Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz
In many camps and schools, food is often used for activities and games, such as crafts made of macaroni, bobbing for apples, watermelon-eating contests, or even to pie people in the face. Are these permitted? And even if they are, are they appropriate?
Rabbi Chaim Mintz responds:
Bal Tashchis: The Halachic Baseline
Let’s begin by examining this from a halachic perspective. The Torah prohibits the unnecessary waste of resources, including food. This prohibition is known as “bal tashchit (do not destroy).” However, if the food is being used for a constructive purpose and treated with respect, it is permitted (see Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 171).
Constructive Uses vs. Waste
Based on this principle, crafting with food would be permitted. While the primary purpose of food is to be eaten, using it for arts and crafts is still considered constructive. Games like bobbing for apples or watermelon-eating contests would also be permitted, since the food is eventually eaten and not wasted, and is not treated disrespectfully.
Where It Crosses the Line
“Pieing” people in the face would be far more problematic. Although we have the custom of breaking a glass under the chuppah (wedding canopy), that act is not considered bal tashchit, because it serves a meaningful purpose: reminding us of the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash. Destruction done solely for entertainment, such as throwing a cake in someone’s face, does not seem to meet this standard. While it’s difficult to state this in absolute terms, it does appear problematic.
Beyond Halachah: The Question of Dignity
However, we must also consider this from a hashkafic (philosophical) standpoint. Even if something is permitted, it is not necessarily appropriate. Human beings are the pinnacle of creation, created b’tzelem Elokim—in the “image of God.” Is it fitting for a Godly person to stick his or her face into a watermelon and eat like an animal?
All the more so for the Jewish people, who are considered banim laMakom—children of Hashem, and must act in a dignified manner. For this reason, the Torah (Devarim 14:1) prohibits cutting skin or ripping out hair in an expression of mourning. Children of God are expected to maintain their dignity and avoid unbefitting appearance at all times.
Shaping Character Through Behavior
Dignified behavior isn’t merely about external appearances—it shapes us on the inside as well. If someone dresses and acts regally, he or she will feel like the prince or princess they really are, motivating them to live up to that standard and live their lives accordingly. So even in scenarios where a game with food may be halachically allowed, we must still ask ourselves whether it is fitting for children of Hashem.
Potential for Chillul Hashem
In addition, when a Jew acts in an undignified manner, it can reflect poorly not only on himself, but also on Hashem, potentially causing a chillul Hashem (desecration to God’s name).
Age Matters
This concern about acting in an undignified manner applies primarily to adults and older children, who are expected to carry themselves with dignity. For younger children, silly or messy behavior is age-appropriate and not unbefitting—they’re simply acting their age. Still, from a chinuch (initiation to a Torah way of life) perspective, it’s worth keeping in mind how early habits can affect how they carry themselves later on in life.
Bottom Line
In short: Wasting food is prohibited, but using it constructively is permitted, as long as the food is treated with respect. Crafting with food is allowed, but destructive activities like “pieing” are problematic. Games where the food is eventually eaten, such as watermelon-eating contests, although halachically permitted, are likely unbefitting for adults or older children.
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