Upsherin Info

On the third Jewish birthday of a Jewish boy, friends and community members are invited to a festive haircutting ceremony called an upshernish or chalakah.

At the age of three, children’s education takes a leap—they are now ready to produce and share their unique gifts. For a Jewish boy, this transition is traditionally marked with a haircutting ceremony.

So, you have been invited to an upshernish. What exactly is an upshernish, and what do you need to know to attend?

Can I arrange to cut my son’s hair earlier than his third birthday so that my father can be involved?

The age of three marks a turning point. Until this age, the child was a baby to whom everything was given. From this time onward, he is considered as a developing youngster who responds and takes an active role in his process of education.

You can’t exactly walk into a party store and purchase upsherenish decor! Of course, that meant being creative and coming up with some fun decor ideas that were unique, inexpensive and attractive.