Medical Archives - AskTheRav

When it comes to Judaism I have some OCD. I was wondering if you can help me with following:

Full Question: Since I learned that Mitzvos need kavana (and I know it should take quick, but) since I'm afraid not to have it, so I decided to just say…

Is reflexology problematic as it is eastern medicine? It is massage (an accepted practice) but is the essence of it problematic? They use the idea of “meridians” and points on the feet that correspond to the body.

There are various types of reflexology. If no energy healing or meditation is used then it’s not forbidden. One may halachically use medical treatments even if it is based…

Do the pods or liquid of E-cigarettes and VAPES, need to be Kosher?

E-cigarettes and VAPES, whether in pod or liquid form are problematic both from a Halachic and health standpoint. See here: Rabbi Daniel Stein: "Are Vaping and E-Cigarettes Kosher?"…

Is Psychology Kosher?

Full Question: As a Yeshivah Bochur, one of the things that bother me the most is the way psychology is so widely accepted by the whole world including the…

An ENT examined our son in regards to his poor hearing and gave us several options to choose from, to deal with this. We discussed the options with a Jewish expert in the field and he recommended the option of inserting tubes and removing the adenoids. 1) Is this something that we should get another medical opinion on? 2) Is it OK to do this procedure (considered ‘minor’) on a Friday afternoon?

The procedure you describe is a fairly common one for young children with poor hearing. It sounds like you discussed it with two professionals already, which seems sufficient, especially…

I just got the MMR shot on Friday and then was the measles outbreak. My daughter (soon to be 8 months BH) didn’t take the shot yet and will take it today. The MMR shot takes 10 days to be effective and if she goes out she will be exposed to a lot of people that didn’t take the shot and are not immunized. What should I do then: should I still go to Shul to listen to Aseret Hadibrot?

This is primarily a medical question. When the Rebbe spoke about little children coming to Shul to hear Aseres Hadibros he added: “if health allows”. Ask the doctor and…

Dear Rabbi… My open letter to you regarding vaccination

Question: My main reason in sending this Email to you is because the gap between the Klal and the leadership is growing to a point that many people (including…

שאלה: האם יש התייחסות מהרבי להשקלא וטריא אם ללדת בבית או בבית הרפואה?

תשובה בשיחת י״ט כסלו תשמ״ז (סה״ש תשמ״ז א ע׳ 146 ובהערה 10) בקשר עם תליית שיר המעלות בבית הרפואה, נזכר בדרך אגב, ש״בימינו אלה מסיבות רפואיות יולדות הנשים בבית…

1) Is there any Halachic source for following a holistic diet instead of following a legal doctor? 2) What Is the definition of a “Rofe Yedid”? Is it only a family doctor? Or is a professional neurologist also counted?

1) Halacha has a nuanced position in relation to holistic or alternative medicine. As a rule, a doctor must be recognised by the local government authorities in order to be…

If I work as an energy healing (Reiki) practitioner, may I work on women?

As a health practitioner, one may work on and touch women, as well as work on gentiles including gentile women. One may also receive treatment from a female practitioner, as is…

Is one allowed to attend and follow the 12 steps of AA?

The 12 step meetings of AA contain several problematic aspects. One should therefore seek other sources which are fitting with Halacha and Jewish Hashkafa. The 12 step program was…