[Avodah] Is Smoking Mutar?

[Arie Folger]

On Sunday 18 January 2009 07:24:15 Harvey Benton wrote:
> HB: I don't quite follow the logic of R. Bleich's psak.  The smoker must
> quit halachically on what grounds?  If not for a direct pikuach nefesh then
> for what?  Because of reduced life expectancy (as RAFolger below)?  But
> even in cases of  reduced life expectancy (RLE),  can we say that any one
> individual cigarrette contributes enough halachically to a RLE, and is
> therefor assur?

This problem is dealt with by looking at the cumulative statistics and the 
chance of reversing the negative effects by changing habits.

> HB: The same logic should apply to heavy drinkers (liver damage), high
> cholesterol individuals, and overweight Yidden. Is the above 50 percent a
> halachically mandated number?   Would one have to put down a hamburger and
> french fries NOW, because of what may happen in 20 or 30 years?  And would
> any halacha be applied to only NOT doing something (e.g. smoking, drinking
> or eating) or would the same halacha mandate us to DO something active,
> like exercising to lose weight.??

It follows that the same would apply, except for the caveat I note after your 
next paragraph.

> Finally, are certain professions like firemen, policemen, or career
> soldiers, not permitted because of RLExpectancy?  Or must the chances of a
> RLE be above 50 percent for any halacha to kick in?  HB

Except that ushmartem meod lenafshotekhem is not obligatory where shomer 
petaim haShem applies. In other words, risks that are acceptable in society 
are not considered sufficiently dangerous. Smoking is nowadays considered 
unacceptably dangerous, and to a [much] lesser extent, living in highly 
poluted areas. Being a police officier or fireman, while dangerous, is not 
considered unacceptable societally (noch git; can you imagine a society 
without them? Only in moshiach's tzeiten).

Eating oneself into obesity is slowly becoming unacceptable, and dieting may 
hence become halakhicly obligatory for some.

KNLAD to understand R' Bleich's then statement.
-- 
Arie Folger
http://ariefolger.wordpress.com
http://www.ariefolger.googlepages.com