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...
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Rabbi Yosef Sprung
A Halachic Guide to Pumping Breastmilk on Shabbos
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 a...
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...
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...
Shabbos Maalox Moments
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...
License to Heal – Part 3
(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...
