Upsherin

For the first three years of life, children absorbs their parents' love. Then, their education takes a leap—they are ready to produce and share their unique gifts. For a Jewish boy, this transition is marked with a haircutting ceremony—an "upsherin"—on ...

At the age of three, children’s education takes a leap—they are now ready to produce and share their unique gifts. For a Jewish boy, this transition is traditionally marked with a haircutting ceremony.

Then it was haircut time. I squeezed my eyes shut, half expecting the same cries I heard at his bris, which seems like it was just yesterday. But when I looked up, he was grinning.

When I got my haircut, it was an experience. But for Jacob, it was an event. I had a professional cut my hair. He had his family and friends contribute . . .

The age of three marks a turning point. Until this age, the child was a baby to whom everything was given. From this time onward, he is considered as a developing youngster who responds and takes an active role in his process of education.

Such a person ought to let his hair grow and grow

Education is, and always has been, the key to Jewish survival. But the essence of education is the imparting of values, not information.

An Upsherin is the traditional "first haircut" ceremony held on a boy's third birthday. This ceremony marks the start of the child's formal education and is highlighted by leaving payot and the child starting to wear a kipah and tzitzit.

This class explores the reasons and sources for the custom of celebrating a Jewish boy’s first haircut – an Upsherin.