The Rabbis are not silent about smoking. See Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe - Even Ha'ezer IV, 76; and Rabbi E. Waldenberg (Tzitz Eliezer IX, 33 and XV, 39). They came out strongly against smoking, being that it is so dangerous to the health. Unfortunately, smoking is so addictive, that for some it is difficult to stop. All smokers should put in maximum effort in kicking the habit. Non-smokers are clearly forbidden to start smoking, because of "Ushmartem Es Nafshotaichem" - the Torah commandment to guard one's health (Deut. 4:15). With blessings from Jerusalem, Shraga Simmons The Aish Rabbi ----------------- Brought to you by Aish HaTorah One Western Wall Plaza, Jerusalem Aish HaTorah Western Wall Sign up for the "Ask Aish" weekly email list - featuring the most interesting questions of the week. Write to: aishlist@aish.edu aishlist@aish.edu