“Judaism prohibits smoking.”

Today many rabbis now declare smoking is prohibited. [17] This because medical and public health professionals agree that smoking is a danger to health. … Accordingly, this analysis must lead to the unambiguous conclusion that smoking is clearly and unquestionably forbidden by (halacha) and that this should be made known to all who care about the (Torah) and their health.… However, in their current form, he said, they are forbidden under the broader Torah mandates discussed above. [15] Even in earlier years when smoking was not halachically forbidden, it was halachically prohibited, however, to smoke if the smoke bothered others. [16] Indeed, Rabbi Eliezer Waldenberg, a major rabbi and judge in Jerusalem, was insistent that if a smoker was asked to discontinue smoking by someone bothered, the smoker must stop. Today many rabbis now declare smoking is prohibited. [17] This because medical and public health professionals agree that smoking is a danger to health. In addition, smoking is no longer widely accepted in modern culture. An extensive review of contemporary rabbinic opinions on the subject led the Rabbinical 2. https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/the-study-that helped-spur-the-us-stop-smoking-movement.html 3. Turner, A. Jewish Decisions about Childhood Vaccinations: The Unification of Medicine with Religion. Paediatrics and Health.2017; 5:1. 4. Turner, A. Be Careful and Watch Yourselves: Public Health in Jewish Teachings. … Council of America, one of the world's largest organizations of Orthodox rabbis, to conclude: • Accordingly, this analysis must lead to the unambiguous conclusion that smoking is clearly and unquestionably forbidden by (halacha) and that this should be made known to all who care about the (Torah) and their health. A final note is in order: 9b-10a; https://www.sefaria.org/ Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Choshen_Mishpat.427.8? lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en 8. Tractate Shabbos 32a; and also see the Rambam (Hichos Rotzeach 11:4-5) and the Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 427. People who smoke are not (G-d forbid) doing so in an attempt to flout (halacha). In fact, most would dearly wish to quit, but shedding an addiction is no simple matter. …

We prohibit the smoking of cigarettes and specify that this includes cigars, pipes and any other tobacco devices. … We revise the Siegel Teshuvah’s language that smoking should be “discouraged” by stating clearly that it is prohibited to all… here proposed as an answer to those questions without addressing whether the extent or severity of the potential damage does itself form a legally valid reason to prohibit the sale of tobacco. [AIR: This distinction of addictive behaviors from those amenable to individual choice serves also to distinguish the sabbath invitation (see note 80) which may be permissible by my argument of respect for individual choice from the sale of tobacco products that is here being prohibited.] 17 P’sak 1. We prohibit the smoking of cigarettes and specify that this includes cigars, pipes and any other tobacco devices. We revise the Siegel Teshuvah’s language that smoking should be “discouraged” by stating clearly that it is prohibited to all and consequently that it should be banned in synagogues and in all buildings connected to the Jewish community, and that rabbis should make every effort to persuade smokers to undertake the various methods offered today to stop smoking and to prevent youngsters from beginning to smoke, thus taking “good care” of their lives, as the Torah commands a. Just as it is forbidden to smoke cigarettes or other forms of tobacco, so it is …

We prohibit the smoking of cigarettes and specify that this includes cigars, pipes and any other tobacco devices. … We revise the Siegel Teshuvah’s language that smoking should be “discouraged” by stating clearly that it is prohibited to allP’sak 1. We prohibit the smoking of cigarettes and specify that this includes cigars, pipes and any other tobacco devices. We revise the Siegel Teshuvah’s language that smoking should be “discouraged” by stating clearly that it is prohibited to all and consequently that it should be banned in synagogues and in all buildings connected to the Jewish community, and that rabbis should make every effort to persuade smokers to undertake the various methods offered today to stop smoking and to prevent youngsters from beginning to smoke, thus taking “good care” of their lives, as the Torah commands a. Just as it is forbidden to smoke cigarettes or other forms of tobacco, so it is …

The Va’ad Halachah (or Halacha Committee) of The Rabbinical Council of America has issued a unanimous opinion affirming that, in spite of its widespread practice even within many rabbinic and yeshiva circles, the smoking of tobacco products is prohibited by Jewish law.# RCA’s Vaad Halacha Bans Use of Tobacco Products Jul 3, 2006 — The Va’ad Halacha of the Rabbinical Council of America, in its first decision in recent years, has issued a detailed responsum to explain why the use of tobacco is prohibited by Jewish Law. The Va’ad Halachah (or Halacha Committee) of The Rabbinical Council of America has issued a unanimous opinion affirming that, in spite of its widespread practice even within many rabbinic and yeshiva circles, the smoking of tobacco products is prohibited by Jewish law. For some observers of Jewish life, this decision might be casually dismissed as a statement of the obvious, or in any case, as long overdue. But from a different perspective, this ruling illustrates the highly significant fact that accepted practice and illustrious precedent notwithstanding, Jewish law is fully able to incorporate new realities, recognize new and reliable scientific findings, and embrace the need to change heretofore acceptable behavior. …

The majority, whether Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, have ruled that cigarette smoking is prohibited by Jewish Law. … In conclusion, smoking is absolutely forbidden by Jewish law.Texts and beliefs By Rabbi David Golinkin 12th Jan 2013 Responsum: Since the Surgeon General’s report first established the dangers of cigarette smoking in 1964, over forty responsa have been written on this subject. The majority, whether Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, have ruled that cigarette smoking is prohibited by Jewish Law. There are at least thirteen reasons for this conclusion. Six of the most cogent reasons follow: 1. Maimonides rules (Hilkhot Deot Chapter 4) that “a person must distance himself from things which destroy the body and accustom himself to things which heal the body.” In light of what we know about smoking, there is no doubt that it is an activity “which destroys the body” and is therefore forbidden by Maimonides. … According to this principle, one cannot stand in his yard and shoot arrows in the air while claiming that he had no intention of harming others. For the same reason, one must erect an outhouse or a factory that produces dust far enough away from his neighbors to do no harm because the dust and the smell are like his arrows (Maimonides, Hilkhot Shekheinim 11:1). There is no question that cigarette smoke is like his arrows so the smoker must distance himself from others “l’khathilah”. In conclusion, smoking is absolutely forbidden by Jewish law. Similarly, it is forbidden to smoke in a public place and if one transgresses and smokes he must move away if someone protests. #### Alexander House, 3 Shakespeare Road, London N3 1XE

The majority, whether Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, have ruled that cigarette smoking is prohibited by Jewish Law. … In conclusion, smoking is absolutely forbidden by Jewish law.Question: In light of dozens of scientific studies proving the dangers of smoking, is smoking prohibited by Jewish law? Furthermore, is it forbidden in a public place? Responsum: Since the Surgeon General’s report first established the dangers of cigarette smoking in 1964, over forty responsa have been written on this subject. The majority, whether Orthodox, Conservative or Reform, have ruled that cigarette smoking is prohibited by Jewish Law. There are at least thirteen reasons for this conclusion. Six of the most cogent reasons follow: 1. Maimonides rules (Hilkhot Deot Chapter 4) that “a person must distance himself from things which destroy the body and accustom himself to things which heal the body.” In light of what we know about smoking, there is no doubt that it is an activity “which destroys the body” and is therefore forbidden by Maimonides. … According to this principle, one cannot stand in his yard and shoot arrows in the air while claiming that he had no intention of harming others. For the same reason, one must erect an outhouse or a factory that produces dust far enough away from his neighbors to do no harm because the dust and the smell are like his arrows (Maimonides, Hilkhot Shekheinim 11:1). There is no question that cigarette smoke is like his arrows so the smoker must distance himself from others “l’khathilah”. In conclusion, smoking is absolutely forbidden by Jewish law. Similarly, it is forbidden to smoke in a public place and if one transgresses and smokes he must move away if someone protests. Rabbi David Golinkin Approved Unanimously 5750

Rabbinic respondents have been divided on the question of whether available medical evidence is sufficient to ban smoking as dangerous in the view of Jewish religious law. … There is a consensus of halakhic opinion which may be summarized as follows : (a) Smoking near anyone who may be disturbed or harmed by smoke is prohibited. (b) It is forbidden to harm oneself by smoking.Danger to the Smoker Rabbinic respondents have been divided on the question of whether available medical evidence is sufficient to ban smoking as dangerous in the view of Jewish religious law. R. Feinstein would concede only that, since “we may be wary of the danger of becoming ill from smoking, it would be better to be cautious.” … To whom, then, does one’s body and life belong? R. Moses Ribkes (17th century) taught : “The reason the Torah warned us about preservation of life is that God graciously created the world to benefit His creatures so that they may be aware of His greatness and may work in His service by observing His mitzvot. 12 What are the operative conclusions of these rabbinic verdicts for the smoking Jew of our day? There is almost universal agreement that this habit involves pikuah nefesh. There is a consensus of halakhic opinion which may be summarized as follows : (a) Smoking near anyone who may be disturbed or harmed by smoke is prohibited. (b) It is forbidden to harm oneself by smoking. (If a smoker cannot stop immediately, then he must make every effort to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked per day and to receive help to be cured of the habit.) (c) Children and adolescents are forbidden to begin or to become accustomed to smoking. Adults may not help or encourage them to acquire the habit.

It would, therefore, follow that Jewish ethics and Jewish law would prohibit the use of cigarettes.### CONCLUSION In regard to smoking, there is little difficulty in applying these principles to the question of smoking. Scientific evidence has now established beyond doubt that smoking, especially cigarette smoking, is injurious to our health. It is now evident, too, that the non-smoker can be harmed when he/she has to suffer the smoke of those who use tobacco. The smoking habit is dirty, harmful, and antisocial. It would, therefore, follow that Jewish ethics and Jewish law would prohibit the use of cigarettes. Smoking should, at least, be discouraged in synagogues, Jewish schools and in Jewish gathering places. The rabbinate and community leaders should discourage smoking. This would help us live longer and healthier. In doing so, we would be fulfilling our responsibilities to God and humanity. There is one aspect of this question which is of special interest. According to Jewish law, the observance of the Sabbath is of paramount importance. …

Whether it is permissible to smoke tobacco on Pesach and the acceptability of smoking in general, are topics that require exploration. … There is also a general, and very important, question whether it is permitted to smoke at all. … Many contemporary Gedolei Yisrael have cautioned against the possible ill effects of smoking to one’s health, and have refused to take the position that it is a permitted activity.Cigarettes were first introduced during the 18th century in Seville, Spain. The earliest cigarettes were actually created by beggars who picked tobacco from used cigar ends in the street, wrapped them in paper, and smoked them. Eventually, cigarettes became a social norm and grew into a large market. Whether it is permissible to smoke tobacco on Pesach and the acceptability of smoking in general, are topics that require exploration. The kashrut of tobacco has been a subject of discussion amongst poskim throughout the generations. For example, the Chayei Adam (127:3) cautioned against using snuff tobacco that was known to contain yayin nesech as an additive. … 1 However, other poskim disagreed. Both Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l in Minchat Shlomo (2:10 and 58:6) and Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv shlita in Kovetz Teshuvot (2: 32) prohibit smoking on Yom Tov. Like all other halachic questions, a Rov should be consulted for guidance regarding this contentious issue. There is also a general, and very important, question whether it is permitted to smoke at all. The U.S. Surgeon General’s reports indicate that smoking is a contributory factor in the development of a variety of cancers, including the lung, oral cavity, and kidneys. Moreover, smoking is also considered casually related to coronary heart disease and respiratory illness. … However, smoking despite acknowledging that there is a serious and probable health risk is not permitted. Moreover, Rav Moshe cautioned non-smokers who might discount the risks, from considering starting smoking because of the possible detrimental effects to their health. Many contemporary Gedolei Yisrael have cautioned against the possible ill effects of smoking to one’s health, and have refused to take the position that it is a permitted activity. The list includes Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l (see Minchat Shlomo 2:58:6), Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky zt”l (see Reb Yaakov p. …

In accordance with Rabbi Reuven Hammer’s 2020 responsum “Teshuva Concerning Smoking,” in acknowledgement of the established adverse health effects of smoking, this responsum likewise prohibits recreational use of cannabis in its smoked form. … While acknowledging the weight of halakhic literature against smoking, Rabbi Fine was concerned that the absolute prohibition against all and any tobacco use, including occasional recreational usage, beyond the more nuanced “discouragement” of Rabbi Siegel’s 1986 paper (but aligned with Rabbi Golinkin’s view) would be an unnecessary extension of the category of “transgression.”… first being on the permissibility of medical usage of marijuana, and the last six on recreational consumption. Votes were held separately for psak 1 and psakim 2-7. We both voted in favor of psak 1, and against the latter six. Our negative vote on the latter six is not because we do not believe recreational usage of marijuana is permissible; to the contrary, we believe it is permissible, but we disagree with psak 3, which states, 3) In accordance with Rabbi Reuven Hammer’s 2020 responsum “Teshuva Concerning Smoking,” in acknowledgement of the established adverse health effects of smoking, this responsum likewise prohibits recreational use of cannabis in its smoked form. One of us, Rabbi Fine, voted against Rabbi Hammer’s 2020 responsum (Rabbi Leff was not on the CJLS at that time). 1 One problem with psak 3 is that the data in Rabbi Hammer’s paper is all based on smoking tobacco and nicotine dependence. The research that went into that paper is irrelevant to the case of smoking marijuana. (We are not arguing that marijuana smoking is less harmful; simply that the data is irrelevant). … 1 See Reuven Hammer, “Teshuvah Concerning Smoking” CJLS HM 427:8.2020 Hammer on smoking - corrected final.pdf (rabbinicalassembly.org). See also Seymour Siegel, “Smoking: A Jewish Perspective” CJLS HM 427:8.1986 siegel_smoking.pdf (rabbinicalassembly.org) and David Golinkin, “Smoking in Jewish Law” Responsa of the Vaad Halakhah of the Rabbinical Assembly of Israel, vol. 4, pp. 38-56 Microsoft Word - responsavol4_new.doc (responsafortoday.com) and bibliography there. While acknowledging the weight of halakhic literature against smoking, Rabbi Fine was concerned that the absolute prohibition against all and any tobacco use, including occasional recreational usage, beyond the more nuanced “discouragement” of Rabbi Siegel’s 1986 paper (but aligned with Rabbi Golinkin’s view) would be an unnecessary extension of the category of “transgression.” Rabbi Fine was further concerned with the inconsistency that the CJLS was taking a very strong position in 2020 against smoking tobacco while considering taking a lenient position on consumption of cannabis (as approved here in 2023). The inconsistency suggested an imprudent influence of cultural values rather than a fair evaluation of the medical evidence. that causes no harm. …

Thus, since scientific evidence has mounted that smoking is responsible for many diseases and illnesses (the Surgeon General of the United States was already warning about the great hazards of smoking in 1964), it is clear and unequivocal that smoking is a Torah prohibition. … Despite this clear ruling, cigarette smoking has not been universally banned by halakhic authorities. … Thus, smoking cigarettes, which constitutes a clear danger and hazard to both the health of the smoker and to the nonsmoker who inhales the fumes, is a Torah prohibition.… Furthermore, Rabbi Yosef Karo (Shulhan Arukh Yoreh De’ah 116 and Hoshen Mishpat 427) modifies the list, as do other earlier (Rishonim) and later (Aharonim) authorities based on the understanding of their time and place. Thus, since scientific evidence has mounted that smoking is responsible for many diseases and illnesses (the Surgeon General of the United States was already warning about the great hazards of smoking in 1964), it is clear and unequivocal that smoking is a Torah prohibition. Rabbi Halevy also points out that when it comes to danger to life, we follow the Talmudic principle that one should be more concerned about a possible danger to life than a possible prohibition (Hullin 10b; also see Rabbi Moshe Isserles to Yoreh De’ah 116:5). … (see also Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan, Lekutei Amarim, ch. 13 and Zekhor Le-Miriam ch.10, who similarly rails against smoking, as well as Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef, Responsa Yehaveh Da’at 5:39, who also forbids smoking). Despite this clear ruling, cigarette smoking has not been universally banned by halakhic authorities. While Rabbi Moshe Feinstein strongly asserted that it is not proper to begin smoking and people should be urged to stop (because there is a possibility of danger and there is no benefit), he consistently held the view that smoking could not be prohibited by Halakhah (first in a short responsum in 1964, Responsa Iggerot Moshe, … 4, #44; see also Responsa Iggerot Moshe, ibid., where Rabbi Feinstein forbids smoking in a bet midrash or synagogue). Thus, smoking cigarettes, which constitutes a clear danger and hazard to both the health of the smoker and to the nonsmoker who inhales the fumes, is a Torah prohibition.

Is smoking, and hence marketing and distributing tobacco products, prohibited by Jewish law? … Later, in the 1970s, Rabbi David Halevi, the former Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, ruled that smoking is forbidden. … Despite all these considerations, until a universally accepted Ashkenazic Torah authority pronounces a formal issur, it appears that smoking for Ashkenazim remains permitted.… The Talmud tells us that Truth is the Holy One’s personal seal. These are religious ideals for Jews. It would be odd, therefore, if the Torah offered no guidance on specific questions that the tobacco debate raises: - Is smoking, and hence marketing and distributing tobacco products, prohibited by Jewish law? - If not halachically prohibited, do we have an obligation to insist on standards of truthful advertising and marketing in regard to cigarettes? Is smoking forbidden by Jewish law? Numerous poskim have addressed this old question. … But…since the multitude are accustomed to smoking…and ‘the Lord preserves the simple,’ and some of the greatest Torah scholars in the previous generations did smoke, [there is no prohibition].” (Iggerot Moshe, Yoreh Deah, 2:49). Later, in the 1970s, Rabbi David Halevi, the former Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv, ruled that smoking is forbidden. The former Rishon LeTzion, Rav Yitzchak Nissim, ruled conditionally in 1978, that “ If smoking definitely damages one’s health, then it is forbidden.” More recently, Rabbi Ovadiah Yosef, another former Sephardic Chief Rabbi and current spiritual leader of Shas, reiterated his earlier ruling that smoking violates halachah. … Today we know that one’s health is significantly compromised when near a smoker. Even if a smoker has halachic license to decide to risk his own health, he does not have the right to endanger anyone else’s health. This is an additional reason for poskim to re-analyze smoking in light of recent medical knowledge. Despite all these considerations, until a universally accepted Ashkenazic Torah authority pronounces a formal issur, it appears that smoking for Ashkenazim remains permitted. According to Ashkenazic poskim, if you smoke you are not a sinner — you are just a fool. If smoking is not halachically forbidden to Jews, it stands to reason that we should tolerate the tobacco companies’ providing the means to smoke by manufacturing, advertising and distributing cigarettes. …

We noted that Rav Efraim Greenblatt, Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg, Rav Chaim David Halevi, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, Rav Avigdor Neventzhal, Rav Hershel Schachter, Rav Gedalia Schwartz, Rav Aharon Soloveichik, and Rav Eliezer Waldenburg all rule that smoking is strictly forbidden. … Accordingly, at this point one may safely affirm that the age in which smoking was permissible has passed and that at this point it is indisputably forbidden. … There are sufficient major rabbinic figures who have issued stringent rulings to remove any doubt of the fact that Halacha forbids smoking.2006/5766 Previously, we have outlined why it is prohibited to smoke. We noted that Rav Efraim Greenblatt, Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg, Rav Chaim David Halevi, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, Rav Avigdor Neventzhal, Rav Hershel Schachter, Rav Gedalia Schwartz, Rav Aharon Soloveichik, and Rav Eliezer Waldenburg all rule that smoking is strictly forbidden. This week we shall conclude our discussion by clarifying a number of issues regarding this topic. Rav Moshe Feinstein’s Prohibition to Begin Smoking After 1981 … The third stage was in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, when Poskim such as Rav Ovadia Yosef, Rav Yosef Shalom Eliashiv, and Rav J. David Bleich, who previously stated that it is technically not forbidden to smoke, have concluded that it is forbidden to smoke based on changing societal behavior and medical data. Accordingly, at this point one may safely affirm that the age in which smoking was permissible has passed and that at this point it is indisputably forbidden. Parents and educators must present to their children and students in an unequivocal manner that smoking is forbidden according to the Halacha. There are sufficient major rabbinic figures who have issued stringent rulings to remove any doubt of the fact that Halacha forbids smoking. Hashem has privileged us to live in an age where it is common for Chatanim and Kallot to enjoy the presence of grandparents and even great grandparents at their weddings. …

While there are rabbis who say, based on this verse, that smoking is Biblically prohibited,1many others say that it is not a Biblical prohibition, but “good advice” not to smoke.2… There is a chain smoker who sits near me in the new office. Besides the horrendous consequences to my health, my clothes now have a stench that is not coming out in the wash. No one else seems to be bothered by this.** **According to Jewish law, am I allowed to ask him to stop smoking?** *Answer:* As we all know, smoking causes serious ailments, which means that it conflicts with the Biblical injunction to take care of our health (Deuteronomy 4:15): “And you shall watch yourselves very well.” While there are rabbis who say, based on this verse, that smoking is Biblically prohibited,1many others say that it is not a Biblical prohibition, but “good advice” not to smoke.2Others say that the responsibility should be left with the doctors to warn their patients not to smoke, based on their specific situations; and what the doctor says should be followed, as in other matters.3 **Damaging Others** The above applies to an individual’s right to smoke at all; however, in a case where one would cause another to suffer from the smoke, a prohibition would apply according to Jewish law.4 In the words ofMaimonidesin his code ofJewish law: …

Indeed, the Poskim whom the Modern Orthodox community regards as authoritative have unequivocally stated that it is prohibited to smoke. … Indeed, three major Israeli Halachic authorities- Rav Chaim David Halevi (Teshuvot Asei Lecha Rav 2:1,3:18, and 9:28-29), Rav Avigdor Neventzahl (Asyah 5:261) and Rav Eliezer Waldenburg (Teshuvot Tzitz Eliezer 15:39) - have written that smoking is prohibited. … We will conclude that it is undoubtedly prohibited for Jews who study and apply modern science seriously, to smoke.2005/5766 Anecdotal evidence strongly indicates that within the Modern Orthodox community it has become accepted not to smoke. Indeed, the Poskim whom the Modern Orthodox community regards as authoritative have unequivocally stated that it is prohibited to smoke. These authorities include Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, Rav Hershel Schachter, Rav Gedalia Schwartz, and Rav Aharon Soloveitichik. Moreover, one of Rav Moshe Feinstein’s leading Talimidim, Rav Efraim Greenblatt, rules (Teshuvot Rivevot Efraim 8:586) that smoking is prohibited. Indeed, three major Israeli Halachic authorities- Rav Chaim David Halevi (Teshuvot Asei Lecha Rav 2:1,3:18, and 9:28-29), Rav Avigdor Neventzahl (Asyah 5:261) and Rav Eliezer Waldenburg (Teshuvot Tzitz Eliezer 15:39) - have written that smoking is prohibited. Additionally, Rav Ovadia Yosef has concluded that it is prohibited to smoke (Halichot Olam 1:265-266, published in 1998). This contrasts with Rav Ovada’s earlier writings (such as Teshuvot Yechave Daat 5:39, published in 1983) in which he states that it is preferable to refrain from smoking due to the health hazards involved. … Conclusion Next week we shall discuss the parameters of the “Hashem protects the fools” principle and see how the Poskim of the twentieth century applied it to smoking. We will conclude that it is undoubtedly prohibited for Jews who study and apply modern science seriously, to smoke. ## Apr 28 The Rambam’s Rescue of the Holiday of Chanukah by Rabbi Chaim Jachter

We noted that many great Halachic authorities prohibit smoking, including Rav Efraim Greenblatt, Rav Chaim David Halevi, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, Rav Avigdor Neventzhal, Rav Hershel Schachter, Rav Gedalia Schwartz, and Rav Aharon Soloveitchik. … This week, we will continue to work towards our conclusion that smoking is undoubtedly prohibited to all Jews who study and apply modern science seriously. … Rather, he concludes, smoking is a suicidal act and is prohibited.2005/5766 Last week we introduced the issue of smoking and Halacha. We noted that many great Halachic authorities prohibit smoking, including Rav Efraim Greenblatt, Rav Chaim David Halevi, Rav Aharon Lichtenstein, Rav Avigdor Neventzhal, Rav Hershel Schachter, Rav Gedalia Schwartz, and Rav Aharon Soloveitchik. This week, we will continue to work towards our conclusion that smoking is undoubtedly prohibited to all Jews who study and apply modern science seriously. Hashem Preserves the Fools – When Does it Apply? … He notes that society even outlaws smoking in bars, even though imbibing considerable quantities of alcohol is tolerated. Accordingly, Rav Bleich’s and Rav Greenblatt’s writings clearly demonstrate that Rav Moshe’s somewhat lenient ruling regarding smoking is no longer in effect, as medical information and society have changed. Indeed, Rav Greenblatt argues, “Who would lie down in the middle of the street and claim ‘Hashem protects the fools?!’” Rather, he concludes, smoking is a suicidal act and is prohibited. Rav Chaim David Halevi (Teshuvot Asei Lecha Rav 3:18) similarly writes that smoking is “slow suicide.” Rav Greenblatt writes, “Smoking is definitely forbidden and there is no justifying it and I have spoken to Gedolim and Poskim who agree with my conclusion.” Rav Avigdor Neventzhal writes (Asyah 5:261) that we cannot apply the “Hashem protects the fools” principle in a situation where we clearly witness that it is not Hashem’s will to protect [smokers].

The Rebbe reiterates the basic premise that anything dangerous to one’s health is already forbidden under halachah and no new specific decree is technically needed.## The Rebbe’s Approach Following the approach of his father-in-law, the sixth Rebbe, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, strongly discouraged smoking. He also wrote a number of letters addressing this topic. The Rebbe reiterates the basic premise that anything dangerous to one’s health is already forbidden under halachah and no new specific decree is technically needed. ## Secondhand Smoke

In more recent years, when medical research has demonstrated that there is a causal relationship between smoking cigarettes and lung cancer (and heart disease), a number of Rabbis, especially Conservative Rabbis, have suggested that the Halakhah now be invoked to forbid smoking as injurious to health. … Undoubtedly, the Jewish tradition is emphatic that health should be preserved but it is somewhat questionable whether the Halakhah can be invoked in this area. … To be sure most people will probably decide that the risk is not worth taking and this outweighs any advantages, but such decisions cannot be made a matter of Jewish law.### In Light of Medical Research In more recent years, when medical research has demonstrated that there is a causal relationship between smoking cigarettes and lung cancer (and heart disease), a number of Rabbis, especially Conservative Rabbis, have suggested that the Halakhah now be invoked to forbid smoking as injurious to health. Undoubtedly, the Jewish tradition is emphatic that health should be preserved but it is somewhat questionable whether the Halakhah can be invoked in this area. There is a risk as well as advantages in smoking, as there is in imbibing alcohol and in failing to have a sensible diet, and, indeed, in driving a motor car. Each individual should at his own discretion balance the risks against the advantages. To be sure most people will probably decide that the risk is not worth taking and this outweighs any advantages, but such decisions cannot be made a matter of Jewish law. Or, in any event, this seems to be the attitude of law-abiding Jews who do smoke.

The majority of contemporary halakhic authorities rule that smoking is outright forbidden, their argument being that since there is a clear causal link between smoking and deadly diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, it constitutes a violation of the obligation of one to safeguard his health. … In 2006, the Vaad Halacha (Jewish law committee), sponsored by the Rabbinical Council of America, ruled that the use of tobacco is forbidden to Jews, and the committee specifically cited and reversed precedents that permitted smoking.When 20th century medicine discovered the negative effects of smoking on health, the question arose whether smoking is to be considered strictly forbidden by halakha, or merely discouraged. The debate about the permissibility of smoking according to halakha is centered primarily around the prohibition for a person to cause harm to his body, place himself in danger, or bring about his death. [17] The majority of contemporary halakhic authorities rule that smoking is outright forbidden, their argument being that since there is a clear causal link between smoking and deadly diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease, it constitutes a violation of the obligation of one to safeguard his health. However, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein wrote a responsum stating that while inadvisable and inappropriate, smoking was permitted for one who had already started. Feinstein explained that since the risk of illness or death due to smoking is considered small, and it is a widespread practice, it is therefore permitted under the rabbinical principle based on the verse of Pslams : " The Lord protects the simple." … Many Hasidic Jews smoke, and many who do not smoke regularly will smoke on the holiday of Purim, even if they do not do so any other time of the year, and some consider it to be a spiritual practice, similar to the smoke of the altar in the ancient Temple. However, many Hasidic rabbis oppose smoking. In 2006, the Vaad Halacha (Jewish law committee), sponsored by the Rabbinical Council of America, ruled that the use of tobacco is forbidden to Jews, and the committee specifically cited and reversed precedents that permitted smoking. [23] ## References

BACKGROUND Jewish tradition enjoins us to cherish life, nurture it, preserve it and protect it.- ReformJudaism.org - Union for Reform Judaism - Religious Action Center BACKGROUND Jewish tradition enjoins us to cherish life, nurture it, preserve it and protect it. In our time, cigarette smoking is the single most preventable cause of death and disease. Each year over 300,000 Americans and 75,000 Canadians die from causes associated with the use of tobacco. The American Cancer Society and the Surgeon General of the United States concur: smoking one or two packs of cigarettes per day decreases a smoker's life expectancy by at least 6 to 8 years.

In modern days, most (if not all) Orthodox rabbis consider smoking cigarettes as a Halakhically forbidden activity.… The Torah (Debarim 4:9,15) states explicitly that one must keep a close watch over his health. Maimonides (Hilchot Rotseach 11:5 – 6) writes that one who engages in unhealthy activities and declares that he has the right to do as he wishes to his own body deserves a punishment. The Talmud (Hullin 9a) states explicitly that one must treat dangerous activities with greater stringency than one would treat Halakhically prohibited activities. In modern days, most (if not all) Orthodox rabbis consider smoking cigarettes as a Halakhically forbidden activity. Why?

See the Encyclopedia for Halacha and Medicine by Dr. Avrohom Steinberg, 1996, "Smoking," for the various opinions on this matter.20. See the Encyclopedia for Halacha and Medicine by Dr. Avrohom Steinberg, 1996, "Smoking," for the various opinions on this matter. You can unsubscribe at any time.

In deference to the holy day of Rosh Hashanah, the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe also strongly encouraged those who smoked all year to refrain from smoking during the two days of Rosh Hashanah.29. In deference to the holy day of Rosh Hashanah, the Previous Lubavitcher Rebbe also strongly encouraged those who smoked all year to refrain from smoking during the two days of Rosh Hashanah. See Sefer Haminhagim Chabad. 30.

A number of rabbinical authorities, here and in Israel, have asserted that smoking cigarettes is prohibited by the Torah. They cite biblical and rabbinic passages that make clear that a person may not do anything to his body that is harmful to his health.… The Clinton administration, in a rare move of boldness, is taking on the tobacco industry in an effort to keep more youngsters from the smoking addiction. What is noteworthy is the clash between business and ethical interests, striking a chord for some in the Jewish community. Indeed, there are several Jewish aspects to the smoking issue. A number of rabbinical authorities, here and in Israel, have asserted that smoking cigarettes is prohibited by the Torah. They cite biblical and rabbinic passages that make clear that a person may not do anything to his body that is harmful to his health. We do not own our bodies, God does. And just as suicide is prohibited for this reason, so is smoking cigarettes, according to this position.