[Avodah] What is the prohibition of “bal teshaktzu”?

[Prof. L. Levine]

The following is from Today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis


Q. What is the prohibition of “bal teshaktzu”?

A. The Torah (Vayikra 11:43) states, “Al teshaktzu es nafshoseichem bichol sheretz hashoretz “(You shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping insect). The plain intention of this verse is to prohibit the consumption of insects. However, because the Torah uses the phrase, “Al teshaktzu es nafshoseichem” rather than simply saying “Do not eat insects”, the rabbis inferred that there is a broader prohibition to eat anything repulsive or engage in any form of repulsive behavior. This restriction is known as bal teshaktzu (do not engage in repulsive activity). For example, Shulchan Aruch (YD 116:6) writes that it is forbidden to eat foods that were contaminated with vomit or feces, or to eat from a bowl that was previously used as a chamber pot. The Gemara (Makkos 16b) states that delaying relieving oneself is a violation of bal teshaktzu. The Mishnah Berurah (92:10) explains that this refers to one who has a strong urge to relieve themselves but does not do so. Nonetheless, this prohibition does not apply if there is a concern of kavod ha’briyos (human dignity). For example. If a bathroom is not available or one is with other people and it would be awkward to use the facilities, kavod ha’briyos overrides bal teshaktzu.

Professor Yitzchok Levine
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