New English Translation of Kfar Chabad Article Reveals the Rebbe’s Pivotal Role in Seminal Work on the Torah’s View of the Beard
A newly released English translation of a major Hebrew-language feature from the 5 Teves issue of Kfar Chabad Magazine offers a detailed account of the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s extraordinary involvement in the creation and dissemination of sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon—a comprehensive Torah work on the spiritual and halachic significance of the beard, authored by Rabbi Moshe Nissan Wiener.
Originally published in 5738 (1978) and now in its expanded fourth edition spanning 1,227 pages (almost 500 pages more than the original, first edition), sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon is widely regarded as the definitive halachic and hashkafic resource on the subject. What sets this sefer apart, however, is the active and ongoing personal guidance the Rebbe gave throughout its development—advising on halachic complexities, editing content, encouraging swift publication, and even financially participating in its promotion.
The article, titled “Preserving the Tzelem Elokim: The Story of Hadras Ponim Zokon”, chronicles Rabbi Wiener’s unique journey from a non-Chabad upbringing in Long Island to becoming a devoted Lubavitcher chossid. His research began while in the Mirrer Yeshiva, aiming to inspire fellow students to preserve their beards, ultimately developing into a lifelong scholarly pursuit and public campaign.
Correspondence with the Rebbe—documented extensively in Igros Kodesh—reveals consistent encouragement and a clear directive: the beard is not merely a Chassidic custom, but a core halachic obligation and an expression of the Divine image. The Rebbe emphasized the urgency of publication and the spiritual impact of public awareness, especially during periods like Sefiras HaOmer when beards are customarily grown, and during Elul-Tishrei, the months of heightened Yiras Shomayim.
Also detailed is the Rebbe’s response to opposition from some rabbinic figures and his unambiguous stance to continue without compromise, famously telling Rabbi Wiener, “Completely disregard those who attempt to confuse you… The merit of the public is on your side.”
The article features a powerful interview with Rabbi Wiener, addressing both halachic sources and historical examples that underscore the centrality of the beard in Jewish tradition—from ancient decrees and Holocaust heroism to contemporary misperceptions. His companion volume, Mesiras Nefesh for the Beard, highlights real-life stories of Jews who made profound sacrifices to uphold this mitzvah.
One compelling anecdote features Rabbi Simcha Elberg, then head of Agudas Harabbonim, who offered a glowing haskamah (endorsement) despite not wearing a full beard at the time. Facing backlash from his colleagues at Agudas Harabbonim, the Rebbe encouraged him to speak publicly about the beard’s importance. Shortly thereafter, Rabbi Elberg himself grew a full beard—an enduring testament to the sefer’s influence and the Rebbe’s guidance.
This in-depth feature is now available to the English-speaking public, further amplifying the message that the beard is not merely symbolic—it is a halachic imperative and a spiritual conduit rooted in generations of mesorah.
To access the full English article (masterfully translated by Rabbi Yehuda Altein, translator@prolifictranslations.com), which includes photos and facsimiles of documents, see: https://koshershaver.info/publications/files/Kfar%20Chabad%20Article%205%20Teves%205784%20English.pdf To view the original Hebrew article, see: https://www.jccgci.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Kfar-Chabad-Article-5-Teves-5784.pdf
For more information, or to learn more about sefer Hadras Ponim Zokon, visit https://www.koshershaver.info
