Beginning with Shiva Asar b’Tamuz, we observe many Minhagimas an expression of mourning for the Beis haMikdash throughout Bein haMetzarim. Some customs are observed for the entire period, others only to the...
Many medical procedures require cleansing to create a sterile field for surgery or wound treatment. May a sponge be used for this process on Shabbos? The Mishna states (Shabbos 143a): A sponge – if it has a...
When typing (or dialing) is necessary for Refua on Shabbos, one should preferably do so with a Shinui, even in a case of Pikuach Nefesh (unless it will delay patient care), as evident from the Rema (328:12)...
Breastmilk is an infant’s primary source of nourishment. For this reason, it is permissible to nurse an infant on Shabbos in any way necessary to prevent a situation of Safek Pikuach Nefesh. However, there is...
The greatest challenge of tending to an elderly parent who can no longer live independently can be managing the activities of daily living (ADLs). Bathing is particularly difficult due to the nature of the...
Question: Dear Rabbi Sprung, May one feed an infant expressed breastmilk with a pinkish tinge from maternal bleeding (e.g., due to cracked nipples)? Is breastfeeding permitted in that situation? Answer: Consumption of...
[R’ Itiel Katz Shlit”a, a Chaver of our Beis Medrash, has authored an additional volume in our set of Sifrei Hadracha discussing the parameters of Meleches Machsheves in the context of Hilchos Refua on Shabbos. This...
R’ Itiel Katz Shlit”a, a Chaver of our Beis Medrash, has authored an additional volume in our set of Sifrei Hadracha discussing the parameters of Meleches Machsheves in the context of Hilchos Refua on Shabbos. This...
There is a wide-ranging discussion as to whether skin sutures constitute a Chatzitza that would disqualify Tevila. Many sutures used today are absorbable and do not require removal. In this essay, we will discuss...
Heartburn is a common ailment that can be alleviated with various treatments. Common heartburn is fleeting and easily addressed with symptomatic treatment, whereas chronic heartburn (caused by peptic ulcer disease...
In February 2024, the United States witnessed a significant uproar sparked by the Supreme Court of Alabama’s ruling that frozen embryos are legally considered “children,” thus granting them the same legal...
(This is the third and final portion of this series – for the previous essays, see our website[1]) The Rambam and Ramban The Rambam states (Peirush haMishnayos, Nedarim 4:4) that the source for the Mitzva of Refua is...
Chapter 2 – Pesach Preparation For Those Who Cannot Do It Themselves Mi’d’Oraisa, a person may not own any form of Chametz on Pesach. This is why the Chachamim enacted Bedikas Chametz on the eve of the 14th Nisan...
Chapter 1 – Hakpada on Minhagim Pesach is a time of abundant Mitzvos and Minhagim. Some of these customs were enacted to minimize the risk of eating Chametz, and others were established for different reasons. The...
Last week’s essay discussed the Torah’s granting of permission to heal. This week’s essay will discuss the Mitzva to heal. The Shulchan Aruch rules that...
As opposed to most other professions, the very nature of the physician’s career seems to interfere with Hashem’s Hashgacha of the world. We believe in Hashgacha Pratis: “No man bangs his finger below (in this world)...
Question: Dear Rabbi Sprung, I am a surgeon in an Israeli hospital. This year Purim falls on Motzei Shabbos and I am scheduled to begin operating shortly after Shabbos ends. I will need to leave for the hospital...
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Rabbi Yossi Sprung