[Avodah] : Upsheren Custom of Hassidim

[SBA]

From: "Prof. Levine" To: 
From
http://forums.globalyeshiva.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/904606335/m/1061013782

The upsheren custom of Hassidim, which at first glance seems like some
venerable and ancient custom no good Jew would oppose, is actually a
controversial new custom which they picked up from certain middle eastern
Jews called 'mustarbim', which was and is rejected by certain great gedolim
and communities.

A very significant consideration is also the question if there is a problem
of 'chukos hagoyim' with the custom. While we don't generally see it now (in
western countries at least), the fact is that in certain eastern cultures
(e.g. Arab and Hindu / Indian) a great deal was/is made of a son's first
haircut and it was accompanied by a significant celebration. It seems that
those Jews who started the custom Jews lived among such gentiles.
>>

Now for a different POV see the sefer Nitei Gavriel - the volume "Taglachas
yeladim" where, despite agreeing that it is a relatively new Minhag amongst
Ashkenazi Jews, cites plenty of sources to prove that it is not CV 'chukas
hagoyim' etc.

SBA