Scholar Meir Soloveichik notes, “[T]he careful reader of the Bible and the Talmud cannot but conclude that the spirit of the law, if not the letter, is quite clear: Jewish men are encouraged to have beards.” Why? It has to do with a visible rejection of pagan hopes for immortality apart of the Lord of creation.
“By forbidding Jews to destroy their hair, the Bible warns them away from seeking the siren song of eternal youth. By encouraging Jews to grow beards, it reminds them that they will not be young forever, that they must prepare the ground for those who come after, just as their fathers did for them.” Is that why you wear your beard? (Thanks to Abe Greenwald)
I wear a beard in order to look like a Viking. A pasty, underdeveloped Viking.
I started my beard because my wife wanted me to, and keep it because I like it, too. I definitely don’t wear it to look young, because it’s prematurely grey for my 43 years (and probably would have already been grey when I was in my mid-30s).
I wear my beard because it’s cold outside.
But I also like the idea of looking old. One of my great fears is that I, like one of my grandfathers, will reach the age of 80 without more than a smattering of gray hair.
Mine’s a public service thing. The more of my face covered, the better for everyone.
That and I’m too lazy to shave.
And have double-reverse cowlicks on my neck that make shaving hell anyhow.
And my wife likes it.