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From
<a href="http://forums.globalyeshiva.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/904606335/m/1061013782" eudora="autourl">
http://forums.globalyeshiva.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/904606335/m/1061013782</a>
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<font size=3>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 <i>'mustarbim'</i>, which was and is rejected
by certain great gedolim and communities. <br>
<snip><br><br>
A very significant consideration is also the question if there is a
problem of <i>'chukos hagoyim'</i> 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.<br><br>
See the above URL for the entire discussion there.
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