Why Jewish men don't shave their beards

The Torah actually forbids destruction of the beard and the talmud defines destruction as shaving with a razor.  Others like Maimonides say the reason for this forbiddance is because shaving was a practice of idol-worshipers. In addition, Kabbalah attaches great importance to the beard, teaching that the “thirteen locks” of the beard are representative of God’s thirteen supernal attributes of mercy. Growing a beard makes one a beneficiary of the bounty which originates from God’s compassion.

I never thought a beard was that important to people, apparently cultures respect it very highly and forbid the destruction of it.  Although this is a practice usually held by more traditionalist jews it is interesting to learn that so much of how jews dress and act is all in accordance with god, even their beards.

http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/494236/jewish/Why-dont-chassidic-men-shave.htm