Anointing with Shemitah Oil
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Question
Is it permissible to apply olive oil to the body?
Answer
According to the basic law, it is permissible to anoint the body with Shemitah olive oil, as it was customary in their time to anoint the body with oil. However, there are several restrictions: a. It is forbidden to apply it in unclean places, such as a bathroom or toilet. b. It is forbidden if it is evident that it is for medicinal purposes, and therefore oil should not be applied to a bandage or cotton wool. However, in our time, there is a doubt whether it is permissible to anoint the body with olive oil, as it is not customary. This depends on the customs of each place: if it has become customary to apply natural olive oil not for medicinal purposes but for pleasure, it is permissible, and if not, it is forbidden.
Source
Mishnah (Shevi'it, Chapter 8, Mishnah 2); Rambam (Shemittah, Chapter 5, Halacha 6); see also Shulchan Aruch and Rema (Orach Chaim, Chapter 327, Paragraph 1; Chapter 328, Paragraph 22) and Mishnah Berurah (Chapter 327, Note 4; Chapter 328, Note 70); Azmera Leshimcha (Shemittah, Issue 3).
Comments
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