Expert: Ovadiah ben Avraham - 12/31/2005

Question
I am writing a story about a young man who cuts off his peahs in anger. I then realized I don't know why Jews wear peahs, what are the rules involved, what age might a Jew trim them short and how would an Orthodox family react to a 17 year old cutting them off in an act of rebellion. Any insight would be appreciated. Shalom

Answer
Ultra-Orthodox Jews wear long peah to keep the commandment not to round the corners of the head, as given in the Torah. I'm Modern Orthodox, so I wear sideburns but not to the length of the Hasidim. I don't believe they ever trim them. Certainly a Hasidic family might react strongly to this act of rebellion. Hope this helps. Shalom!