Question:Does the Mishna Berura address smoking (cigarettes) on Yom Tov? Answer: The Bi’ur Halocho (Siman 514) discusses smoking (a pipe) on Yom Tov and writes that there are differing opinions among the Poskim. Those who prohibit, he writes, maintain that smoking is not classified shoveh l’chol nefesh [which is one of the essential criteria needed to permit a melocho on Yom Tov – see Shulchan Aruch Siman 514 Se’if 4] and additionally it is common to transgress the melocho of kibuy (extinguishing) when lighting a pipe from an existing fire. However, the Bi’ur Halocho writes that many Poskim are lenient, and classify smoking shoveh l’chol nefesh, because since many people smoke regularly, this has become shoveh l’chol nefesh. But, the Bi’ur Halocho writes, one must ensure to light the pipe/cigarette (and to smoke) in a way that does not contravene the prohibition of kibuy. The Bi’ur Halocho concludes by stipulating that the permissibility of smoking on Yom Tov (according to the lenient authorities) only applies in a place where smoking is common practice, and thus it is classified shoveh l’chol nefesh, because otherwise smoking is completely forbidden. Additionally, even in places where smoking is considered shoveh l’chol nefesh one must be careful not to transgress the prohibition of kibuy. |
Smoking on Yom Tov
Leave a Reply