Q.Can
one chew unflavored chewing gum on a fast day. It helps for one
suffering from stress and also creates alertness. Does it depend on
which fast day?
A.
Poskim prohibit flavored chewing gum on a taanis (See Ohel Moshe 2:
113: 2, Mikve Hamaim 3: 47: 4 and others). However, totally
unflavored chewing gum some permit, when being careful not to swallow
it (Hilel Omar - O.H. 278, Likutei Kol Sinai - Bein Hametzorim 12 -
quoting Horav O. Yosef zt'l, Miyam Hahalcha 1: 81).
There
may be also considerations of maara ayin, since others watching don't
know it is unflavored chewing gum
Horav
Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is to avoid chewing even unflavored
gum as it may contain other additives.
Rabbi
A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller
Shlit'a
Important Numbers
