Why is the guy in the background stimming
Now that the above video of the Hasidic child with 'Payos' (sidecurls) went viral, many of you are wondering what's the story behind this interesting and unique hair style?
Well guess what, this practice originates from God himself in the Bible.
In Leviticus 19:27 it says, "You shall not round off the 'peyos' (corners) of your head."
Most Orthodox Jews interpret this (based on the Talmud and other rabbinic texts) as a prohibition against shaving the sideburns above a certain point (the cheekbone).
Hasidic Jews often adopt a stricter interpretation, holding that one should not cut the sidelocks at all, allowing them to grow long.
The style of peyos varies widely even within the Orthodox community. Some men keep their peyos short, some tuck them behind their ears, and some curl them.
Many Hasidic texts draw from sources like the Zohar and Arizal to explain the deep, spiritual meaning behind peyos.
One interpretation suggests the hair in this area is a "gate" or channel for divine flow and energy.
Another explanation is that the peyos create a symbolic separation between the front part of the brain, associated with intellectual and spiritual thought, and the rear part, associated with physical and material drives.
Maintaining this distinction is a reminder to focus on spiritual goals.
The act of curling itself may be considered hiddur mitzvah, or "beautifying the commandment," making the observance more aesthetically pleasing and purposeful.