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ןנברמ אברוצ םיוגה תוקוח תוכלה · 113

Summary of Hilchot Chukot Hagoyim

Chukot Hagoyim

1. The source of the prohibition
a. The prohibition is mentioned in a number of different verses in the Torah.
b. The essence of the prohibition is not to imitate practices of the gentiles that are
viewed as law.
2. Defining the nature of the prohibition
a. Tosafot
i. Actions that gentiles perform for the sake of idolatry are prohibited even if
they are written in the Torah.
ii. Activities done for the sake of folly are permitted only if they are written in
the Torah.
b. Regarding activities that have no obvious purpose but do not allude to
licentious behavior
i. Maharik, Rema – Activities done specifically by gentiles are prohibited
either:
• If there is no logical reason for them, OR:
• If they are considered licentious behavior.
ii. Vilna Gaon – Even if there is good reason for it, and there is no licentious
behavior, it is nevertheless prohibited. Only if we would have decided to do
so by ourselves would it be permitted.
iii. Yalkut Yosef – Most poskim have generally ruled in accordance with the
Rema’s ruling.
c. Is there a prohibition regarding every activity unique to gentiles?
i. Yereim – Only that which is stipulated by the Sages is a problem.
ii. Rambam (Bach’s understanding) – Forbidden even if it wasn’t mentioned
by the Sages but fits into the criteria they established.

Theaters

1. What is the nature of the prohibition regarding theaters and stadiums?
a. Rambam – It includes building them, as this is similar to the prohibition of
constructing buildings of idolatry.
b. Sefer HaChinuch – the prohibition is because gentiles perform idolatrous

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