The Gemara (Sukka 46a) teaches that “one who enters a Sukka recites a Bracha – Asher Kid’shanu b’Mitzvosav v’Tzivanu Leisheiv baSukka”. There is no limit to how many times one may recite this Bracha each day; one should...
In a previous essay[1], we discussed the question of a Choleh who is restricted to fasting once in ten days. Should he fast on Yom Kippur or Tzom Gedalia? That discussion focused on the important Halachic question of...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Our Beit Medrash is actively involved in some of the most comprehensive research and study of medical halacha and medical ethics in the world today.
Copyright © 2025
Hillel Kovacs
Rabbi Yosef Sprung