Cuts Prices to $15 to Help Customers Fighting Inflation
Photo and story by Robert Kalfus
Yonkers barber Slava Shushakova’s mezuzah had been on his shop’s door for many years. Chabad of Yonkers Rabbi Mendy Hurwitz checked the old mezuzah, fixed any of the Hebrew letters which might have been damaged, checked that every single letter was properly formed and written, certified that it was kosher, and installed it on the barbershop’s doorway at 797A Yonkers Avenue, across from Yonkers Raceway, bringing great delight and joy to him.
A mezuzah parchment scroll contains the Hebrew words of the Shema, handwritten by a scribe, and is attached to the doorpost of Jewish homes and businesses to fulfill the mitzvah, Biblical commandment, to “write the words of God on your home and upon your gates.” A mezuzah must be affixed on the right side of the doorpost as you most usually enter a room, as can be seen in the photo of Rabbi Hurwitz and Slava Shushakova. Judaism is not confined to just the synagogue, and a mezuzah on the doorpost reminds everyone who passes through that a Godly life and Torah observance accompany them wherever they go. Kings sit on their throne with their guards standing outside, protecting them. Jews believe that by affixing the mezuzah to the doorway, our King is outside, protecting us as we are inside. It is customary to have a mezuzah checked twice within every seven years, as human error, or cracks can develop, and Rabbi Hurwitz was glad to fulfill this important mitvah.
Mr. Shushakova noticed that other barbers had raised their haircutting prices, and that customers were hurting from the higher prices. In response, Mr. Shushakova lowered his basic haircut price to $15, which attracted a great many more customers who had been letting their hair grow longer in between haircuts.
