Reicha - Non-Kosher Aroma

QUESTION: Is one permitted to smell the reicha (aroma) of non-kosher food?

ANSWER: We have seen that lechatchila we view the aroma of a food as part of the food, but bedieved (after the fact) it is considered inconsequential. It would therefore seem to follow that lechatchila one should not smell the aroma of non-kosher foods. Indeed, the Minchas Yaakov (Klal 35) cites several Rishonim who forbade smelling non-kosher foods for exactly this reason. However, Teshuvos Emunas Shmuel (45) writes that it is permitted. He offers the following proof. Musk is a glandular secretion of a certain non-kosher animal. According to many Rishonim, musk is not kosher and may not be eaten. Yet the Gemara (Brachos 43a) writes that the beracha on smelling musk is borei minei besamim. This shows that not only is one permitted to smell non-kosher foods, but a blessing may be recited on their aroma as well. He explains that the concern of reicha applies only when eating a food which has absorbed a forbidden aroma. The Mishnah Berurah (Beiur Halachah 216, s.v. ha’musk) rules in accordance with the Emunas Shmuel. However, in practice, the Mishnah Berurah writes that this should not be done, since it might arouse one’s desire to eat non-kosher food. For example, one who deliberately inhales the aromas of a non-kosher barbeque might be tempted to eat the food. Only in the case of musk, which has a nice fragrance but is not edible, is one permitted to enjoy the smell, since there is no concern that one might be tempted to eat the musk. Smelling foods which are assur b’hanaah (from which all benefit is forbidden) will be discussed in the next Halacha Yomis.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.