Tomb of Tana Hakadosh Rabbi Nachum Ish Gamzu
Rabbi Nachum Ish Gamzu was one of the first Tannaim (sages of the Mishnah era) and teacher of Rabbi Akiva
Hello, rabbi,
I am quite sensitive to smells and notice small things.
This makes everything very difficult, whether for studying or for praying, due to the bad smell.
To what extent is it necessary to be strict?
Sometimes I smell clothes in the living room that were hung at home with a scent that might not be so pleasant. Or a bit of dishware from the sink that reaches the living room…
In these cases, is it necessary to “treat” the smell or can you study?
Thank you
Hello and welcome
A foul smell near which it is forbidden to pray and study specifically refers to a foul smell that comes from decomposition and deterioration, such as the decay of food or feces, etc. However, something that inherently has a bad odor is not considered a bad smell for the prohibition of prayer and study.
Therefore, there is no concern in studying near clean clothes that have an unpleasant smell, but utensils in the sink that have a bad smell due to the deterioration of the food in them are considered a bad smell near which one should not study or pray.
Although it is important to note that not every unpleasant smell is considered a bad smell, but only the one that most people find bothersome.
Regarding a person who is especially sensitive to smells: if they personally are bothered by the foul odor that comes from decomposition and deterioration, and it is not just an unpleasant smell for them. Even if most people are not bothered by this odor, she should distance herself from this foul smell so she can study and pray.
In any case, spreading an air freshener or any pleasant scent or perfume that eliminates bad odors is useful for studying and praying in the place.
With many regards
Rabbi David Ohayon
PLEASE NOTE*
Attention: You should not learn from one case to another, each case must be analyzed individually. Generally speaking, it's always best to have contact with a Rabbi in person, not just virtual contact. Note that where there is a local Rabbi("Mara Deatra"), one should ask him. The answers are under the responsibility of the rabbi who responded, and not under the responsibility of the website and/or the Head of the Institution.
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