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...
Yom Kippur 5780
Rabbi Yossi SprungFrom 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 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...
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...
Are Unborn Children “Children”?
In February 2024, the United States witnessed a significant uproar sparked by the Supreme Court of Alabama’s ruling that frozen embryos are legally considered “children,” thus granting them the same legal...
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...
Guide to Hilchos Pesach for Cholim – Part 2
Chapter 2 – Pesach Preparation For Those Who Cannot Do It Themselves Mi’d’Oraisa, a person may not own any form of Chametz on Pesach. This is why the Chachamim enacted Bedikas Chametz on the eve of the 14th Nisan...
Guide to Hilchos Pesach for Cholim
Chapter 1 – Hakpada on Minhagim Pesach is a time of abundant Mitzvos and Minhagim. Some of these customs were enacted to minimize the risk of eating Chametz, and others were established for different reasons. The...
