still me
Hillel Kovacs
Say It Again?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas, or sensations. These cause affected people to feel compelled to engage in repetitive behaviors to alleviate the...
Latest articles
Rabbi Yosef Sprung
Selected Halachos for Cholim on Tisha b’Av
Seuda Mafsekes Even if a Choleh will not be fasting on Tisha b’Av he should still eat a Seuda Mafsekes because it is one of the Minhagim of Avelus. He is obligated to observe the Avelus even if he cannot fast. He may...
Handling Sponges on Shabbos
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 leather...
Cholim & Bein haMetzarim
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 “Nine Days”...
Write at My Fingertips
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). Even those...
From the Rabbi’s Desk: Bloody Milk
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...
Staying Clean: Bathing Elderly Parents
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 task as well...
Hierarchy of Melachos Shabbos – Part 2
[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...
Hierarchy of Melachos Shabbos – Part 1
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...
Vicryl® in the Mikva: Is it a Chatzitza?
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...
