There is a fundamental Machlokes between the Mechaber and Rema regarding the Harchakos between a man and his wife when she is a Nida. The Shulchan Aruch rules (Y.D. 195:15 & 16): If he is ill and there is no one to...
Yom Kippur 5780
Rabbi Yossi SprungDo It Again?
[This is the second essay in a series on Halachic ramifications of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).] We will begin this week’s essay with the powerful words of the Steipler zt”l (Orchos Rabbenu 4, p53): You must...
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...
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...
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”...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
