YD §140

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