Q&A: Do Not Make Yourselves Abominable
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Do Not Make Yourselves Abominable
Question
Seemingly, the parameters of the prohibition of “do not make yourselves abominable” vary according to what is accepted in society. (It reminds me of the Rabbi’s comments about social conventions and authentic values.)
In my understanding, is there nowadays room to be more lenient regarding the ruling of the Shulchan Arukh in Orach Chayim, siman 240, סעיף 4?
Answer
I don’t know. First, it is not clear that factually this really is different. And even if it is—perhaps that is only among the more promiscuous. Beyond that, I am not sure that things considered disgusting under the prohibition of “do not make yourselves abominable” all depend on custom. It is possible that some things are inherently disgusting, regardless of social conventions.