What are they talking about? Is this a tribute to fashion or ancient traditions? First of all, this is a distinctive detail of a hairstyle that gives it individuality. Just a couple of centuries ago, long strands of hair were strictly prohibited. Let's look into all the details and find out why curls on the temples are needed.

A little history

For example, Emperor Nicholas 1 actively fought against the “patlas” and forcibly pulled them out. During the persecution of the Jewish nation, believing men were forbidden to demonstrate their belonging to an ancient family with such hairstyles. Almost all states, including the Russian Empire, were of the same opinion. Jews were not allowed to grow hair at the temples or wear national costumes. Characteristic clothing could only be worn on the premises of a house of worship (synagogue).

Traditional element of Jewish life

Jews often call peyotes (edges) sidelocks. What is this? Untrimmed strands of hair hanging from the temple area that can still be curled. In the Republic of Yemen, the term sinanim (signs) is used. The commandment of the Torah states that true Jews should not cut off the edges of their curls and beard, since these elements emphasize belonging to culture and traditions.

Although this postulate is not mandatory, it is rather a prescription that does not have to be followed. However, most men are not ready to give up traditional sidelocks and even instill the tradition in their children. When a boy turns 3 years old, they stop shaving his temple area. By the way, the length of such strands can be only 6 cm (at personal discretion). According to the laws of the community, religious Jews, in addition to this detail, must also wear a beard and a headdress.

Jewish sidelocks

But what should bald representatives of the stronger sex do? To do this, they come to the rescue. It is allowed to attach them to the edges of a hat or skull cap to form the appearance of a true Jew. Typically, artificial curls have a curled structure, a bright black shade with a smooth transition into natural gray hair, which gives a natural look.

Buying such a racial “hairpiece” today is not problematic. It is believed that thick and long curls are more correct. They can be seen on the temples of both young boys and handsome old men. Even today, in the 21st century, most Jews strictly follow the prescribed standards, this includes beards, national clothes and hairstyles (sidelocks). We have figured out what it is and who is allowed to wear this important element of Jewish spiritual culture, emphasizing racial identity.

Once, during a tour of Jerusalem, one of the tourists came up to me and asked: “What is that behind their ears?”, nodding at the developing sidelocks of religious Jews passing by.

Actually, it’s not my rule to make fun of tourists or mock their ignorance of certain things. But something in the tone and intonation of the questioner prompted me to answer: “Don’t you know? These are such antennas, a connection with the center of the worldwide Jewish conspiracy.” To my great surprise, the man did not smile, but nodded his head in satisfaction and walked away from me.

In fact, many tourists are interested in this detail of the Jewish toilet.

Help from Wikipedia:
Sidelocks (Hebrew: פאות‏‎‎‎) are long, uncut strands of hair at the temples, a traditional element of the hairstyle of Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox Jews. According to the customs of Judaism, religious men wear sidelocks, a beard and, of course, a headdress.

In other words, sidelocks are hair on the temples, which, according to the commandments of the Torah, men are prohibited from cutting. “Do not cut the edges of the peot - the hair of your head around, and do not spoil the edge of your beard.” (Torah, book of Leviticus ch. 19, 27).

The meaning of this prohibition was interpreted in different times differently. For example, the great 16th century Kabbalist Rabbi Isaac Luria saw a mystical meaning in this, since digital values(gematria) the words peot (sidelocks) and the words God have the same thing - 86. We can say that sidelocks are really like antennas that help the believer maintain contact with the Almighty.

Apparently, in ancient times hair was ascribed special, sometimes magical properties. One can recall the tragic biblical story Jewish hero Samson (Book of Judges ch. 16:19). When his lover, the treacherous Philistine Delilah, cut off the edges of his hair, Samson lost his strength. And when this happened, the exhausted Samson was blinded and then brought to Gaza, where he was chained to columns in big house meetings of the Philistines. The tragic and heroic death of this Jewish hero is one of the most dramatic stories in the entire Bible, in my opinion.

Pagans also attributed mystical powers to hair. In Rome and the provinces of the empire, rituals were carried out, usually of the nature of black magic, in which human hair was used. In Israel, for example, during excavations (Roman period) in Caesarea, so-called “curse shards” were found in one of the wells - small clay tablets with various curses, as a rule, of a domestic nature. The tablets were wrapped in the woman's long hair, apparently to enhance the cumulative effect of the curse.

In the Middle Ages, women who walked around with their hair down were treated mildly, to put it ambiguously.

At best, they were considered “girls of easy virtue,” which actually conveys the meaning of the word “loose” (with untied hair). In the worst case, they were simply burned at the stake - according to at least in an enlightened Western Europe, mistaking them for witches and sorcerers.

By the way, until now, in all monotheistic religions, a “normal”, correct woman should walk with her hair collected and covered. At least in public places.

But let's get back to the sidelocks. Since the length of these “antennas” is not specified in the Torah, different Jewish communities allowed different lengths and the method of their installation. For example, in Poland and Russian Empire, where there were often Jewish pogroms and persecutions, sidelocks were sometimes hidden under a hat and even tied on the top of the head, so as not to provoke unnecessary anger from local anti-Semites. In some places they were worn openly, in others they were tucked behind the ears - everything depended on the specific place of residence and the traditions of a particular community.

In fact, even today, in modern Israel, you can see a variety of styles and ways of styling this certainly interesting and important element Jewish religious tradition.

As a result, if we analyze the attitude towards hair in general and sidelocks in particular throughout history, it turns out that all nations saw hair as a kind of relay - a conductor of a certain energy. It could be Divine power, as in the case of Samson, it could be a means of divination or witchcraft. But everyone recognized that hair has special power, and the owner of hair can influence the world around them through it.

So what about sidelocks as communication antennas with the center of the worldwide Jewish conspiracy... as you know, there is a grain of joke in every joke. But I’m afraid that the tourist who asked me a wonderful question about sidelocks will never know this.

Max Isikson

What do Jewish sidelocks say? What is this - a tribute to fashion or ancient traditions? First of all, this is a distinctive detail of the hairstyle of Jewish men, giving them individuality. Just a couple of centuries ago, long strands of hair were strictly prohibited. Let's look into all the details and find out what the curls on the temples are for.

For example, Emperor Nicholas 1 actively fought against the “patlas” and forcibly pulled them out. During the persecution of the Jewish nation, believing men were forbidden to demonstrate their belonging to an ancient family with such hairstyles. Almost all states, including the Russian Empire, were of the same opinion. Jews were not allowed to grow hair at the temples or wear national costumes. Characteristic clothing could only be worn on the premises of a house of worship (synagogue).

Traditional element of Jewish life

Jews often call peyotes (edges) sidelocks. What is this? Untrimmed strands of hair hanging from the temple area that can still be curled. In the Republic of Yemen, the term sinanim (signs) is used. The commandment of the Torah states that true Jews should not cut off the edges of their curls and beard, since these elements emphasize belonging to culture and traditions.

Although this postulate is not mandatory, it is rather a prescription that does not have to be followed. However, most men are not ready to give up traditional sidelocks and even instill the tradition in their children. When a boy turns 3 years old, they stop shaving his temple area. By the way, the length of such strands can be only 6 cm (at personal discretion). According to the laws of the community, religious Jews, in addition to this detail, must also wear a beard and a headdress.

Jewish sidelocks

But what should bald representatives of the stronger sex do? For this purpose, false strands come to the rescue. It is allowed to attach them to the edges of a hat or skull cap to create the appearance of a true Jew. Typically, artificial curls have a curled structure, a bright black shade with a smooth transition into natural gray hair, which gives a natural look.

Buying such a racial “hairpiece” today is not problematic. It is believed that thick and long curls are more correct. They can be seen on the temples of both young boys and handsome old men. Even today, in the 21st century, most Jews strictly follow the prescribed standards, this applies to beards, national clothing and hairstyles (sidelocks). We have figured out what it is and who is allowed to wear this important element of Jewish spiritual culture, emphasizing racial identity.

Why do observant Jews dress the same? Why such “squareness”? Surely you can look respectful in a white suit and without a hat? Why is there no room left for individuality?

As a preface, we present two stories from the not very distant past of our people.

Early 19th century. The reign of Nicholas I, the same one who issued the decree on cantonists, is in full swing. This terrible decree overshadowed an endless series of others, generated by the tireless imagination of the despot and his entourage. One of them is the ban on... wearing traditional Jewish clothing, beards and sidelocks. For insubordination - Siberia and prison companies. Soldiers and policemen, rejoicing at the “dust-free” work, catch Jews by their long lapsardaks, cut off their sidelocks, and rip off women’s wigs. What about the Jews? They are trying with all their might to escape. They pay off with huge bribes, hide in their homes, cover their beards with scarves and pray for the decree to be repealed.

Mid 20th century. The world has gone crazy. The Nazi monster rules over most of Europe. Jews, beaten, robbed, humiliated, locked in a ghetto. And decrees are rained down on them, one more inhumane than the other. Among them is a ban on wearing a beard and sidelocks. For disobedience - death. Many Jews sigh - “life is in danger” - and shave off their beards with tears. But there are entire groups, in particular, young Gur Hasidim, who proclaim: this is “Gzerot Hashmad” - an attempt to end Jewry, one cannot agree; We will die, but we will not give up! - and hide in bunkers, where they continue to teach Torah, sharing meager food with each other, and maintain their Jewish appearance.

What made Jews at all times desperately fight to preserve their specifically Jewish appearance? And why did this appearance so irritate the Jew-haters?

There is halacha - Jewish clothing should be different from the clothing of surrounding peoples. So that the Jew could be seen from afar. But is it the same? Hasidim of different movements and hereditary “Yerushalmi” sacredly preserve the authentic appearance of their grandfathers, formed over hundreds of years. Knowledgeable people can unmistakably determine by the color of the stockings, the material of the robe and the shape of the shtreimla: this is a Yerushalmi, this is a Hasid of such and such an admor, this is a bakhur, and this one is already married. And the clothing of “Lithuanian” Jews is very different from Hasidic and more reminiscent of European, but still stands out sharply from the surrounding motley crowd.

To some advocates of “individuality,” similar Haredi clothing resembles army uniforms. We are not offended by this analogy; on the contrary, it seems very successful. A Jew faithful to the Torah knows that our life in this world is an endless war with our evil beginning - the yetzer hara. This is individual, but together the Jewish people fight (ideally) to glorify the name of the Most High. Like soldiers different types troops wear their own special uniform, and Jewish believers wear a special uniform, which varies from one movement to another. In each of them they fight with common enemy- the forces of uncleanness, their special kind weapons: where more emphasis is placed on the study of the Torah, somewhere on prayer. The same uniform allows soldiers to recognize each other from afar, disciplines them and helps them fight the enemy more effectively. That is why the sight of a Jew so irritates anti-Semites who would like the Name of the Creator not to be present in this world.

During the Beit HaMikdash same shape Levites who were in active service in the Temple wore kohanim, their kohanim, and the Levites theirs. Now that the Beit HaMikdash has been destroyed, every Jew faithful to the Torah is in active service - the approach of Geula, Redemption. Unfortunately, there are few of us, and the enemy keeps attacking. Every warrior counts. During the war, if a soldier takes off his uniform and disappears into the crowd, he will be considered a deserter, no matter how he makes excuses...

A few words about individuality. Everyone is familiar with the proverb: “You are greeted by your clothes, but you are seen off by your mind.” If we understand “mind” in a broader sense - as the personal qualities of each person, then it is clear why “they are guided by the mind.” To get to know a person well, you need to spend some time with him, talk, experience him in different situations. Then we will see his individuality. But “they greet you by their clothes.” Appearance a person expresses what can be known about him at first glance. For example, what beliefs he shares (how deep they are - this is already a question of his “individuality”). The appearance of a Jew expresses his loyalty to the ideals of the Torah and his readiness to follow them under any circumstances. At a minimum, he wants to be perceived that way. This is the exclusive individuality of the Jewish people as one whole.

But what about everyone’s personal individuality? Our task is to bring the light of the Most High into the world. To do this, you need to cleanse your soul as much as possible from foreign impurities. Moshe Rabbeinu was honored to bring the Torah to the people of Israel by completely cleansing himself of all impurities and becoming a pure conductor of the will of the Almighty. For this he needed for many years intense individual spiritual work. Each of us faces an individual field of work on ourselves. He needs to uproot his individual weeds and thorns and grow his individual crop.

In conclusion, a few words to the champions of “individuality in clothing.” You can ask if they are ready to go out into the street in such an “individual” outfit that all passers-by will stop, open their mouths, and then twirl their fingers at their temples for a long time? If yes, then further questions, of course, will disappear. But, as a rule, most people dress (or undress) as is customary in the circle to which they belong. A Jew in a white suit (in modern times) might look "respectful" like hollywood star or a financial tycoon from Dallas, but not as a Jew who strives to fulfill the will of the Creator.

Typically, people who think too much about their appearance tend to copy someone more successful than themselves. We, concerned about our inner growth, try to imitate our sages and righteous people - their prayer, Torah study and everyday affairs.

Photo — Ilya Varlamov

One day, during a tour of Jerusalem, one of the tourists came up to me and asked: “ What is that behind their ears?", nodding at the developing sidelocks of religious Jews passing by. Actually, it’s not my rule to make fun of tourists or mock their ignorance of certain things. But something in the tone and intonation of the questioner prompted me to answer: “Don’t you know? These are such antennas, a connection with the center of the worldwide Jewish conspiracy.” To my great surprise, the man did not smile, but nodded his head in satisfaction and walked away from me.

In fact, many tourists are interested in this detail of the Jewish toilet.

Help from Wikipedia:

Sidelocks (Hebrew)‏ פאות ‏‎‎‎ ) - long, uncut strands of hair at the temples, a traditional element of the hairstyle of Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox Jews. According to the customs of Judaism, religious men wear sidelocks, a beard and, of course, a headdress.

In other words, this is the hair on the temples, which, according to the commandments of the Torah, men are prohibited from cutting. " Do not cut the edges of the hair of your head, and do not spoil the edge of your beard." (Torah, book of Leviticus ch. 19, 27). The meaning of this prohibition has been interpreted differently at different times. For example, the great 16th century Kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Luria saw a mystical meaning in this, since the digital meanings (gematria) of the word peot (sidelocks) and words of G-d have the same thing - 86. We can say that sidelocks are really like antennas that help the believer maintain contact with the Almighty.

Apparently, in ancient times hair was attributed with special, sometimes magical properties. One can recall the tragic biblical story of the Jewish hero Samson (Book of Judges ch. 16:19). When his lover, the treacherous Philistine Delilah, cut off the edges of his hair, Samson lost his strength. And when this happened, the exhausted Samson was blinded and then brought to Gaza, where he was chained to the pillars of the great meeting house of the Philistines. The tragic and heroic death of this Jewish hero is one of the most dramatic stories in the entire Bible, in my opinion.

Pagans also attributed mystical powers to hair. In Rome and the provinces of the empire, rituals were carried out, usually of the nature of black magic, in which human hair was used. In Israel, for example, during excavations (Roman period) in one of the wells, so-called “curse shards” were found - small clay tablets with various curses, usually of an everyday nature. The tablets were wrapped in the woman's long hair, apparently to enhance the cumulative effect of the curse.

In the Middle Ages, women who walked around with their hair down were treated mildly, to put it ambiguously. At best, they were considered “girls of easy virtue,” which actually conveys the meaning of the word “loose” (with untied hair). In the worst case, they were simply burned at the stake - at least in enlightened Western Europe, mistaking them for witches and sorcerers.

By the way, until now, in all monotheistic religions, a “normal”, correct woman should walk with her hair collected and covered. At least in public places.

But let's get back to the sidelocks. Since the length of these “antennas” is not specified in the Torah, different lengths and methods of laying them were allowed in different Jewish communities. For example, in Poland and the Russian Empire, where there were often Jewish pogroms and persecutions, sidelocks were sometimes hidden under a hat and even tied on the top of the head, so as not to cause unnecessary anger from local anti-Semites. In some places they were worn openly, in others they were tucked behind the ears - everything depended on the specific place of residence and the traditions of a particular community.

In fact, even today, in modern Israel, you can see a variety of styles and ways of styling this certainly interesting and important element of the Jewish religious tradition.

As a result, if we analyze the attitude towards sidelocks in general and towards sidelocks in particular throughout history, it turns out that all peoples saw hair as a kind of relay - a conductor of a certain energy. It could be Divine power, as in the case of Samson, it could be a means of divination or witchcraft. But everyone recognized that hair has special power, and the owner of hair can influence the world around them through it.

So what about sidelocks as communication antennas with the center of the worldwide Jewish conspiracy... as you know, there is a grain of joke in every joke. But I’m afraid that the tourist who asked me a wonderful question about sidelocks will never know this.