<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nIn 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?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nRabbi Chaim Mintz responds:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bal Tashchis: The Halachic Baseline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s 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<\/em> (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<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Constructive Uses vs. Waste<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Where It Crosses the Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPieing\u201d people in the face would be far more problematic. Although we have the custom of breaking a glass under the chuppah<\/em> (wedding canopy), that act is not considered bal tashchit<\/em>, because it serves a meaningful purpose: reminding us of the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash<\/a>. Destruction done solely for entertainment, such as throwing a cake in someone\u2019s face, does not seem to meet this standard. While it\u2019s difficult to state this in absolute terms, it does appear problematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Beyond Halachah: The Question of Dignity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
However, we must also consider this from a hashkafic <\/em>(philosophical) standpoint. Even if something is permitted, it is not necessarily appropriate. Human beings are the pinnacle of creation, created b\u2019tzelem Elokim<\/a><\/em>\u2014in the \u201cimage of God.\u201d Is it fitting for a Godly person to stick his or her face into a watermelon and eat like an animal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All the more so for the Jewish people, who are considered banim laMakom\u2014<\/em>children of Hashem<\/a>, and must act in a dignified manner. For this reason, the Torah (Devarim 14:1<\/a>) 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shaping Character Through Behavior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dignified behavior isn\u2019t merely about external appearances\u2014it 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Potential for Chillul\u202fHashem<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/em> (desecration to God’s name).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Age Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u2014they\u2019re simply acting their age. Still, from a chinuch<\/a><\/em> (initiation to a Torah way of life) perspective, it\u2019s worth keeping in mind how early habits can affect how they carry themselves later on in life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bottom Line<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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 \u201cpieing\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have another question to ask a rabbi<\/a>? You can ask Rabbi Mintz your own question at asktherabbi@oorah.org<\/a>, or head to oorah.org\/asktherabbi\/<\/a> to watch the latest Q&As or join Ask the Rabbi Live, Tuesdays at 9PM ET.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":12828,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"sfsi_plus_gutenberg_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_show_text_before_share":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_type":"","sfsi_plus_gutenberg_icon_alignemt":"","sfsi_plus_gutenburg_max_per_row":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[598,573,35,702,8,701],"tags":[13],"class_list":["post-12812","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ask-the-rabbi","category-current-events-news","category-guides","category-jewish-philosophy","category-judaism-101","category-mitzvot","tag-articles"],"yoast_head":"\n
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