(By Mayer Fertig) Lectures haven’t worked, but perhaps practical assistance in quitting smoking will help reduce the high numbers of yeshiva students who take up cigarettes. So goes the logic behind an intense effort to combat teen and young adult smoking being planned for the fall.
“Many good rabbis and roshei yeshiva have spoken about this – about getting people to stop smoking – but nothing really has happened,” said Rabbi Yaakov Feitman of Kehillas Bais Yehuda Tzvi, Cedarhurst’s Red Shul. “Preaching is not the answer here.”
He and a Lawrence pulmonologist, Dr. Shalom Huberfeld, recently addressed the halachic and medical aspects of smoking in presentations at the Yarchei Kallah program on medical ethics held over several days at Yeshiva Sh’or Yoshuv and the Young Israel of Lawrence-Cedarhurst.
“He speaks like a doctor,” Rabbi Feitman said of Huberfeld. “He had PowerPoints with slides and I had maarei mekomos with teshuvos (citations in halachic literature), but the point is the same. Smoking is damaging and should not be done.”
“If you tell someone to quit smoking,” said Huberfeld, who is in private practice in New Hyde Park, and is affiliated with the North Shore-LIJ Health System, “the most you’re going to get is 10 or 15 percent to quit, if you don’t give them the program – the nicotine patches, the drugs, excellent anti-smoking medications. First you give them chizuk, then you give them something practical. You say, ‘Now we’re going to give you tachlis.’”
“For the other 80 or 90 percent who couldn’t stop if they wanted to, the idea is to come up with a smoking cessation program,” said Dr. Leon Zacharowicz, the Far Rockaway pediatric neurologist behind the Yarchei Kallah. “It’s not fully baked yet, but we are in the process of coming up with a program.”
All three men said it would be premature to offer too many details while funding is sought from various sources. Huberfeld hopes the program can be offered in several local yeshivot in time for the Elul zman (semester), with its intense focus on Teshuvah and personal improvement.
During a conversation with a reporter Monday evening, Zacharowicz described passing by a Jewish high school in the Five Towns 30 minutes earlier, “and there were kids outside smoking. But I wouldn’t be surprised if a professional approached the school to give a talk about the dangers of smoking, and the administrators expressed surprise and said that they do not have a smoking problem in that school.”
“Smoking is socially contagious,” said Zacharowicz. “It’s very difficult to get people to stop.” He acknowledged that “it’s much easier to prevent people from starting, and that’s why it would be good if high schools educated students about addiction and the dangers of starting to smoke. … If we can prevent someone from trying alcohol or smoking until age 21 the chances of them starting are absolutely zero.”
“The main thing is not the funding,” he said, “but the willingness of the community to confront and counteract addictive behaviors.”
“I have a very young shul,” Rabbi Feitman said, “and many of the guys who smoke are under the impression that if you stop at a certain point in your life, say forty, you will totally reverse the damage caused by smoking and that’s just no long considered true.”
Anecdotal evidence suggests that in certain well-known yeshivot, a majority, or close to a majority, of young men use cigarettes. Smoking among young Orthodox women is much less common.
“One of the interesting questions to come up at the conference was, ‘What do you say to a yeshiva bachur who wants to smoke an occasional cigarette, only two to three per day at most, because it makes him more alert, and more able to learn Torah?’” recalled Elliot Pasik, an attorney from Long Beach. He walked for two hours to attend the Shabbat lecture in Lawrence given by Dr. Yaakov Weiner, the Dean of the Jerusalem Center for Research: Medicine and Halacha, and “it was worthwhile.”
The answer Rabbi Weiner offered is that aside from the obvious danger of lifelong addiction, “there is a chillul Hashem element present. Cigarette smoking, once regarded as sophisticated, elegant, and graceful, is now looked upon as crass.”
As an alternative method to discourage smoking in some yeshivot, “there is a movement to encourage girls to tell shadchanim they are not interested in smokers,” Rabbi Feitman said. “It’s better for them, and we believe it will motivate young men to stop smoking.”
Another Yarchei Kallah on medical ethics is planned in Jerusalem from August 1-7. Smoking will be on the agenda. Go to www.j-c-r.org for information.
This article was in this weeks Jewish Star – The Jewish Star covers the Five Towns and other orthodox communities of the South Shore of Long Island, and Far Rockaway.
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41 Responses
Program needs to be exported to Israel, the epitome of the smoking yeshiva clans. For some students, the medical info will not be as important as a message from a Gadol and G’dolim as models in encouraging the non smoking mode.
Waste of time. For a lot of the guys this is their only outlet, especially if they dont play ball.
M4, would you let your children use an outlet that could kill them? While you might be right, it still is not a waste of time to try to get them to stop and maybe to even not begin.
destro613, the roshei yeshivah have done that, in most yeshivos it already is assur, but that has not stopped them from doing it.
I find it hard to believe the ‘only outlet’ business. There are many guys who don’t smoke and don’t play ball and they’re psychologically functional. If it was considered utterly unbecoming for a bachur the same way it is for an Orthodox , they wouldn’t be smoking.
I am a ochur that smokes and even though i know its wrong but the pressure is very high and makes it very hard to stop
bad4shidduchim: Yes, there are many bochurim like that, and there are many bochurim who are not like that.
I don’t see the logic in claiming that all bochurim are alike. That’s what yeshivos like to think, and as much as possible they cookie-cut all bochurim to the same shape.
I happen to believe that in many cases it is unhealthy to do that. In many cases it might be beneficial, but in many cases it is downright bad.
In such situations, where there is peer pressure to smoke, some sort of social means must be exerted to counterbalance that.
When they get this program working, I hope they can do a similar thing for overeating. I would join that group.
M4 – If that’s true then the Roshei HaYeshiva should tell them to start playing ball, even stress it if it’s necessary. Would you say we shouldn’t stop a Yeshiva guy from having a girlfriend if it’s his only outlet? Of course not. Same is true here. Smoking is Assur according to most Poskim. Playing ball isn’t.
destro613 – If it was that simple, it would have been done already. It would be a Gezeira that the Olam would not be able to keep; and while some would keep it – there will be many people who just won’t be able to stop smoking and would do it anyways. There is nothing worse than having bochurim (especially younger) seeing other bochurim blatantly going against the Rabbeim. That is why the rabbiem won’t flat out Assur it in Yeshivos.
bad4shidduchim – don’t be so harsh. While I would have no idea if you have experience or not, learning in Yeshiva takes a lot out of you and everybody needs an outlet of some sort. Some people need smaller outlets than others. The fact that there are some people who don’t smoke and don’t play ball doesn’t mean that A) they don’t have some outlet that the smoking guy doesn’t B) they need as great of an outlet as the smoking guy and C) it is necessary healthy. I personally know people and have heard countless stories of people who closed off their outlet and it was clear that their learning diminished greatly. I had a Chavrusah that stopped following sports and stopped using his computer (which had no Internet) and stopped doing almost all of the activities that he felt were fun for him, and he burnt out and left Yeshiva two months early because he couldn’t learn anymore. One day he was learning all day and the next day nothing.
These are very serious issues they have to be handled with pecial gloves.
It would take five years and we could make a big dent in the smoking. It is called ZERO TOLERANCE for every new applicant to a yeshiva. We need EVERY yeshiva to be maskim, any bochur caught smoking is OUT. If there is nowhere to go it will deter them. Rarely do you find a ninth grader that is so addicted that it would be asking too much that he sign a shtar that he will not smoke and understands if he is caught smoking he will be let go. There will be ‘smoking yeshivas’ for the ‘smoking-at risk’who don’t have standards. But hopefully the reputable yeshivos will be able to rid themselves 100% by the time the boys entering 9th grade in Ellul are in Bais Medrash.
I smoked for many years and struggled with kicking the habit. The only thing that made me stop was that I moved on to alchohol. I now drink too much, but at least I am not looked down upon, and am not doing any damage to my body. I don’t get drunk or anything like that. I discussed this with my Rosh Hayeshiva (a well know gaon and tzaddik) and he fully approved the switch from smoking to alcohol. Most of the bochurim in his yeshiva have stopped smoking and started drinking instead and it is working.
MichaelIR
You can’t be serious. May Hashem protect your liver.
My liver is b”h fine. Probably better than yours! I give myself a self-administered KK2K test once a week and according to my doctor I am as healthy as anyone. The trick is that I don’t ever mix. If I am doing Bourbon, I don’t do scotch. If it’s a vodka day, then that’s all it is. No beer, nothing. My doctor and Rosh yeshiva are trying to work with bochorim to get them on this program. It works, and a side benefit is that I have lost 20 lbs. while on this program!
It is futile and even counter-productive to try and force an adult to make choices that they really need to make on their own, especially in a yeshiva environment, where many guys are drawn to do things that they are told not to do. This is particularily relevant to things that are personal life choices and do not directly relate to learning.
I remember when everyone smoked it wasint even an issue. but i find that when you want someone to change, telling them they cant do that thing doesnt work. you have to offer them a solution that they can move into, as opposed to saying you cant do that thing.
Dr. Twersky once wrote in his Hamodia column that the smokers who get lung cancer are the lucky ones. They just die. The ones who get emphysema are the ones who have a truly horrible, unfathomable existance – they can’t breathe. Imagine having to gasp for EVERY SINGLE breath. Then you can see why he says the lucky ones are the ones who “simply die” (in his words).
On a separate note, my uncle was a big smoker. He didn’t get lung cancer. My aunt did – and she died of it, after undergoing 3 years of horrible treatments.
The shidduch idea is a fabulous one. No good normal regular girl should EVER have to settle for a guy who might give her lung cancer one day.
Makes you think he should find a different outlet, eh?
alter, how about telling them they will inevitably have a miserable existance if they smoke? what kind of moron WANTS not to be able to breath or give his wife cancer?????
MichaelR, you do not belong in a Yeshiva. The words that came out of your 2 posts are the sickest and untrue comments I have ever heard. I hope later on in life nobody ever gets killed when you are driving with “only scotch” or on “a vodka day”. Now matter what you tell people who smoke even if you were to “chas vshalom ” show them a video on what it does to you they would not stop. It goes as far as people smoking on Pesach after the Rabbi said that cigarettes are made up of Chametz. It is a worse proplem in Yeshivas than girls. It is killing them and now it is proven that it is killing others also. What happened to “Ushmartem es Nafshosechem”? Does it not apply if something is addictive? Get a life!
esther, do you have teenagers? if you do, you will realize that if you tell them they cant do something they will want to do it even more. there are 2 ways for them to realize how bad a situation is,
1. let them do it and find out on their own,
2. you show them how its wrong by slowly walking them thou it, showing them how its bad. by just telling them no, dont, or cant without showing them why puts you in a losing battle.
MichaelR
I hope you are joking, and you have a strange sense of humor. R’L if you are not, your Gaon Tzaddik Rosh Yeshiva is ‘trying to get other guys on this program’????
Smoking makes you sick, alcoholism makes you drunk, makes you think irrationally, ruins lives, homes and generations. You would rather battle smoking than alcoholism. You think that you ‘don’t get drunk’, maybe not today, but when you need more and more to get you ‘that feeling’ you will become a drunk and will destroy your liver. Get a pack of cigarettes and professional help for your alcoholism.
destro613 i dont think playing ball is so terrible in fact i play every friday if time allows for it. however there are many yeshivos that dont have the facilities for it.and you are right its no excuse but its a fact.
AEF yes the rosh yeshivos should stress it and i think you all misunderstood me. im not making excuses for them im just saying as a guy in yeshiva this how it seems to me and yes even the guys who do play ball smoke but not as common
There is a great book I used. At first I was skeptical but when it was recommended to me by a very normal older bochur who had been smoking 2 packs a day for years and had quit using the book I changed my attitude. I myself used to smoke a pack a day until I quit a few weeks before before Purim this past year. The book is not magic; it also does not stress on the points that smoker are bored of hearing like: “Smoking is unhealthy” or “Smoking kills” or “It cost so much…” Etc. The book mainly undoes the brainwashing we have done to ourselves with all the excuses we give for smoking like “It relieves stress and boredom” and “It helps us digest a good meal” or the like… It is amazing the way book is able to brainwash us back to normal! The main point of the author is to make us feel that when we quit we are not sacrificing anything which is how smokers often feel but rather we should feel “Wow, thank g-d I can finally truly enjoy life…” The book is called ” Alan Carr’s easyway to stop smoking”. Google it! Hatzlocho for all those trying to quit!
To Ephraim and iknowit
It is very easy for you to preach, but I am now in an actual working solution to my smoking addiction, I am losing weight, I am healthy, and I happen to not drive, so don’t worry; I won’t chas v’shalom kill anyone on a “vodka” day. The pain and suffering of trying to stop smoking is much worse than anything. Drinking in a healthy lifestyle, under the guidance of my Rosh and my doctor is the best thing and needs to be tried in the yeshiva setting for true success. Today is a “Gin” day, by the way and I feel great!
MichaelR, are you aware that scotch is identical to bourbon? It would not be considered mixing any more than Russian vodka and American vodka would be. Surprised that a professional drinker like you wouldn’t know that.
KK2K? Sounds like a video game. Is that what your outlet is?
MichaelR – you should be very carefull, I am not convinced alcohol is safer than smoking. They are both an addiction and you should really try to get some help to get off the alcohol, you don’t have to be on anything.
All of these things are addictions not an outlet like playing ball.
I think this is a great idea and it’s not shying away or pushing away the problems, but mamash getting down in there to help these guys.
MichaelR MUST be joking. I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time.
Remember people, the YW Editor can only monitor Lashaon Harah, but he cannot possibly monitor if someone is just joking and trying to get everyone riled up.
I’m sure MichaelR is just yanking everyone’s chains. Everyone calm down – go have a drink or a cigarette or something!!!
“Dr. Twersky once wrote in his Hamodia column that the smokers who get lung cancer are the lucky ones. They just die. The ones who get emphysema are the ones who have a truly horrible, unfathomable existance – they can’t breathe. Imagine having to gasp for EVERY SINGLE breath. Then you can see why he says the lucky ones are the ones who “simply die” (in his words).”
Interesting take. However, I was by seudah shlishis in Mir Yerushalayim (Parshas Shemos many years ago) and the Rosh Hayeshiva, R’ Nosson Tzvi FInkel spoke about the 3 advisors of Paroh. Bilaam who advised to kill the bnei yisroel was punished with death, while Iyov who remained silent was punished (and lived) with terrible yesurim. Wasn’t Bilaam’s advice worse than Iyov’s? His punishment must have been worse. If so we see that every minute of life even with all yisurim is better than death. (He went on to explain why this is so)
I take this to be the torahdik outlook. Those of you who know the Rosh Yeshiva will understand what this vort means coming from this gadol.
at almost 7 bux a pack, u would think parents would do something about it – it is foolish to think that mechanchim will ever get this done
MichaelIR is joking? As in geneivas da’as?
Smoking is terrible. It is not a waste of time to do all that can be done to eliminate this problem or at least minimize it. Roshei Yeshiva should assur it, however that alone will not correct it. For some that might make smoking even more exciting. Some Yeshivas have had success by Assuring smoking anywhere in the building, in groups outside, or within 2 to 3 blocks of the Yeshiva. This forces the addicted smoker to go a few blocks from the Yeshiva, alone to smoke. That definately takes away some of the peer pressure. There is also a problem with some girls smoking. Drinking is also as serious a problem as any addiction is. Kol Hakovod to all who try to improve any addiction problems in our community. Please do not give up no matter how hard it seems.
m4 i never heard something as pathetic as yours- outlet shmoutlet!!
Why don’t the Gedolim simply assir smoking? Peer-pressure, the need for outlets, etc are just excuses. The concept of not making a gezara that the tzibur cannot abide by, does not come into play when you’re dealing with saving lives. Where are our true leaders?
a gezara for no smoking will do as much good as it did, when they said the internet is assur (as much as I hate to say it) or TV, it just will not work, there has to be another way
Acouple points:
1) Most if not all yeshivish high schools have outlawed smoking and will at least suspend a bocur for a first offense
2) No rebbe or RY will smoke in public or even smell like smoke in public or anywhere they will be seenfor the last few years. A friend of mine teaches in one of the most Yeshivishe chadorim in the planet and was warned that if he ever is seen smoking he’s out
3) Alcholism is a mind and mood altering diease. smoking is a physical issue, but doesn’t make people fight with their spouses beat up or ignoe their kids or cause deep black depressions that render the alcholic as productive as a long tailed cat in a china shop. People perceive it to be OK because it’s accepted socially, but its horrible and affects men and women alike.
4)i find it very difficult to believe that any reputable MD will recommend drinking (or smoking) to anyone.
5) As someone who smoked as a bochur and quit upon getting married I still have a huge urge to smoke socially and I think the key to this problem is to make smoking socially unacceptable.
MichaelIR is not so off. My husband goes to a specialist for high cholesterol. Believe it or not he suggested that he have a glass of wine or vodka every day about 4 oz. He said it helps bring down cholesterol (LdL) and helps to lose weight. As long as it is in moderation its okay. Many people have a glass of wine before going to bed, just to take the edge off, you people sound so close minded.
HaRav Weiner’s organization’s site has some excellent halachically oriented articles against smoking, even discussing the shitta of assertively discouraging smokers from doing so. He conducts educational seminars all around the world for doctors and health professionals, on the need and practice of halacha in medicine. If anyone would like to learn more about having a local seminar like this, please contact him through his website. I had the z’chus to have R’ Weiner as my rebbe for several years. He is both discerning and a jovial personality – an erudite scholar and a man of deeds. He speaks throughout the world. Doctors (and others), contact him!
After eading all these posts, my head is reeling!!!!
All i can say is that I have a brother who was an addicted smoker, smoked approx a pack or more a day and from one day to the next he decided no more, and he hasn’t TOUCHED a cig since (he stopped- 2 years ago!)
I think it’s all about attitude- if you really wanna stop you’ll stop if you don’t you’ll carry on smoking till the grave!!!!!!
Sruly613: Did you hear that psak from the doctor directly, or did your husband just “report” it back to you? I can’t believe ANY medical professional would sanction 4 oz of Vodka a day for anything!! (Maybe wine, certainly not schnaaps of any kind in that quantity!) I know many people who come home from the doctor and only heard from the doctor what he wanted to hear.
MICHAELR WAS SERIOUS. HE WAS EVEN NICE ENOUGH TO LEND YW HIS PICTURE FOR THE FORUM… THANKS!
there is nothing wrong with smoking- groiseh gedoiley hador shlit”a smoke today. if it helps kearning then it should be alowed and pushed!
One sec bneibrak- what about “Ushmartem Muoid Nafshoiseichem”???
It is mind boggling on how in the world’s smartest and most intelligent community exists the most ignorant and stupidest attitude about cigarette smoking.
It is antithesis to all of Torah. It is choosing death! Choose life! What dont people get about ALL the dangers about smoking to chas v’shalom themselves, chas v’shalom those around them, and chas v’shalom the genetic mutations that are able to be passed on at conception.
Dont smoke!! Period!