Smoking

A number of years ago, Tel Aviv's Chief Rabbi, David Halevi, ruled that it was forbidden for Jews to smoke, on the grounds that smoking endangers health, and thus violates the biblical verse "Take heed to yourself and take care of your life" (Deuteronomy 4:9).

How did the rabbis of the various American-Jewish denominations react to Rabbi Halevi's ruling?

The Reform rabbis met and declared: "We are not bound by halachah, so Reform Jews can continue smoking if they please."

The Conservative rabbis met and decided: "Rabbi Halevi's ruling is a valid one. From now on, it is forbidden for Conservative rabbis to smoke."

The Orthodox rabbis met and declared: "Rabbi Halevi's ruling is a binding one. From now on, Orthodox Jews who smoke must first sell their lungs to goyim."