Engaging in Dangerous Activities: Difference between revisions

One must take special care of one's health, and one is forbidden from putting oneself in danger.<ref>Rambam Hilchot Deot 4:1- The Rambam writes that one must ensure that they remain healthy in order so that they can serve Hashem to the best of their ability. It is important to note, that this is a  requirement to take care of one's health and not only one's life.</ref><ref>"And you shall surely watch yourself very well" (Devarim 4:9).</ref> It is also forbidden to put oneself in danger and expect a miracle from Hashem that one will be protected.<ref>Shabbat 32a</ref> The Torah instructs us several times to take heed to guard our souls.<ref>Devarim 4:9, 4:15</ref> On this basis, some understand that this is why chazal warn us to be healthy.<ref>Ketubot 30a, Levush YD 116</ref> Additionally, there is a mitzvah to remove dangerous obstacles in your domain.<ref>Rambam Rotze'ach 11:4</ref> And prohibition to to keep them in your domain.<ref>Rambam Rotze'ach 11:4</ref>

#Most poskim hold that it is forbidden to smoke. <ref>Sh"t Tzitz Eliezer 17:21, Rav Chaim Kanievsky in Sheeilat Rav 1:52, Sh"t Teshuvot Vehanhagot 4:115, Rav Nisim Karelitz in a letter at the beginning of the book "Chaim Le-lo Ishun", Chacham Ovadia Yosef in Maran Peer Hador pg. 31, [http://www.rabbis.org/pdfs/Prohibition_Smoking.pdf Teshuva of the RCA], [https://www.koltorah.org/halachah/the-prohibition-to-smoke-a-groundbreaking-teshuvah-by-rabbi-chaim-jachter?rq=smoking Rabbi Chaim Jachter]. See, however, Yechave Daat 5:39 and Igrot Moshe YD 2:49 regarding smoking.</ref>

#Aside from the issue of smoking in general, it is strictly forbidden to smoke in a shul. <ref>Yechave Daat 2:17, Yaskil Avdi 4:17:3, Ben Ish Chai Parashat Vayikra Halacha 5, Sh"t Maharshag 2:117, Kaf Hachaim 151:10 </ref>

#Many poskim permit donating blood even though it involves inflicting a wound upon oneself. <ref>Igrot Moshe CM 1:103, Nishmat Avraham YD 349:3</ref>