כי ה’ אלקיך ברכך בכל מעשה ידיך (דברים ב:ז)

A businessman had an important meeting scheduled during the Nine Days. He approached Reb Moshe Feinstein zt”l and asked whether he could shave his beard to appear more presentable for the meeting.

Reb Moshe ruled that shaving is prohibited during the Nine Days. A business meeting, he said, does not justify an exception.

Despite the ruling, the businessman was concerned that his unshaven appearance might jeopardize the deal—so he shaved.

Initially, the meeting proceeded smoothly. They were on the verge of signing a contract when one of the non-Jewish executives asked, “How can we be sure we can trust you? Can you give us any assurance of your integrity?”

The businessman replied confidently, “You have nothing to worry about. I’m a religious Jew, and I follow the Torah, which teaches strict principles of honesty in business. My faith obligates me to be truthful.”

Another non-Jewish participant spoke up, surprised. “You’re Jewish? I was under the impression that religious Jews don’t shave during this time of year. Yet you’re clean-shaven. If you don’t stay loyal to your religious standards, how can we trust you to be loyal in business?”

The deal fell through.

This story serves as a reminder: when one overlooks the will of the ultimate Partner in business, success may slip away.