Ancient beard traditions shape the face of modern Jerusalem

AP ^ | IAN DEITCH

[RoosterRedux]

Facial hair is trendy worldwide these days, but in Jerusalem beards have never gone out of style, projecting religious mysticism, nationalism and ideals of masculinity.

For men of all faiths in the holy city, a beard can be an important statement of religious devotion, connecting past generations to God through the tangled strands of history. Facial hair also reflects social mores in many communities. In some cases, it can even reflect one’s political views.

Nowhere is this more visible than in Jerusalem’s Old City, where bearded ultra-Orthodox Jews, Christian clerics and devout Muslims all come into contact in a densely packed mix of some of the world’s most sensitive holy sites.

For Eitan Press, 40, growing a beard is a spiritual journey that embodies ancient concepts of Jewish mysticism while challenging modern perceptions of masculinity.

*snip*

“When a man grows a beard, it is incumbent upon him to act with greater kindness, compassion and sensitivity toward the world because he is now wearing on his face a divine quality,” he said.

[BenLurkin]

Makes the face itch just to think about it.

And in the meantime Parkyarkarkus is going broke trying to sell razor blades.

[BenLurkin]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWkNsc0S5no

[RoosterRedux]

I like beards when they are "epic" and grow one from time to time.

Here are a few photos of some epic beards (not from the article)...

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks RoosterRedux.

[nwrep]

Brahms had an epic beard...

[Big Red Badger]

The Prince of Pulpiters.

[RoosterRedux]

He did indeed...

[bigbob]

Jesus had a beard. Enough said.

[Blue Jays]

An absurdly gigantic beard coupled with plastic eyeglasses and puny arms is indicative of being a leftwing hipster in North America.

[onedoug]

Me afeito una vez a la semana para mi clase en español.

[Don W]

You’re talking about that millennial on “Street Science”, aren’t you?

Just looking at him makes me want to get out the hedgetrimmer.

[Bigg Red]

+1

[Bigg Red]

+1

[100American]

Yup, I have cut mine back at times to a goatee look but I prefer and maintain the full beard look all the time. It has gotten quite long at times and is very dense so it has its own issues, but cut off the beard...

Never!

[Bigg Red]

I am not talking about beards grown for religious reasons when I say this. As a woman, I find those long Duck Dynasty type beards repulsive.

[Tax-chick]

I liked General Longstreet’s beard.

[Red Badger]

He was required to have a beard by law..................

[RoosterRedux]

Heheh. I think most women would agree with you from what I have heard.

[C210N]

Even 0bama had his beard.