The Torah commands in Parashat Kedoshim (Vayikra 19:27), “Ve’lo Tash’hit Et Pe’at Zekanecha” – forbidding cutting the hair of one’s face. The Sages understood this command as referring to the removal of one’s hair from five areas of the face – the upper cheeks on both sides, the lower cheeks on both sides, and the chin. The Sefer Ha’hinuch explains that the Torah forbade shaving one’s face because it was customary for the ancient pagan priests to remove their facial hair. The Torah thus issued this prohibition in order to emphasize our outright rejection of idolatrous worship. Removing facial hair is forbidden only when it is done with a razor, but not with scissors; indeed, it is customary today for men to shave with electric shavers, which remove hair in a manner similar to scissors. Surprisingly, the Rambam writes that one who removes facial hair with scissors is “Patur” – exempt from punishment, implying that it is nevertheless forbidden. Some explain that the Rambam refers only to scissors which cut hair “Ke’en Ta’ar” – in a manner similar to a razor, whereas cutting facial hair with ordinary scissors would be permissible even according to the Rambam. This prohibition applies in all places, in all times, and only to males. A woman who shaves a man’s beard is not in violation of this command. Non-Jewish male servants are included in this prohibition, even though non-Jewish servants are generally bound only by Torah commands which are binding upon both men and women. Although it is customary to permit shaving with electric shavers nowadays, as mentioned earlier, nevertheless, some brands of shavers act like a razor, and thus could potentially be forbidden. One who uses such a brand is in violation of a Torah command each time he shaves. It is therefore imperative to consult with one’s Rabbi for guidance in this regard. Certainly, it is forbidden to shave with a razor and shaving cream.