Our Gemara on Amud Aleph discusses the prohibition of shaving the corners of the head. Bereishis Rabbah (11:6) offers a relevant exchange:

A philosopher asked Rabbi Hoshaya, “If circumcision is so dear to God, why was it not given to Adam?” Rabbi Hoshaya replied, “Why do you shave the corner of your head but leave the corner of your beard?” (Authors note: a dig at Yushka for violating the commandment to not shave the peyos.) The philosopher said, “Because this [head hair] grew with me in my period of foolishness.” (Author’s note: I believe he is referring to a time prior to their deity’s epiphany.) Rabbi Hoshaya retorted, “If so, you should put out your eye, sever your hands, and break your legs, as they too grew in your period of foolishness.” The philosopher said, “Have we come to such frivolous arguments?” Rabbi Hoshaya responded, “I cannot dismiss you without an answer. Everything created during the six days of Creation requires action to perfect it: mustard needs sweetening, lupines need sweetening, wheat needs grinding. Even man needs to be perfected.”

This reflects a core Jewish theological concept: part of existence is meant for us to restore to God. Physical entities are inherently distanced from God, and their volitional return to the Creator is meaningful and satisfying, though the reasons elude full comprehension.

Maharal (Tiferes Yisrael 3) elaborates beautifully. An animal is born complete, its instincts enabling it to function within hours. A human, however, requires over a decade of parental guidance to survive. This is reflected in their Hebrew names: Behemah (animal) implies bah mah “what is in it?” showing no hidden potential, while Adam (man), from Adamah (earth), signifies potential to cultivate wondrous outcomes, like earth yielding produce. Sanctifying or elevating body parts, such as through Bris Milah or leaving certain areas untouched such as the corners of one’s head or beard, is our task—not because God’s creation is imperfect, but because He desires our partnership in bringing creation back to Him.

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com