Shneur Zalman Rivkin’s Upshernish. 12 Kislev, 5767, December 3, 2006. At Young Israel of Tampa/ Congregation Bais David, Tampa Florida.
Shneur Zalman is the son of USF Chabad House and Young Israel of Tampa’s Rabbi Uriel and Rebbitzen Dvorki Rivkin. He is named for Shneur Zalman of Liadi the founder of Chabad Lubavitch Hassidism, a disciple of the Maggid of Mezrich, who was himself the principal student of Hassidism’s founder The Baal Shem Tov. Shneur Zalman of Liadi was the first of an illustrious line of Rebbes, scholars, and tzaddikim. On this, Shneur’s third birthday, his family, friends and the whole community gathers for a great simcha (joyous occasion)—his Upshernish. The custom is that at the age of three a boy receives his first hair cutting. Once his hair is cut he will now wear a yarmulke to cover his head and a tallit katan (fringed garment) as does an adult man. He will also have payos (side curls) left at his temples in fulfillment of the biblical commandment to not round the head (Lev. 19:27). The occasion also marks the beginning of the boy’s formal education in Torah.
What you see in this film are various guests responding to the invitation to cut a lock of the child’s hair. People so honored customarily offer some charity to mark the occasion. Many will give the money to the child to let him put it in the charity box himself. This reminds the child of the importance of tzeduka (charity) and the need to always be generous. The child is the center of attention for some time and is showered with love, presents, and kisses.
During the celebration family members and other honorees offer maamers (discourses) on Torah themes related to the day and there is much eating and singing. Rebbetzin Dvorki Rivkin prepared an absolutely wonderful feast for both the pallet and the eyes. One thing is for sure–no one went hungry!
The final shaping of Shneur’s new hair cut took place at home later that night.
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Duration : 0:6:34
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