Mitzvah —
217
The Nazir must let his hair grow
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כׇּל־יְמֵי֙ נֶ֣דֶר נִזְר֔וֹ תַּ֖עַר לֹא־יַעֲבֹ֣ר עַל־רֹאשׁ֑וֹ עַד־מְלֹ֨את הַיָּמִ֜ם אֲשֶׁר־יַזִּ֤יר לַיהֹוָה֙ קָדֹ֣שׁ יִהְיֶ֔ה גַּדֵּ֥ל פֶּ֖רַע שְׂעַ֥ר רֹאשֽׁוֹ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת נָשׂא
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Numbers 6:5 - "All the days of his vow of abstinence, no razor shall pass over his head; until the completion of the term that he abstains for the sake of the Lord, it shall be sacred, and he shall allow the growth of the hair of his head to grow wild."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Holiness – קְדוּשָּׁה
A Nazir must let his hair grow long throughout the duration of his vow.
This mitzvah requires the Nazir to let the hair of his head grow without cutting it for the length of his naziriteship. The uncut hair becomes a symbol of consecration, visibly distinguishing him as one who has set himself apart for Hashem.
The Nazir’s hair serves as both a sign of his holiness and a reminder of his vow. It represents dedication, restraint, and separation from worldly indulgence, pointing to a higher state of discipline and sanctity.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 5:11): The Nazir’s growing hair is part of his consecration to Hashem, symbolizing his unique holiness.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 374): The root is to create a physical sign of his separation and dedication, constantly reminding him and others of his vow.
- Talmud (Nazir 39a): Notes that the hair is holy, and shaving it during the vow is forbidden until the time is complete.
- Rashi (Numbers 6:5): Explains that “the locks of hair” signify the Nazir’s visible crown of holiness.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 5:11) explains that the Nazir’s growing hair is a sign of consecration to Hashem. Faith is demonstrated in accepting even unusual practices as part of Divine service.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 374) notes that the Nazir’s visible appearance should inspire him to live with constant fear and reverence for Heaven, reminding him that he is set apart for Hashem.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Talmud (Nazir 39a) calls the Nazir’s hair “holy,” teaching that even physical growth becomes sanctified when bound to a vow. This mitzvah visibly marks his higher level of kedushah.
Nazir – נָזִיר
- Rambam (Hilchot Nezirut 2:1) outlines that the Nazir’s obligations include abstaining from wine, avoiding impurity, and growing hair. Together, these form the identity of the Nazir.
Speech – דָּבָר
- The Nazir’s long hair begins with his words — the vow of naziriteship. This demonstrates the Torah’s principle that speech creates obligations, binding even the body.
Vows / Oaths – נְדָרִים / שְׁבוּעוֹת
- Sefer HaChinuch emphasizes that this mitzvah belongs to the framework of vows. The growth of hair is not symbolic alone — it is halachically enforced because of the Nazir’s spoken commitment.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- The Nazir’s appearance is also a communal sign. Talmud (Nazir 19a) notes that his visible status prevents secrecy, reminding the community of his consecration and keeping him accountable.
Bein Adam L’Makom (between a person and G-d)
- This mitzvah expresses direct dedication to Hashem. The Nazir’s hair is a crown of holiness, representing his separation from worldly indulgence and devotion to G-d.
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