One of the more complex questions in the Halachos of Pikuach Nefesh on Shabbos arises when the danger is neither obvious nor immediate. A person encounters a potential risk that, under certain circumstances...
A Case Study in Halachic Decision-Making When Life Is at Risk The Appeal from Kobe and the Two Rulings Throughout 1941, Jewish refugees arrived in Japan, among them students of the Mir Yeshiva. They had...
On the eve of Yom Kippur in 1941, leading Poskim faced an extraordinary question: On which day should Jews in Japan fast? According to the local calendar, Yom Kippur fell on Wednesday, but according to the...
The earlier parts of this essay discussed general guidelines, Shiurim, suitable foods for a Choleh when fasting is forbidden, artificial feeding, and several specific conditions. F. Patients with very...
The first portion of this essay[1] covered General Guidelines (including how a Choleh may gauge in advance whether he can fast, why the treating physician’s judgment carries special weight, and how to...
[Editor’s note: In Part I, we introduced the question of a Kohen whose mother-in-law is terminally ill and expected to receive palliative care in his home: may he bring her into his own home, given the concern that the...
Palliative care provided through a home hospice program is a medical support service for patients with advanced terminal illnesses who choose to spend the final stage of their lives at home, surrounded by their loved...
In recent days, the Beis Hora’ah of the Schlesinger Institute received a fascinating question. I asked Rabbi Raziel Fredman, a member of the Institute, to address the issue and provide a thorough, well-reasoned response...
In recent years, an increasing number of Halachic questions have arisen concerning children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These children may possess average – or even above-average – intellectual...
As we emerge from Tisha b’Av and read the seven Haftaros referred to as “Shiva d’Nechemta” on the Shabbosos until Rosh Hashana, we present the following thoughts on the meaning of Nechama – a subject that is...
Speech is among the most basic human faculties. It enables people to communicate, express thoughts and emotions, and fulfill core elements of Avodas Hashem – including Tefila, Brachos, Krias Shema, and Talmud Torah...
[Editor’s note: In last week’s essay, we began the discussion of activating air conditioning systems during a hot summer Shabbos (or heating during a cold winter Shabbos) when necessary. We reviewed the principle that...
Background The treatment of urinary symptoms in males, such as difficulty urinating, a persistent sensation of incomplete bladder emptying, or urinary retention, usually begins with medical management. When medication...
In last week’s essay, we began a discussion of whether a wig that closely resembles natural hair raises concerns for Maris Ayin. We cited the opinions of the Shiltei Giborim, who permits wearing a Sheitel in public, and...
Women may experience partial or complete hair loss due to various medical reasons. Some have conditions that lead to significant hair thinning, while others experience temporary or permanent hair loss from medical...
In last week’s essay, we discussed the following question: Drawing blood for laboratory tests is one of the most common medical procedures. Usually, after the minimum required amount has been collected, blood often...
Drawing blood for laboratory tests is one of the most common medical procedures. Usually, after the minimum required amount has been collected, blood often keeps flowing into the vial for a few extra moments – whether...
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Rabbi Yosef Sprung