Upsherin 

A few weeks ago, I attended the Upsherin of “Josh,” one of our great-grandsons. Upsherin, also known as Opsherin, is a Jewish tradition observed among some Jewish Orthodox families. The word comes from Yiddish “shear off” and refers to the ceremonial cutting of a boy’s hair. Sephardic Jews refer to it as “Halakah. Though not biblically mandated, the Upsherin has mystical associations, especially in Kabbalistic traditions. Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Ari) helped popularize the custom in the 16th century. 

It marks a boy’s first haircut at age three and symbolizes his transition from infancy to early childhood. This also marks the beginning of his formal Jewish education, and he starts wearing a yarmulke and tzitzits. 

In pre-WWII Eastern Europe, he would be enrolled in a Cheder, a religious school. Now, we have special three-year-old programs in Jewish schools which are much more fun-driven than in the past. They introduce the little ones into religious rites, holidays and observances. It is the same idea as in the past, but geared to the latest age-appropriate needs.

 When I arrived, the living room was already filled with guests, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. I had the distinction of being the only great-grandparent present. 

A while later, a young barber arrived. After unpacking his gear, he sat “Josh,” on a stool and draped him with a protective cloth. I was amazed how that little three-year-old cooperated and was totally comfortable with everything – no crying, arguing or resisting. It was as if he had been doing this for years.

The barber then had a conference about the hairstyle with “Josh’s” father “Simcha” our grandson. Did Dad want Payot or just the accepted longer sideburns? (According to Maimonides [1138–1204], a Sephardic rabbi and philosopher, one of the most prolific and influential Torah scholars, shaving the sidelocks was a heathen practice.) “Dad” chose for the more “modern,” longer sideburns.

Then, the cutting started. The first to have the honor to snip a lock was “Josh’s” father, followed his mother, grandfathers, grandmothers and, of course, his “big” five-year-old sister. This ritual was followed by any relative, friends or whoever chose to take part in this mitzvah.

As he had not had a haircut since birth, his locks reached down to the middle of his back. After the cutting was completed, the transformation was amazing. He literally turned from a toddler to a little boy. 

“Josh” received his first kippa (yarmulka) and put on his first tzitzits to the acclaim of the friends and family. It was then time to eat all the goodies laid out on a large table in the dining room. 

For me, it was a wonderful opportunity to take part in this old tradition surrounded by family. I was so happy to be able to witness this ancient ritual being revived in our “modern” times.

Please leave your comments below. 

Read more by Felicia Graber.