"It[781] is a Jewish custom not to shave or cut a boy's hair until he is three years old.

"The first haircut (Yid.: opsherenish) is a major Jewish custom, the main point of which is training the child to leave his peyos ('sidelocks') uncut.[782] It is usual from this day on to be particular to accustom him to wear a tallis katan (tzitzis), and to recite the morning blessings, the Grace After Meals and the bedtime prayers."

   

Notes:

781. (Back to text) HaYom Yom, p. 51.

782. (Back to text) [Vayikra 19:27.]