Defining a Cigarette as 'Food' for Various Issues
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Question
I saw that the rabbi ruled regarding a niddah that it is permissible for a wife to roll a cigarette for her husband since smoking is not considered eating. Is this also his opinion regarding kashrut and Passover? And what is the ruling regarding electronic cigarettes, do they require kashrut on Passover and throughout the year?
Answer
Hello
There is no connection between the discussed issues.
Regarding a wife in a state of niddah, the sages said that 'eating' causes closeness between a wife and her husband. In terms of Passover, it is necessary to examine whether there is 'enjoyment' from chametz, as chametz is prohibited both in eating and in enjoyment. Regarding the rest of the year, most prohibitions do not include a prohibition on enjoyment, only a prohibition on eating. Except for some prohibitions such as orlah and the prohibition of wine used for libation, which are also prohibited in enjoyment. Therefore, there it is necessary to examine whether there are prohibitions on enjoyment, and whether smoking is considered 'eating'.
According to the law, the Gaon, Rabbi Fried, shlita, ruled that initially, one should not be lenient with cigarettes on Passover. Although there is a basis for those who are lenient.
Source
See extended discussion in the Azmera Leshimcha journal 199, part 2.