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)</ref> (See the footnote for some background)<ref>
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==Taking Medicine==
==Taking Medicine==
===If one has a minor condition===
===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 8:15-15. 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 skana 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>
# 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 skana 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 serious sickness===
===If one has a serious sickness (Choleh Shein Bo Sakana)===
# If one has fever, feels weak all over, or feels bad enough to require bed rest, he can be classified as a “patient not dangerously ill” and he is permitted to take oral [[medications]]. <ref>Mishna Brurah 328:121 permits taking an oral medication without any shinui (alteration from the normal procedure). Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]], vol 4, pg 129) and 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 492) agree with the Mishna Brurah.  
# If one has fever, feels weak all over, or feels bad enough to require bed rest, he can be classified as a “patient not dangerously ill” and he is permitted to take oral [[medications]]. <ref>Mishna Brurah 328:121 permits taking an oral medication without any shinui (alteration from the normal procedure). Yalkut Yosef ([[Shabbat]], vol 4, pg 129) and 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 492) agree with the Mishna Brurah.  
Halachos of [[Refuah on Shabbat]] (Rabbi Bodner, pg 55) and The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)write that most poskim agree with the Mishna Brurah. See, however, Sh"t Igrot Moshe 3:53, Tzitz Eliezer 8:15:15, and Minchat Yitzchak 1:108, 6:28. </ref>
* Halachos of [[Refuah on Shabbat]] (Rabbi Bodner, pg 55) and The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)write that most poskim agree with the Mishna Brurah. See, however, Sh"t Igrot Moshe 3:53, Tzitz Eliezer 8:15:15, and Minchat Yitzchak 1:108, 6:28. </ref>
# Since “requiring bed rest” and “weak all over” are subjective terms, it is up to each individual to determine his personal pain threshold. There is no requirement to be overly stringent when judging the degree of illness. <ref>[http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org]. See also Sh"t Tzitz Eliezer 14:50-7 and 17:13. </ref>
# Since “requiring bed rest” and “weak all over” are subjective terms, it is up to each individual to determine his personal pain threshold. There is no requirement to be overly stringent when judging the degree of illness. <ref>[http://www.torah.org/advanced/weekly-halacha/5760/chukas.html Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org]. See also Sh"t Tzitz Eliezer 14:50-7 and 17:13. </ref>
# Some poskim hold that it is forbidden to perform a biblically prohibited action on [[Shabbat]] (melacha deoritta) for someone who is seriously sick even if one does it in an abnormal manner (Shinui). <ref>Shemirat [[Shabbat]] KeHilchata 32:2</ref>Some, however, hold that it is permitted to do actions in an abnormal way (Shinui) for a seriously sick person.<ref>Eglei Tal ([[Tochen]] #18), [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/797263/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_#3_-_Shabbos_-_melacha_sh'eina_tzericha_l'gufa Rabbi Hershel Schachter in a shiur on yutorah.org (towards end of shiur)]</ref>
===Infants===
===Infants===
# 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>  
# 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>  

Revision as of 17:18, 22 October 2013

Medicine.jpg

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. [1] (See the footnote for some background)[2]. The details of what's permissible and what's forbidden is described below:

Taking Medicine

If one has a minor condition (Meychush BeAlma)

  1. 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. [3]
  2. 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.[4]

If one has a serious sickness (Choleh Shein Bo Sakana)

  1. If one has fever, feels weak all over, or feels bad enough to require bed rest, he can be classified as a “patient not dangerously ill” and he is permitted to take oral medications. [5]
  2. Since “requiring bed rest” and “weak all over” are subjective terms, it is up to each individual to determine his personal pain threshold. There is no requirement to be overly stringent when judging the degree of illness. [6]
  3. Some poskim hold that it is forbidden to perform a biblically prohibited action on Shabbat (melacha deoritta) for someone who is seriously sick even if one does it in an abnormal manner (Shinui). [7]Some, however, hold that it is permitted to do actions in an abnormal way (Shinui) for a seriously sick person.[8]

Infants

  1. 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.” [9] (In the final analysis, it all depends on the strength and maturity of the child.) [10] Therefore, they are permitted to take all forms of medicine, provided, of course, that no Biblical prohibitions are transgressed. [11]

Preparing medicine from before Shabbat

  1. 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. [12]

Continuing to take a daily dosage

  1. 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, while others disagree. [13]
  2. 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. [14]

Non-medical treatment

Using a Band Aid

  1. It is permitted to put on a band aid on a wound. [15]
  2. According to Ashkenazim, one should not remove a band aid on Shabbat if there is hair in the area of the band aid. However, if it is painful one may remove it. [16] However, Sephardim are more lenient as long as there is a need to remove it, it's permissible. [17]
  3. Most authorities permit removing the Band-Aid from the protective tabs, while some are stringent and so to satisfy all opinions one may prepare Band-Aids for Shabbat use by peeling off their protective tabs and re-sealing them before Shabbat. [18]

Cleaning a wound

  1. It is permitted to clean and bandage a wound or to pour hydrogen peroxide over it. [19]

Braces

  1. Braces may be worn on Shabbat because there is no medicine for aligning teeth properly. [20]

Specific conditions

Abscess

  1. An abscess may be squeezed to relieve pressure from pus, even if some blood is secreted in the process. [21]

Acne

  1. All medication for acne may not be taken on Shabbat. [22]

Angina

  1. All medication for angina are permitted to be taken on Shabbat. [23]

Arthritis

  1. Anti-inflammatory medication for mild arthritis are forbidden. [24]

Asthma

  1. All oral and breathing medications for mild asthma are permitted to be taken on Shabbat. [25]

Athlete’s foot

  1. One may not use any medication for athlete’s foot on Shabbat. [26]

Back or neck brace

  1. One may put on or remove a back or neck brace on Shabbat. [27]

Bee sting

  1. 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. [28]
  2. One may use liquid or spray insect repellent on Shabbat. [29]

Birth control

  1. It's permissible to take birth control pills on Shabbat (assuming she received halachic permission to take these pills). [30]

Bone fracture

  1. 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. [31]] 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. [32]

Cellulites

  1. Since cellulitis may be life-threatening immediate medical attention is required. [33]

Cold

  1. For a cold one may not take medications or vitamins. [34] unless one is experiencing discomfort in his whole body or is bedridden. However, one may eat chicken soup or tea with honey to obtain relief.[35]

Cough

  1. Cough–medication may not be taken. If the cough may be an indication of pneumonia or asthma, medication is permitted. [36]

Diabetes

  1. All necessary medications for diabetes may be taken on Shabbat. [37]

Diarrhea

  1. 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. [38]

Chapped hands

  1. For dried (or chapped) hands it is prohibited to rub them with either oil, ointment (Vaseline) or lotion. [39]One who regularly uses a pourable, liquid lotion or oil on his hands (whether they are chapped or not) may do so on Shabbat, too, even if his hands are chapped.[40]

Chapped lips

  1. For dried or cracked lips one may not apply chap stick or any other medication, liquid or otherwise. [41]

Ear infection

  1. For an ear infection all medications are permitted. Cotton balls may be inserted. [42] Even if the infection is no longer present, prescribed medicine begun on a weekday must be continued until finished in order to avoid a relapse. [43]

Eye inflammation

  1. For an eye inflammation eye drops (or ointment) may be instilled in the eye. If the eye is not inflamed but merely irritated, no medication is permitted. [44]

Fever

  1. For a fever any oral medications may be taken. A mercury thermometer may be used. [45] 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. [46] If the cause of the fever is unknown, a doctor should be consulted.

Headache

  1. For a headache medication should not be taken. If the headache is severe enough so that one feels weak all over or is forced to go to bed, medication may be taken. One who is unsure if he has reached that stage of illness may be lenient and take pain- relieving medication. [47]

Heartburn

  1. For heartburn foods which will have a soothing effect may be eaten. Some poskim permit taking anti-acid medication while others are stringent. If the medicine is prescribed by a doctor, one may be lenient. [48]

Hemorrhoids

  1. For a mild case of hemorrhoids medication may not be taken. For a severe case, it is permitted to sit in a “sitz bath” (with water that heated before Shabbat), or use medicated pads or suppositories. [49]

Herniated disc

  1. For a herniated disc (back and leg pain) ice packs or hot packs are permitted. Physical therapy exercises, e.g. stretching, are permitted. If the pain is severe to the degree that the entire body is in pain, painkillers or other medications are permitted as well. [50]

Indigestion

  1. One may take a leisurely walk in order to help digestion. [51]
  2. One may drink prune juice in order to act as a laxative. [52]

Infection

  1. For an infection all medications are permitted. [53]

Lactose

  1. For lactose intolerance one may not take enzyme supplement tablets. But it is permitted to add enzyme drops to liquid dairy foods before Shabbat and drink the dairy on Shabbat. [54]

Migraine

  1. For a migraine headache any oral medications may be taken. [55]

Nosebleed

  1. For a nosebleed bleeding may be stopped with a tissue or a napkin. If none is available, a cloth napkin may be used. [56]

Retainer

  1. One may insert and remove a retainer on Shabbat. [57]

Scab

  1. It is permitted to remove a scab as long as blood is not drawn from the wound. [58]

Sleep disorder

  1. There are conflicting views among contemporary poskim about taking sleeping pills or No-Doze pills. [59] One who is weak all over or bedridden may take them. Cotton balls may be used as ear plugs. It is permitted to use pliable ear plugs, which are made from a wax-like material that spreads to fill the cavity of the ear. [60]

Sore throat

  1. For a sore throat medication may not be taken. Gargling is prohibited. [61] Drinking tea or any other hot drink, or sucking a candy, is permitted even if the intention is for medicinal purposes. [62]

Splinter

  1. 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. [63]

Sprain

  1. For a sprain if the patient is not experiencing severe pain, nothing may be done. If the patient is experiencing severe pain, medication may be taken and a massage may be given. A makeshift splint may be applied, provided that no Shabbat Labors are transgressed. [64]

Stitches

  1. Only a non-Jew is allowed to stitch any wound, even if the stitching is done only for cosmetic reasons. [65]A Jew may place a butterfly bandage or steri-strips to close a simple laceration or cut. Surgical skin closure glue may also be used. [66]

Stopping bleeding

  1. Pressure may be applied to a cut to stop bleeding. Sucking or squeezing out blood is prohibited. [67]

Strep throat

  1. For a strep throat all oral medications may be taken. Even if the infection is no longer present, the prescribed medicine begun on a weekday must be continued until finished. A culture may be taken by a non-Jew. [68]

Sunburn

  1. For a ordinary sunburn medications are not permitted. [69]

Sweating

  1. It is permitted to sprinkle baby powder on those parts of the body which are perspiring. [70]

Swelling

  1. It is permitted to press a knife, etc. against the skin to prevent or minimize swelling. [71] It is permitted to wash or soak the swollen area in water.[72]It is permitted to place a compress, [73] ice (placed in plastic bag) or any frozen item over a swollen area. [74]

Toothache

  1. A minor (cavity) toothache may not be treated with painkillers, but one is permitted to drink whiskey, etc., provided that it is swallowed immediately. [75]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. [76]

Wound

  1. 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. [77]

Purchasing the medicine

  1. 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. [78]

Specific medicines

Foods and drinks

  1. 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. [79]
  2. 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. [80]

Vitamins

  1. If the purpose of the vitamin is to serve as a food supplement it is permitted to take such a vitamin on Shabbat. [81]
  2. 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. [82]

Elective surgery

  1. One should make sure to schedule a non emergency surgery in the first three days of the week but not on or after Wednesday. However, after the fact and if one did the surgery at such a time and there is a situation of Pikuach Nefesh it is totally permissible to violate Shabbat like any other sick person in danger. [83] Sephardim could be lenient to schedule such a surgery on Wednesday but not past Thursday. [84]

Inducing labor

  1. It is permissible for a pregnant woman who is past her term to receive a hormone infusion to induce labor if the doctor feels that there danger to the life of the mother or fetus. [85]

Caesarian section

  1. If according to the doctor a women has to have a caesarian section and she can choose to schedule the surgery, she should schedule for the first three days of the week and not Wednesday through Friday. [86]

A doctor on call

  1. A doctor who is on call and there is a sick patient under his or her care, some say that the doctor should stay in the hospital or nearby so that the doctor will not have to travel on Shabbat[87], while others are lenient if it will ruin the doctor and his family’s oneg Shabbat. [88]

Related Pages

  1. Tochen (grinding)
  2. Brushing Teeth on Shabbat

Credits

Halachipedia is very thankful to Rabbi Doniel Neustadt who gave Halachipedia permission to use his valuable article on this topic to improve the Halachipedia page.

Sources

  1. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  2. ↑
    • 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.
  3. ↑ 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 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 skana 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.
  4. ↑ 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.
  5. ↑ Mishna Brurah 328:121 permits taking an oral medication without any shinui (alteration from the normal procedure). Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat, vol 4, pg 129) and 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 492) agree with the Mishna Brurah.
    • Halachos of Refuah on Shabbat (Rabbi Bodner, pg 55) and The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)write that most poskim agree with the Mishna Brurah. See, however, Sh"t Igrot Moshe 3:53, Tzitz Eliezer 8:15:15, and Minchat Yitzchak 1:108, 6:28.
  6. ↑ Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org. See also Sh"t Tzitz Eliezer 14:50-7 and 17:13.
  7. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 32:2
  8. ↑ Eglei Tal (Tochen #18), Rabbi Hershel Schachter in a shiur on yutorah.org (towards end of shiur)
  9. ↑ 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.
  10. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  11. ↑ 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
  12. ↑ 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 481), Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz on YUTorah.org
  13. ↑ Chazon Ish (oral ruling, quoted in Imrei Yosher on Moed 97) held that one who requires daily medication for an ongoing condition may continue doing so on Shabbat as well. See a dissenting opinion in Igros Moshe, O.C. 3:53. Rav S. Kluger (Sefer ha-Chayim 328:10 and Shenos Chayim 1:152) 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.
  14. ↑ 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 (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.
  15. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 34:3
  16. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 35:30 (in the new edition) writes that a band aid shouldn’t be removed on Shabbat in an area where there’s hair because removing the band aid will certainly pull out hairs. However, the Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata writes that it’s permissible to use a Benzine to remove the band aid so it won’t rip out any hairs that’s assuming the cream was set aside before Shabbat and isn’t Muktzeh. Nonetheless in the footnote he quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman saying that if it’s painful it may be removed because it’s a pesik reisha delo nicha leih (פסיק רישא דלא ניחא ליה), keleacher yad (כלאחר יד), and mekalkel (מקלקל).
  17. ↑ The Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat 4 pg 179, kitzur S”A 328:101, 340:6) writes that if there’s a need, it’s permissible to remove a band aid from an area of hair on Shabbat because it’s a pesik reisha delo nicha leih (פסיק רישא דלא ניחא ליה) for a Derabbanan. In the footnote he writes that even though the Or Letzion (vol 2, pg 259) is strict, his father (Rav Ovadyah, in Haskama to Lev Avraham), Rav Yitzchak Elchanan (Bear Yitzchak Siman 15), and Rav Shlomo Zalman (from Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata) are lenient.
  18. ↑ Most poskim (oral ruling by Rav M. Feinstein, quoted in Kitzur Hilchos Shabbat 44, note 117); Rav S.Z. Auerbach in Shulchan Shelomo 328:45; Ohr l’Tziyon 2:36-15; Az Nidberu 7:34, 35; Rav C.P. Scheinberg, quoted in Children in Halachah, pg. 88; Rav N. Karelitz, quoted in Orchos Shabbat 11:35) permit removing the protective tabs from a Band-Aid, while others (Minchas Yitzchak 5:39-2; 9:41; Rav Y.S. Elyashiv, quoted in Machazeh Eliyahu 70) are stringent. To satisfy all opinions, one may prepare Band-Aids for Shabbat use by peeling off their protective tabs and re-sealing them before Shabbat; once they have been prepared in this fashion, they may be used on Shabbat (Tzitz Eliezer 16:6-5). Sh”t Bear Moshe 1:36 writes that it is obvious that it is permitted to plastic tabs off of the sides of a bandaid on Shabbat and it isn't Koreah.
  19. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)based on S"A 328:23
  20. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)writes that it is permissible to wear braces on Shabbat because the goal of the treatment or procedure can only be achieved without the use of medicine.
  21. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)quoting S"A O.C. 328:28 and Mishnah Berurah 328:89
  22. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  23. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  24. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  25. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  26. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  27. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)Based on ruling of Rav S.Z. Auerbach in Shemiras Shabbat K’hilchasah 34, note 113.
  28. ↑ 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 478), Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org, See Mishnah Berurah 328:141,142
  29. ↑ Shemiras Shabbat K’hilchasah 14:35; Shalmei Yehudah, pg. 179, Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org
  30. ↑ Rabbi Mansour on DailyHalacha.com
  31. ↑ 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.
  32. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  33. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  34. ↑ 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 481), Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org, Rav S.Z. Auerbach (Shemiras Shabbat K’hilchasah 34, note 52) write that there is room for leniency in kavod ha-beriyos situations, e.g., a constantly dripping nose which is disturbing to people who are around him.
  35. ↑ 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 481), The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  36. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  37. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  38. ↑ Mishnah Berurah 326:19, The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  39. ↑ 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 481)
  40. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)based on S”A 327:1
  41. ↑ 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 481), The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  42. ↑ Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org, It is prohibited to tear cotton balling on Shabbat; Minchas Yitzchak 4:45; Shemiras Shabbat K’hilchasah 35:20.
  43. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  44. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)based on S”A O.C. 328:20
  45. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)based on S”A O.C. 306:7
  46. ↑ Mishnah Berurah 328:46, 47
  47. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)See Ketzos ha-Shulchan 138, pg. 100; Minchas Yitzchak 3:35; Be’er Moshe 1:33; 2:32.
  48. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)See Ketzos ha-Shulchan 138, pg. 98; Tzitz Eliezer 8:15 (15-21); Az Nidberu 1:31; Shemiras Shabbat K’hilchasah 34:4
  49. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  50. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  51. ↑ 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 477)
  52. ↑ 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 481)
  53. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  54. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt). See Refuas Yisrael, pg. 245.
  55. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  56. ↑ Mishnah Berurah 328:146
  57. ↑ Shemiras Shabbat K’hilchasah 34:29
  58. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)based on S”A O.C. 328:22 and Mishnah Berurah 90.
  59. ↑ See Minchas Yitzchak 3:21, Tzitz Eliezer 9:17, Be’er Moshe 1:33 and Shalmei Yehudah, pg. 176, for the various views.
  60. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)quoting Rav S.Z. Auerbach (Shemiras Shabbat K’hilchasah 14:45); Shraga ha-Meir 5:23. Rav Y.S. Elyashiv, however, recommends not using pliable ear plugs on Shabbat; see Ashrei ha-Ish 17:117; 33:7
  61. ↑ S”A 328:32
  62. ↑ S”A 328:37
  63. ↑ 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.
  64. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  65. ↑ Minchas Shelomo 2:34-33 and Nishmas Avraham, vol. 4, O.C. 340. See also Shemiras Shabbat K’hilchasah 33, note 26, and 35, note 65-66.
  66. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  67. ↑ Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org, Mishnah Berurah 328:147
  68. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  69. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  70. ↑ Shemiras Shabbat K’hilchasah 34:12
  71. ↑ Mishnah Berurah 328:144
  72. ↑ Tzitz Eliezer 8:15 (15-12)
  73. ↑ 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.
  74. ↑ Shemiras Shabbat K’hilchasah 35:35; Be’er Moshe 1:33-18
  75. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)based on S”A O.C. 328:32. See also Mishnah Berurah 328:102
  76. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)based on Rama, O.C. 328:3. See Tzitz Eliezer 9:17 (2-11)
  77. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  78. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  79. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 34:4
  80. ↑ Rabbi Doniel Neustadt on Torah.org, 39 Melachos (Rabbi Ribiat, vol 2, pg 477)
  81. ↑ The Weekly Halachah Discussion (Rabbi Doniel Neustadt)
  82. ↑ 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.
  83. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 32:33 based on the idea of Baal HaMoer quoted in S”A 248:4. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata (chap 32 note 99) quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman who says that if an expert doctor who is needed for this surgery is only available on Wednesday through Friday it is permissible to schedule the surgery then. For background of this topic see here.
  84. ↑ Yalkut Yosef (Shabbat, vol 1, pg 60)
  85. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata (chap 32, note 98 (note 100, in new one)).For background of this topic see here.
  86. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 36:4 based on the principle of the Baal HaMoer. For background of this topic see here.
  87. ↑ Sh”t Igrot Moshe 1:131 and Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 30:26
  88. ↑ Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata (chap 40 note 71) in name of Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach explaining that since there is a mitzvah of oneg Shabbat one is not obligated to leave one’s home on Friday in order to avoid violation of Shabbat. For background of this topic see here.
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