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<div class="elementToProof"><span style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">The following is from Today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis</span></div>
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<p><strong><strong class="ContentPasted0">Q. What is the prohibition of “<em class="ContentPasted0">bal teshaktzu</em>”?</strong></strong></p>
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<p class="ContentPasted0">A. The Torah (Vayikra 11:43) states, “<em class="ContentPasted0">Al teshaktzu es nafshoseichem bichol sheretz hashoretz</em> “(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, “<em class="ContentPasted0">Al teshaktzu es nafshoseichem</em>” 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
<em class="ContentPasted0">bal teshaktzu</em> (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
<em class="ContentPasted0">bal teshaktzu</em>. 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
<em class="ContentPasted0">kavod ha’briyos</em> (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,
<em class="ContentPasted0">kavod ha’briyos</em> overrides <em class="ContentPasted0">
bal teshaktzu</em>.</p>
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Professor Yitzchok Levine<br>
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