LIFT AND CUT
Question
Every time I buy a new norelco shaver, I get the lift and cut part out. I was always tought that it was Assur. I heard that you are Matir to leave the lift and cut part. Why, and is there any other possek that Matir's it? Please be detailed Thank you very much Ilan
Answer
Answered by Aaron AbadiIn Halachah there are three types of shaving. One is using a scissors-type action, which is metal against metal. This is allowed on a beard. Of course, it will not be much of a close shave. The second type is a razor directly against the skin. This is prohibited. The third is in between the two, and that is a scissor-type action that gives such a close shave that it would seem like it was done by a razor. In Halachah it says that this is OK. This is the basis of allowing any type of electric shaver. There is no difference between any of the electric shavers. They are all in the same category. I have yet to hear even a slightly intelligent justification to create a difference between shavers. Are they to suggest that the electric shaver's blade jumps out of the screen scrapes you in the face and then sneaks right back in before you know it?! This is why the Gemara says that people who determine Halachah from the Mishnah destroy the world. The Aruch Hashulchan (and most others) explains that this applies to those people that read the Shulchan Aruch and determine Halachot without the proper knowledge of the entire concept from the Torah to the Gemara to the Rishonim and so on. When they do not understand the meaning behind a Law and the proper application of it, they can make up some pretty strange things. AA