Bal Teshaktzu - Prohibition Type

Q. Is bal teshaktzu a Torah or Rabbinic prohibition?

A. Although Chazal based the prohibition of bal teshaktzu (acting in a repulsive manner) on a verse in the Torah (Vayikra 11:43), it is not clear if this a Biblical injunction, or Rabbinic and the posuk serves only as an asmachta (hint). There are contradictory inferences in the Rambam whether it is a Torah or Rabbinic prohibition. The Rambam in Sefer Hamitzvos, Lo Saasei 179, implies that eating things that are disgusting (bal teshaktzu) is a Torah prohibition. However, in the Mishneh Torah (Hil. Ma’achalos Assuros 17:29-30) the Rambam writes that Chazal forbade eating disgusting foods, implying that it is Rabbinic. The Beis Yosef (YD 116) and Tevu’os Shor (YD 13:12) both deliberate this issue and leave the question unresolved. However, the Levush (YD 116:6) writes explicitly that it is a Rabbinic prohibition. The Magen Avrohom (92:2) as well rules that bal teshaktzu is Rabbinic and therefore one may violate this prohibition to preserve human dignity (Kavod Ha’briyos), The Mishnah Berurah (92:7) also writes that bal teshaktzu is Rabbinic, and this is the accepted opinion.

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