Medicine on Shabbat: Difference between revisions

* Rashi ([[Shabbat]] 53b s.v. Gezerah) explains that there is a rabbinic decree not to do an medical practice on [[Shabbat]] because one might come to violate the prohibition of [[Tochen]] ([[grinding]]) the ingredients for the medicine. [[Maggid]] Mishna ([[Shabbat]] 2:10) draws a distinction between one is sick but isn't in danger of his life and a person who is pain. Tur and Shulchan Aruch 338:1 rule that a healthy person who is in pain may not do any activity of healing because of the rabbinic decree. </ref>. The details of what's permissible and what's forbidden are described below. These laws are true for the first day of [[Yom Tov]] and the two days of [[Rosh Hashana]] as well. <ref> The same halacha applies to the first day of [[Yom Tov]] (Refer to Magen Avraham 532:2, Chai Adom 23:1, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 98:33, Mishnah Berurah 532:5, [[Yom Tov]] Shenei K’hilchoso 1:22, Nishmas Avraham 1:pages 275-276) and both days of [[Rosh Hashana]]h (Nishmas Avraham 1:600:1, see Shemiras [[Shabbos]] K’hilchoso 31:28, [[Yom Tov]] Shenei K’hilchoso 1:22:footnote 76, Shevet Ha’kehusi 1:156 ) </ref>

# Healthy infants and babies until the age of three (and according to some poskim even older children till the age of six or nine) are also halachically classified as “patients not dangerously ill.” <Ref> Chazon Ish, O.C. 59:3, Rav S.Z. Auerbach in Nishmas Avraham 328:54, and Rav Y.S. Elyashiv in Eis Laledes, pg. 57, quote the age of 2-3. Tzitz Eliezer 8:15-12 quotes ages of 6. Minchas Yitzchak 1:78 quotes age of 9. </ref> (In the final analysis, it all depends on the strength and maturity of the child.) <ref>The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)</ref> Therefore, they are permitted to take all forms of medicine, provided, of course, that no Biblical prohibitions are transgressed. <ref> Rama, O.C. 328:17. Note, however, that not all of a baby’s needs are exempt from the prohibition against medication; see, for instance, Mishnah Berurah 328:131. See Tehillah l’David 328:24 and Minchas Yitzchak 4:124 who deal with this difficulty </ref>  

# An abscess may be squeezed to relieve pressure from pus, even if some blood is secreted in the process. <Ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)quoting S"A O.C. 328:28 and Mishnah Berurah 328:89 </ref>

# If one has a bee or wasp sting the stinger may be removed and the area may be washed with ice water, lemon juice or vinegar, etc. The area may not be soaked, however, in those liquids. <ref>39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 478), [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org], See Mishnah Berurah 328:141,142 </ref>

# For a simple bone fracture a non-Jew may be asked to do anything necessary, e.g., make a phone call, drive a car, take x-rays or put on a cast. [If a non-Jew is not available, some poskim permit a Jew to do these acts if they are done with a shinui, in an abnormal manner. <Ref> This is the view of Shulchan Aruch ha-Rav 328:19 and Eglei Tal ([[Tochen]] 18). Some poskim (Rav S.Z. Auerbach, quoted in Shemiras [[Shabbat]] K’hilchasah 33, note 18; Shevet ha-Levi 8:93) rule that one may rely on this view, especially when there is “danger to a limb.” Note, however, that Mishnah Berurah, Aruch ha-Shulchan and most poskim do not agree with this leniency. </ref>] If there is even a small chance of internal bleeding, e.g., the thigh or pelvis bone was fractured, or if the elbow was shattered, all [[Shabbat]] restrictions are lifted. <Ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)</ref>

# For diarrhea one may not take medication unless one is in severe pain or weak all over. Prune juice or any other food or drink is permitted. A hot water bottle is permitted when one experiences strong pains. <ref> Mishnah Berurah 326:19, The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)</ref>

# For a fever any oral [[medications]] may be taken. A mercury thermometer may be used. <Ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)based on S”A O.C. 306:7 </ref> If a person is suffering from high-grade fever, a non-Jew may be asked to do whatever the patient needs in order to feel better. <Ref> Mishnah Berurah 328:46, 47 </ref> If the cause of the fever is unknown, a doctor should be consulted.

# For a nosebleed bleeding may be stopped with a tissue or a napkin. If none is available, a cloth napkin may be used. <ref> Mishnah Berurah 328:146 </ref>

# It is permitted to remove a scab as long as blood is not drawn from the wound. <ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)based on S”A O.C. 328:22 and Mishnah Berurah 90. </ref>

# A splinter under the skin may be extracted with the fingers, or with tweezers or a needle. If, unavoidably, a little blood is secreted in the process, it is of no consequence. <ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)quoting Mishnah Berurah 328:88 and Sha’ar ha-Tziyun 63. 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 478) writes one may remove a splinter even if it may bleed, but one may remove if it will certainly bleed unless it is very painful. </ref>

# Pressure may be applied to a cut to stop bleeding. Sucking or [[squeezing]] out blood is prohibited. <ref> [http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org], Mishnah Berurah 328:147 </ref>

# It is permitted to press a knife, etc. against the skin to prevent or minimize swelling. <Ref> Mishnah Berurah 328:144 </ref> It is permitted to wash or soak the swollen area in water.<ref> Tzitz Eliezer 8:15 (15-12) </ref>It is permitted to place a compress, <ref>The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)writes in order to avoid [[sechitah]] and/or libun, only paper towels or napkins should be used and care should be taken not to squeeze them.</ref> ice (placed in plastic bag) or any frozen item over a swollen area. <ref>Be’er Moshe 1:33-18, Contemporary Questions in Halacha and Hashkafa pg. 144, [http://www.learntorah.com/lt-shiur-details.aspx?id=4985 Rabbi Meyer Yedid]. Rabbi Yedid says that this is because the [[refuah]] cannot be replicated through medicines and therefore wasn't included in the rabbinic enactment against [[refuah]]. see also  Shemiras [[Shabbat]] K’hilchasah 35:35  </ref>

# A minor (cavity) toothache may not be treated with painkillers, but one is permitted to drink whiskey, etc., provided that it is swallowed immediately. <ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)based on S”A O.C. 328:32. See also Mishnah Berurah 328:102 </ref>A severe toothache (to the point where one feels weak all over) or gum infection may be treated with oral medication. If the tooth needs to be extracted, a non-Jew may be asked to do so. <ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)based on Rama, O.C. 328:3. See Tzitz Eliezer 9:17 (2-11)</ref>

# Even someone with a minor ailment may eat food which healthy people eat even if one’s intention is for improving one’s health. For example, someone who has a head ache may eat honey, a lemon, or suck on candy. Someone who has a hoarse throat may swallow a raw egg. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 34:4 based on Shulchan Aruch 328:37, Aruch Hashulchan 328:48. Refer to Mishnah Berurah 328:117-118. See Ketzos Ha’shulchan 134:16:pages 31-32 in depth on what constitutes a health persons food. </ref>