Leigh Jacobson

Spotlight Editor

As the last days of summer trickle away, and fall subtly creeps up on us, the leaves change color, the weather gets colder, and hair…grows? Well, it is November, which can mean only one thing: No Shave November is back— and with a vengeance.

The underground Milken tradition is a commonly accepted practice in the month of November, which, as indicated by the name, prevents students from shaving their facial hair. In past years, students have taped up posters around campus encouraging their peers to join the cause. And while this year hasn’t seen any posters or radical promotion, there is no doubt that the tradition is still in full swing. Freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors alike have tucked away their razors for the month.

“This tradition is a pure indicator of strength of character. Facing society with a mane of hair on your face is no easy task,” Ariel Stern ’11, a participating senior, said. “It requires the strength to overcome the unparalleled amount of itching that ensues, the bravery to allow little bits of food to get stuck in your beard, and the self-esteem to be able to wear your mustache with pride, despite the malicious comments you might receive from friends or strangers who think you look like a homeless man.”

Some girls have joined the craze as well…or at least attempted to.

“I’ve always wanted to participate in No Shave November, so this year I thought why not?” Ruthie Rabinovitch ’12 said. “The only thing is that I’m having a bit of trouble accepting the fact that I don’t have facial hair.”

Additional hopefuls also find themselves unable to participate, much as they would like to join in the fun. “My facial hair will be the same in a month,” Glen Lipschitz ’12 said.

Others simply scoff at their scruff-sporting friends.

“Unless your name happens to be Abraham Lincoln, Moses, Jesus, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, or Dr. Thomas Apple, beards are out in my book,” Asher Levy ’12 said.  “It shows a lack of concern for appearance…I can proudly say that my cheeks will be as smooth as a baby’s bottom this November.”

Either way, No Shave November has arrived, scarier and hairier than ever.