The Shulchan Aruch (O.C. 613) rules: It is forbidden to wash on Yom Kippur whether with hot or cold [water], and even extending one’s finger into water is forbidden. However, if a person’s hands or feet or the rest of...
This is the final essay in our series on termination of pregnancy. The initial essay discussed whether abortion is permissible when the mother’s life may be endangered, and we reviewed the two approaches of the Rishonim...
Last week’s essay tackled the question of abortions when pregnancy endangers the life of the mother. This essay will discuss another common question: May a pregnant woman (whose life is not in danger) take medications...
Elective abortion is strictly forbidden by Halacha. Although it is not considered Retzicha when performed by a Jew, it is permissible only in very specific circumstances.[1] Even in cases of danger, Poskim are generally...
Excessive consumption of salt is considered universally detrimental to health and significantly increases the risk of experiencing a stroke or myocardial infarction. Due to this concern, medical professionals generally...
In last week’s essay, we began the discussion of a Yisrael marrying a Bas Kohen. According to the Gemara (and codified by the Shulchan Aruch), a Yisrael may only marry a Bas Kohen if he is a Talmid Chacham. We also...
In any case of Sakanas Nefashos, transporting a patient to the hospital on Shabbos is permissible. The decision to do so must often be made by a family member who does not have medical training and, in many cases...
R’ Shimon says: A Talmid Chacham is not permitted to benefit from any Seuda which is not for a mitzvah. [To what does this refer?] R’ Yochanan said: Such as [the marriage of] the daughter of a Kohen to a Yisrael or the...
Compared to the other fast days throughout the year (Tzom Gedalia, Asara b’Teves, Ta’anis Esther, and Shiva Asar b’Tamuz), Tisha b’Av is more stringent in three main ways: Tisha b’Av begins at nightfall, while all...
Chaza”l enacted a requirement of Netilas Yadayim upon awakening in the morning, and there are many Halachic details and intricacies related to this Takana. This week’s essay will review particular issues relevant to...
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