Medicine on Shabbat: Difference between revisions
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One of several rabbinic decrees that our Sages enacted in order to guard the sanctity of [[Shabbat]] concerns the use of [[medications]]. In the opinion and experience of the Rabbis, easy access to medicine could lead to the transgression of certain [[Shabbat]] Labors. While issuing the decree, however, the Rabbis were lenient in certain cases of those suffering pain or distress. <ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)</ref> (See the footnote for some background)<ref> | One of several rabbinic decrees that our Sages enacted in order to guard the sanctity of [[Shabbat]] concerns the use of [[medications]]. In the opinion and experience of the Rabbis, easy access to medicine could lead to the transgression of certain [[Shabbat]] Labors. While issuing the decree, however, the Rabbis were lenient in certain cases of those suffering pain or distress. <ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt). In regard to the [[muktzah]] status of pills and other [[medications]] see Minchas [[Shabbos]] 88:footnote 77, Har Tzvi tal harim tochain 2, Shalmei Yehuda 10:15:footnote 46, Zera Yaakov 13:page 153, Nachlas Yisroel pages 633-650 in depth, Shulchan Shlomo 318:7:2:page 298, Ohr Yisroel 6:pages 17-20, Aruch Ha’shulchan 308:59, Bais Avi 3:52, Avnei Yushfei 5:62.</ref> (See the footnote for some background)<ref> | ||
* 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 | * 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> | ||
==Taking Medicine== | ==Taking Medicine== | ||
===If one has a minor condition (Meychush BeAlma)=== | ===If one has a minor condition (Meychush BeAlma)=== | ||
# If someone has a minor condition which hurts such as a tooth ache, throat ache, head ache, cold, and cough it is forbidden to take any medicine such as pills or drops. However, someone who is in a lot of pain and because of it he is in bed or his body is weakened such as a migraine it permitted to take a medicine. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 34:1,3 and Rav Mordechai Eliyahu's comment on Kitzur S"A 91:1. The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt) writes that although contemporary poskim debate whether nowadays we can be more lenient with taking medication on [[Shabbat]] because of the change in technique, the general consensus is to reject this argument. See Minchas [[Shabbat]] 91:9; Ketzos ha-Shulchan 134:7; Chelkas Yaakov 4:41; and Tzitz Eliezer 8:15 | # If someone has a minor condition which hurts such as a tooth ache, throat ache, head ache, cold, and cough it is forbidden to take any medicine such as pills or drops. However, someone who is in a lot of pain and because of it he is in bed or his body is weakened such as a migraine it permitted to take a medicine. <Ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 34:1,3 and Rav Mordechai Eliyahu's comment on Kitzur S"A 91:1. The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt) writes that although contemporary poskim debate whether nowadays we can be more lenient with taking medication on [[Shabbat]] because of the change in technique, the general consensus is to reject this argument. See Minchas [[Shabbat]] 91:9; Ketzos ha-Shulchan 134:7; Chelkas Yaakov 4:41; and Tzitz Eliezer 8:15:15. See also [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/739326/Rabbi_Aryeh_Lebowitz/Ten_Minute_Halacha_-_Medicine_on_Shabbat_Part_I Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz on YUTorah.org]. The Yalkut Yosef 328:52 writes that a choleh shein bo skana (sick in bed) can take pills. He adds that in general someone who is in a lot of pain but isn't choleh shein bo sakana may not take the pills and only makes two exceptions, for someone who has a big headache and someone who has a big stomach ache.</ref> | ||
# Some allow someone who is accustomed to take pain killers for a head ache or tooth ache and if he doesn't take it will be in pain to make pain killers on [[Shabbat]].<ref> In Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]] v. 4, pp. 408-9) he writes that some say that one may take pain killers on [[Shabbat]] because they don't cure but only remove pain, and some disagree. He concludes that one should only be lenient if a person is accustomed to taking such pain killers and if one doesn't take them one will be in pain. On page 143 in discussing the same leniency he specifically mentions pills that contain paracetamol which is the active ingredient in Tylenol, a pain killer.</ref> | # Some allow someone who is accustomed to take pain killers for a head ache or tooth ache and if he doesn't take it will be in pain to make pain killers on [[Shabbat]].<ref> In Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]] v. 4, pp. 408-9) he writes that some say that one may take pain killers on [[Shabbat]] because they don't cure but only remove pain, and some disagree. He concludes that one should only be lenient if a person is accustomed to taking such pain killers and if one doesn't take them one will be in pain. On page 143 in discussing the same leniency he specifically mentions pills that contain paracetamol which is the active ingredient in Tylenol, a pain killer.</ref> | ||
===If one has a sickness (Choleh Shein Bo Sakana)=== | ===If one has a sickness (Choleh Shein Bo Sakana)=== | ||
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# One may crush a capsule or tablet of medicine into a food or drink before [[Shabbat]] (so it becomes disguised by the food) and then eat the food or drink on [[Shabbat]]. <ref>39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 481), [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/739326/Rabbi_Aryeh_Lebowitz/Ten_Minute_Halacha_-_Medicine_on_Shabbat_Part_I Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz on YUTorah.org] </ref> | # One may crush a capsule or tablet of medicine into a food or drink before [[Shabbat]] (so it becomes disguised by the food) and then eat the food or drink on [[Shabbat]]. <ref>39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 481), [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/739326/Rabbi_Aryeh_Lebowitz/Ten_Minute_Halacha_-_Medicine_on_Shabbat_Part_I Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz on YUTorah.org] </ref> | ||
===Continuing to take a daily dosage=== | ===Continuing to take a daily dosage=== | ||
# Although one who is not classified as “ill” may not begin taking medicine on [[Shabbat]], still, some poskim hold that one who requires daily medication for an ongoing condition may continue doing so on [[Shabbat]] as well, | # Although one who is not classified as “ill” may not begin taking medicine on [[Shabbat]], still, some poskim hold that one who requires daily medication for an ongoing condition may continue doing so on [[Shabbat]] as well, <ref> Chazon Ish (oral ruling, quoted in Imrei Yosher on Moed 97, Daat Chazon Ish 7:19, Dinim Vihanhagot Chazon Ish 15:1), Shulchan Shlomo 328:59, Beer Moshe 1:33:8, 4:31, Avnei Yushfei 1:90:3, Rivevos Ephraim 3:227, 4:97:54, 5:202, Oz Nedberu 1:31:5, 4:24. Refer to Shemiras [[Shabbos]] K’hilchoso 34:footnote 76, chelek 3:34:footnote 76. <br /> | ||
Rav S. Kluger (Sefer ha-Chayim 328:10 and Shenos Chayim 1:152) go even further and permit continuing taking medicine on [[Shabbat]], even of the patient is not medically required to take the medicine on a daily basis. Minchas [[Shabbat]] 91:9; Tzitz Eliezer 8:15-15:15; Rav Y.S. Elyashiv (Koveitz Teshuvos, O.C. 1:40, and oral ruling, quoted in Refuas Yisrael, pg. 14) agree with Rav Kluger. </ref> while others disagree. <ref> Igros Moshe, O.C. 3:53. Refer also to Da’as Torah 328:37 who is stringent.</ref> | |||
# Some say that one may only take an ongoing medication on [[Shabbat]] if skipping a day of medication would be detrimental to the patient's health or if the medication must be taken for a number of consecutive days such that it is impossible not to take it on [[Shabbat]]. <ref>Rav S.Z. Auerbach (Shemiras [[Shabbat]] K’hilchasah 34, note 77, in the new edition). Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach held that it was only permitted to take an ongoing medication on [[Shabbat]] if skipping a day in middle of continuous medication would cause the patient damage or if the medication must be done for a certain number of days which would automatically include [[Shabbat]]. Rav Hershel Schachter ([http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/798018/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_#11_-_Shabbos_-_Memachaik,_Memare'ach in a shiur on yutorah.org (min 44-48)]) explained that the gemara Avoda Zara 28a seems to clearly support the opinion of those who say that one may not take medication on [[Shabbat]] even if one began to take the medication before [[Shabbat]]. However, he also cited the opinion of the Brit Olam who held that if the only way to take a certain medication was to take it for a number of consecutive days which includes [[Shabbat]], it would be permitted to take the medication on [[Shabbat]]. </ref> | # Some say that one may only take an ongoing medication on [[Shabbat]] if skipping a day of medication would be detrimental to the patient's health or if the medication must be taken for a number of consecutive days such that it is impossible not to take it on [[Shabbat]]. <ref>Rav S.Z. Auerbach (Shemiras [[Shabbat]] K’hilchasah 34, note 77, in the new edition). Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach held that it was only permitted to take an ongoing medication on [[Shabbat]] if skipping a day in middle of continuous medication would cause the patient damage or if the medication must be done for a certain number of days which would automatically include [[Shabbat]]. Rav Hershel Schachter ([http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/798018/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_#11_-_Shabbos_-_Memachaik,_Memare'ach in a shiur on yutorah.org (min 44-48)]) explained that the gemara Avoda Zara 28a seems to clearly support the opinion of those who say that one may not take medication on [[Shabbat]] even if one began to take the medication before [[Shabbat]]. However, he also cited the opinion of the Brit Olam who held that if the only way to take a certain medication was to take it for a number of consecutive days which includes [[Shabbat]], it would be permitted to take the medication on [[Shabbat]]. </ref> | ||
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===Migraine=== | ===Migraine=== | ||
# For a migraine headache any oral [[medications]] may be taken. <Ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)</ref> | # For a migraine headache any oral [[medications]] may be taken. <Ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)</ref> | ||
===Mouthwash=== | |||
# There is a discussion in the later poskim if one may use mouthwash on [[Shabbat]]. <ref> see Beer Moshe 1:page 78, Rivevos Ephraim 2:page 192:23, 3:536:6, 4:97:5, 6:195, Nishmas [[Shabbos]] 5:318, Cheshev Ha’efod 2:59 <ref> | |||
===Nosebleed=== | ===Nosebleed=== | ||
# 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> | # 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> | ||
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===Wound=== | ===Wound=== | ||
# Cuts and abrasions may be washed or soaked in water. Hydrogen peroxide may be poured over a cut. It is not permitted, however, to soak absorbent cotton or paper in such a solution and then wash the wound with it. The wound may be covered with a non-medicated Band-Aid. <ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)</ref> | # Cuts and abrasions may be washed or soaked in water. Hydrogen peroxide may be poured over a cut. It is not permitted, however, to soak absorbent cotton or paper in such a solution and then wash the wound with it. The wound may be covered with a non-medicated Band-Aid. <ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)</ref> | ||
==Medicine after Candle Lighting before [[Kiddush]] == | |||
# One is permitted to drink water while taking a pill on [[Shabbos]] after candle lighting before [[Kiddush]].<ref>Refer to Minchas Yitzchok 8:18, Shevet Ha’kehusi 1:109, Nishmas [[Shabbos]] 2:9. </ref> | |||
==Carrying a Pill== | |||
# One who needs to carry a pill on [[Shabbos]] in a place which does not have an eiruv should ask his Rav before doing so.<ref>Refer to Shemiras [[Shabbos]] K’hilchoso 40:7, Tzitz Eliezer 13:34. </ref> | |||
==Cutting Pills on Shabbos== | |||
# One is permitted to cut a tablet in half on [[Shabbos]], and there is no concern of "mechatech" (cutting) on [[Shabbos]].<ref>Shemiras [[Shabbos]] K’hilchoso 33:4, Shulchan Shlomo 314:13:3, Avnei Yushfei 4:58 quoting the opinion of Harav Elyashiv Shlita. Refer to ibid:footnote 30 for the reason. </ref> | |||
==Purchasing the medicine== | ==Purchasing the medicine== | ||
# In situations where one is considered “ill” and is permitted to take medicine on [[Shabbat]], it is also permitted to ask a non-Jew to drive to a drugstore, buy medicine and bring it to him. <Ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)</ref> | # In situations where one is considered “ill” and is permitted to take medicine on [[Shabbat]], it is also permitted to ask a non-Jew to drive to a drugstore, buy medicine and bring it to him. <Ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)</ref> | ||
==Ripping the Packaging of a Medicine== | |||
# According to the opinion of some poskim, on [[Shabbos]] one should rip the wrapping around a medication by destroying it and making it useless.<ref>Nishmas Avraham 1:340:5:page 245. </ref> | |||
==Specific medicines== | ==Specific medicines== | ||
===Foods and drinks=== | ===Foods and drinks=== | ||
# 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 </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> | ||
# Foods and drinks are permitted even when they are consumed for medicinal purposes. For example, one may have tea for a sore throat on [[Shabbat]]. <ref>[http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org], 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 477) </ref> | # Foods and drinks are permitted even when they are consumed for medicinal purposes. For example, one may have tea for a sore throat on [[Shabbat]]. <ref>[http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org], 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 477) </ref> | ||
===Tylenol or Aspirin=== | |||
# Many poskim are of the opinion that Tylenol® and other aspirin should not be taken even though healthy people may take them as well.<ref>Minchas Yitzchok 3:35:2, Be’er Moshe 1:33:5, 2:32, 6:39, Shraga Hameir 2:40, Refuas Yisroel page 16:footnote 42. Refer to Divrei Chachumim pages 137-138:389 who quotes a lenient opinion. </ref> However, if one is in great pain then taking them is permitted.<ref>Minchas Yitzchok ibid, Be’er Moshe ibid, Refuas Yisroel page 16:footnote 42. </ref> | |||
=== Vitamins === | === Vitamins === | ||
# If the purpose of the vitamin is to serve as a food supplement it is permitted to take such a vitamin on [[Shabbat]]. <ref>The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)</ref> | # If the purpose of the vitamin is to serve as a food supplement it is permitted to take such a vitamin on [[Shabbat]]. <ref>The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)</ref> | ||
# If the purpose of the vitamin is to strengthen a weak body or to relieve certain symptoms, in the opinion of many poskim, one may not take those vitamins on [[Shabbat]]. <ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt) references Igros Moshe, O.C. 3:54, Minchas Shelomo 2:37 and Shemiras [[Shabbat]] K’hilchasah 34, note 86, quoting Rav S.Z. Auerbach. See, however, Tzitz Eliezer 14:50, who takes a more lenient approach concerning vitamins on [[Shabbat]]. </ref> | # If the purpose of the vitamin is to strengthen a weak body or to relieve certain symptoms, in the opinion of many poskim, one may not take those vitamins on [[Shabbat]]. <ref> The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt) references Igros Moshe, O.C. 3:54, Minchas Shelomo 2:37 and Shemiras [[Shabbat]] K’hilchasah 34, note 86, quoting Rav S.Z. Auerbach. See, however, Tzitz Eliezer 14:50, who takes a more lenient approach concerning vitamins on [[Shabbat]]. </ref> | ||
# Some say that a multi-vitamin that one takes everyday is permitted since it is a food and not a [[refuah]].<ref>Opinion of Harav Yaakov Kamenetsky zt”l quoted in Divrei Chachumim page 137:footnote 389, Shemiras [[Shabbos]] K’hilchoso 34:footnote 85. In regard to regular vitamins see Divrei Chachumim pages 137-138, Igros Moshe O.C. 3:54, Nishmas Avraham 1:328:pages 212-213, Shulchan Shlomo 328:58, Tzitz Eliezer 14:50, Oz Nedberu 6:72, Be’er Moshe 1:33, Shalmei Yehuda 10:footnote 51. </ref> | |||
==Elective surgery== | ==Elective surgery== | ||
