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
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...
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...
