[Avodah] Upsherin

[Shoshana L. Boublil]

> From: Zev Sero <zev at sero.name>
> Subject: Re: [Avodah] Upsherin

> RMB's statement that "Upsherin is a generation-old minhag for many
> Ashkenazim" is therefore true.  For instance, it's probably been in
> my family for at least 7 generations, perhaps more.

[SLB writes] I find it highly appropriate to discuss the minhag of Upsherin
or Xhalakeh as it is known davka tonight - 28 of Iyar.

28 of Iyar is the yahrzeit of Shmuel HaNavi.

There are traditions that state that it was customary to take young boys who
reached their 3rd year to Kever Shmuel HaNavi to have their first hair cut,
and the weight of the hair was given in silver (value) towards the upkeep of
the place (~1570).

It is also appropriate that davka on this Yarhzeit - Yerushalayim returned
to Jewish hands.

If you check in Divrei HaYmim 28 you will find that the David gives detailed
instructions to Shlomo on how to build everything. The instructions are
written down "HaKol BichTav MiYad Hashem".  The tradition is that the
instructions were written down by Shmuel HaNavi.

Chag Sameach, may we bring Yerushalayim shel Matta closer to Yerushalayim
shel Ma'ala so that we will see the Mikdash bimhera Beyameinu, amen.

Shoshana L. Boublil