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Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz
Is there anything wrong with chewing gum, either in front of others or in private?
Rabbi Chaim Mintz responds:
More Than What Is Technically Permitted
There are certain actions and behaviors that are not technically prohibited by the Torah, yet are considered beneath us. As Jews, we aspire to live on an elevated level, one that reflects holiness and spirituality. We seek to avoid behaviors that are overly physical or animalistic, conduct that diminishes our dignity. In Yiddish, we refer to behavior that is unbecoming of a Jew as something that “pas nisht.”
Chewing gum falls into this category. We generally try to avoid displaying overly physical behaviors in front of others, because such conduct is unbecoming and diminishes our dignity. Even eating in front of others can be inappropriate at times. When people are sharing a meal, eating together is natural and accepted, but eating by yourself in front of others can be disrespectful.
Why Chewing Gum Is Different
With gum this issue is even more pronounced. The repetitive motion of chewing, with the mouth constantly opening and closing, calls to mind an animal chewing its cud. When this is done in front of others, it draws unnecessary attention to one’s mouth and the act of chewing, diminishing our dignity and showing a lack of sensitivity toward those around us.
Learning Dignity from Tefillah
We find a similar sensitivity in the halachot (Torah laws) of tefillah (prayer). The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 97:1) rules that one should not yawn while praying Shemoneh Esrei (the silent Amidah prayer), and if he cannot prevent himself from yawning, he should cover his mouth, because leaving it open is disrespectful when standing before Hashem (God).
Who You Are in Private Matters Too
This is certainly true when chewing gum in public, but there is also value in refraining from it even in private. The baalei mussar (masters of Jewish ethical discipline) teach that a person who excels in the middah of tzniut (character trait of modesty) does not do in private what he would not do in front of others. Even when no one else sees you, you see yourself, and for the sake of your own dignity and self-respect, you should strive to avoid such behavior. You are holy; you should avoid actions that are overtly physical and animalistic.
When There Is a Legitimate Need
Because chewing gum is a matter of sensitivity rather than prohibition, when there is a need for it, it is acceptable. For example, if you need to freshen your breath, prevent your ears from popping on a plane, or stay alert during a long drive, go ahead and chew gum. The same is true if it helps you manage your appetite or resist the urge to smoke. Ideally, it would be best to do so in private, but if that is impractical, it would be ok to chew gum in front of others as well.
In Short
Chewing gum is not prohibited, but it is unbecoming for a Jew. It is an overtly physical, animalistic act that draws attention to the mouth and diminishes our dignity. It should therefore be avoided in public, and ideally even in private. In a case of need, however, it is ok.
Written by Rabbi Aaron Shapiro
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