עברית
Halachot and Customs
Smoking Explanation
Question
Dear Rabbi, I wanted to ask, it is known that there is no difference between a holiday and Shabbat except for activities related to food. In this context, one can smoke cigarettes on a holiday [from fire to fire, of course]. So if cigarettes are considered a matter of food, why is it permitted to smoke on a fast [aside from Yom Kippur, of course]? If this is something that is needed for sustenance, it should be prohibited, because it is part of what we call food? With great respect [I would appreciate a response via email]
Answer
Greetings,
On a holiday, anything that contributes to a person’s enjoyment is permitted, not just actual food. However, this is conditional on the enjoyment being significant to most people. If most people do not derive pleasure from a particular activity, it is prohibited on a holiday. Therefore, there are some poskim who prohibit smoking on a holiday.
I would also note that there are poskim who are stringent and do not allow smoking on Tisha B'Av.
Best regards,
Binyamin Shmueli
