In this episode, we explore the detailed halachic principles surrounding the performance of Bris Milah (circumcision) on Shabbat. We discuss the sequence of procedures—cutting, folding back, and blood removal—along with permissible healing practices, and how these are integrated into Shabbat observance. Key topics include the handling of remaining skin strands, performing Bris on children born prematurely, and the parameters for children born during twilight or via Cesarean section. Medical, historical, and rabbinic perspectives are considered to clarify when and how the mitzvah may be performed while balancing Shabbat restrictions.

In this episode, we conclude Siman Shin Lamed, exploring the halachos of childbirth on Shabbos. The discussion reviews the historical distinction between seventh- and eighth-month births and how modern medical advances have changed their halachic implications. The Mishnah Berurah and related commentaries guide us through practical rulings: handling a newborn, expressing milk for a mother’s relief, straightening an infant’s limbs, and swaddling. We also examine cases of spinal and joint realignment, dental retainers, and the repositioning of a newborn’s epiglottis — clarifying what is permitted on Shabbos for the wellbeing of mother and child.

This episode continues the study of the laws of childbirth on Shabbos, focusing on how far we may go to assist a woman after delivery and care for the newborn. Based on Mishnah Berurah 330:6–7, the discussion covers heating and comfort for the mother during the 30 days after birth, distinctions between actions permitted for danger versus discomfort, and how modern medical understanding affects these halachic rulings. It also explores the permissibility of actions like cutting the umbilical cord, washing, salting, and caring for the newborn—even when these involve potential Shabbos transgressions. The episode concludes with the halachic treatment of premature infants and how advances in neonatal care redefine viability today.

Detailed study of Mishnah Berurah 330:4–5 on the halachos of a woman in childbirth and Shabbos desecration. Learn when childbirth is deemed life-threatening, how long leniencies extend post-birth, and how halacha balances pikuach nefesh with Shabbos observance. Includes analysis of counting days, medical input, and emergency scenarios.

In this episode, we begin Siman 330 of the Mishnah Berurah, exploring the halachos of childbirth on Shabbos. A woman in labor is considered to be in life-threatening danger (choleh sheyesh bo sakana), permitting Shabbos desecration to ensure her safety. We examine what actions are allowed for her, her helpers, and medical staff—including lighting candles, calling a midwife from afar, and making changes (shinui) when possible. The shiur discusses the balance between speed and modification, when urgency overrides the need for a shinui, and the reasoning behind lighting candles even for a blind woman for her peace of mind.

We also delve into the halachic parameters for assisting non-Jewish women in childbirth on Shabbos—when concern for animosity (eivah) may permit limited assistance, and how modern-day poskim apply this to Jewish doctors treating non-Jewish patients. Finally, we define when a woman attains the halachic status of a yoledes—at the onset of labor, when her waters break, or when she can no longer walk unaided—triggering the full leniencies of pikuach nefesh on Shabbos.

In this episode, we continue exploring Hilchos Pikuach Nefesh—the laws of saving life on Shabbos—from Siman 329:4–9. The discussion covers halachic rulings on rescuing someone trapped under rubble, determining signs of life, and applying modern medical realities to these laws. We then examine when Shabbos may be desecrated to protect against hostile attacks—whether defending lives, property, or border towns—and how these principles adapt to contemporary threats. The episode concludes with guidance on risking one’s own safety to save others and the halachic permission to return with weapons after a defensive mission on Shabbos.

• Topic: Pikuach Nefesh – Saving lives on Shabbos

• Siman/Seif: MB 329.4–329.9

• Halachic Themes:

  • Rescuing people trapped under debris

  • Determining life or death by breathing and heartbeat

  • Modern medical intervention and Shabbos desecration

  • Defense of Jewish towns and property on Shabbos

  • Differentiating between threats to life vs. property

  • Assessing personal risk when saving others

  • Returning with weapons after life-saving missions

This episode opens a new discussion in Siman 329 of the Mishnah Berurah, focusing on the laws of saving life on Shabbos. The shiur explores how the principle of pikuach nefesh—preserving life—overrides Shabbos prohibitions, including cases like extinguishing a fire or rescuing individuals from danger. The Mishnah Berurah analyzes when it is preferable to extinguish a fire versus carrying people to safety, weighing Torah-level versus rabbinic prohibitions and practical modern concerns such as urban housing and fire spread.

The discussion continues with classic halachic principles applied to doubtful life-threatening situations (safek pikuach nefesh): when a group includes both Jews and non-Jews, when rubble collapses and it’s uncertain who is trapped, and when or if one may violate Shabbos to save. The episode also examines complex cases of moral status—such as saving a willful transgressor or a pursuer (rodef)—and when saving them is halachically prohibited.

A thought-provoking and text-based journey through Mishnah Berurah 329:1–3, highlighting practical, ethical, and halachic reasoning in real-life emergencies on Shabbos.

In this episode, we conclude the Mishnah Berurah’s discussion of the halachos of healing and medical treatment on Shabbos. The focus is on the prohibitions of tzove’a (dyeing), chovel (causing a wound), and related issues such as dressing wounds, extracting blood, and administering enemas. We explore when these actions are biblically or rabbinically prohibited, distinctions between intentional and inevitable outcomes, and when leniencies apply for the sick or in cases of indirect action. Also discussed: the difference between dyeing with blood versus dyeing with colorants, washing wounds, and the halachic principles governing modern parallels such as blood tests and medical procedures performed by non-Jews on Shabbos.

In this episode, we continue exploring Hilchos Shabbos focusing on the intersection between bathing, therapeutic practices, and healing. The discussion covers when one may bathe in mineral or saline waters on Shabbos, the distinction between ordinary bathing and healing immersion, and how intention affects permissibility. We review the halachos of bathing in natural springs, saline or murky waters, and the use of mud baths for health purposes.

Additional topics include:

• Cooling oneself versus therapeutic bathing

• The permissibility of charming snakes or scorpions to prevent harm

• Applying cold compresses or ice for swelling on Shabbos

• Adjusting or setting a dislocated bone and the limits of medical intervention

This shiur delves into practical and nuanced applications of refuah (healing) on Shabbos, balancing halachic prohibitions with human comfort and safety.

In this episode, we continue exploring the halachos of medicine and healing on Shabbos. The discussion examines when taking or performing medical treatments is considered prohibited due to refuah (healing) and the concern of grinding herbs—a biblical melachah. We review cases including swallowing raw eggs for the voice, inducing vomiting, using hot cups or compresses for stomach pain, anointing with oil and salt after drinking, and exercising or massaging for health. The Mishnah Berurah clarifies distinctions between actions of comfort and acts of healing, highlighting when non-medicinal practices are permitted, and when they fall under the rabbinic decree. Practical guidance includes the permissibility of using hot water bottles, light self-care, and avoiding vigorous or medicinally motivated actions on Shabbos.

Keywords: Shabbos medicine laws, refuah on Shabbos, hot water bottle on Shabbos, exercise and massage on Shabbos, inducing vomiting halacha, healing prohibitions, Chazal’s gezeira on refuah

This episode explores the halachic discussions in Mishnah Berurah on health and medication on Shabbos. Topics include expressing milk for infants, distinctions between medical and non-medical uses of substances, oral hygiene practices, eating foods with healing properties, the permissibility of vitamins, and the use of sleeping tablets. The shiur clarifies when food and medicine may be taken by healthy individuals versus those experiencing discomfort or illness, and how rabbinic prohibitions interact with real pain or need.

This episode continues the discussion of the halachos of healing on Shabbos. Topics include when wine may be used to stop bleeding, distinctions between ordinary wounds and those considered life-threatening, and the use of vinegar, schnapps, or brandy. We explore the halachos of dislocated joints, removing hanging nails or skin, and the connection to melachos such as shearing. The shiur also covers toothaches, sore throats, and the use of vinegar or oil, including when non-Jews may assist. Finally, we examine the unique case of one in pain suckling milk directly from an animal, and the halachos of expressing milk for a child or to relieve pain.

In this episode, we explore the halachos of applying and reapplying bandages with medicinal creams on Shabbos, including when they may be replaced if they fall, the role of a non-Jew in assisting with medical care, and the distinctions between biblical and rabbinic prohibitions. We also discuss handling boils, extracting pus versus blood, and related concerns of causing wounds. Practical guidance is given on wound dressings, avoiding permanent knots, changing soiled cloths for dignity and health, and preparing before Shabbos to minimize issues.

This episode explores the halachos of caring for the sick on Shabbos when life is not at risk. We discuss when food may be cooked by a non-Jew and the implications of bishul akum, the status of utensils used in such cooking, and distinctions for what remains after Shabbos. We then shift to the broader rabbinic decrees against healing practices on Shabbos, such as applying wine, spit, or medicinal lotions to the eyes, dressing wounds with oil, water, cloths, or leaves, and when these actions are permitted or restricted. Practical applications, distinctions between healing and general comfort, and the role of preparation before Shabbos are all clarified.

This episode examines the halachos of treating a sick person on Shabbos when there is no life-threatening danger. We explore distinctions between general illness, limb-threatening conditions, and minor ailments. The discussion covers what a Jew may do, what requires a shinui (change in the normal manner of doing the action), and when one must rely on a non-Jew. The Mishnah Berurah clarifies how far rabbinic prohibitions may be set aside, the status of aiding a non-Jew’s action, and practical applications such as preparing food for a sick person or child. The normative halacha follows the view that rabbinic prohibitions may be done with a shinui when no limb is in danger, and without change if a limb is endangered.

This episode explores the halachos of caring for the dangerously ill on Shabbos. We learn why it is not only permitted but praiseworthy to act with urgency to save a life, even if unintended melachos are performed. Practical cases include rescuing children in danger, breaking doors, and feeding the sick when kosher food is unavailable. The Mishnah Berurah clarifies whether slaughtering an animal or giving non-kosher food is preferable, and how a patient’s refusal to eat can affect halachic decisions. We also examine cooking wine with the help of a non-Jew, the principle of minimizing melacha (such as choosing the smaller cluster of figs), and why extra work beyond what is required should be avoided.

• Shabbos

• Hilchos Shabbos

• Pikuach Nefesh

• Dangerously Ill on Shabbos

• Saving a Life

• Mishnah Berurah

• Shulchan Aruch

• Refuah on Shabbos

• Non-Kosher Food for the Sick

• Shabbos and Medicine

• Urgency in Saving Lives

This episode continues our study of the Mishnah Berurah on the laws of healing on Shabbos. We explore bloodletting, blood clots, and their connection to modern blood pressure, when treatment is life-threatening versus when it can wait. The halachic status of eye conditions is examined, showing why eye disease is treated more seriously than other ailments. We discuss external wounds, the role of doctors versus the patient’s own testimony, and principles of pikuach nefesh — prioritizing life even in cases of doubt. Guidance is given on whether treatments should be performed by Jews, non-Jews, or with a shinui, and the balance between urgency and minimizing melachah. The episode concludes with practical insights from contemporary poskim about medicine and emergency care on Shabbos.

Shabbos, Shabbat, Mishnah Berurah, halacha, pikuach nefesh, healing, medicine, bloodletting, blood pressure, blood clots, eye conditions, external wounds, Jewish law, emergency care, doctors on Shabbos, patient testimony, shinui, life-saving, antibiotics, hilchos Shabbos, Orthodox Judaism

In this episode, we continue our series on the halachos of Shabbos and medical emergencies, focusing on pikuach nefesh (life-threatening danger). We explore:

• When it is obligatory to desecrate Shabbos to save or treat a sick person.

• The difference between internal wounds, external injuries, and fevers, and how halacha views each.

• Cases of doubt—why even uncertain danger requires immediate action.

• The role of a doctor’s judgment, the patient’s own assessment, and when a non-Jew should be asked to perform melacha.

• The fundamental debate: is Shabbos completely set aside (hutra) in danger to life, or only temporarily suspended (dechuya)?

Drawing on the Shulchan Aruch, Mishnah Berurah, and later authorities, we clarify how to act responsibly and decisively in urgent medical situations on Shabbos.

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This episode explores the halachic principles surrounding medical treatment on Shabbos, with a focus on internal wounds and toothaches. We examine when pain and illness justify Shabbos desecration, how conditions once deemed life-threatening are approached in light of modern medicine, and whether tooth extractions can be permitted today. Sources from the Shulchan Aruch, Rema, Mishnah Berurah, and later authorities are discussed, highlighting distinctions between minor discomfort, severe pain, and potentially dangerous conditions. Practical guidance emphasizes consulting rabbinic authority for individual cases.

This episode explores the halachic principles surrounding medical care on Shabbos. We discuss the rabbinic decree against taking medicine, the distinction between minor discomfort, more serious illness, and life-threatening danger, and the practical guidelines for when treatment—whether self-administered, assisted by a non-Jew, or even involving melacha—is permitted. We also examine why preserving life is not only allowed but a mitzvah, and why hesitation can be dangerous.

Podcast Notes

• Background of the decree on medicine and grinding herbs

• Categories of illness: minor, significant, and life-threatening

• Role of non-Jews in providing medical help

• When Shabbos prohibitions may be set aside for healing

• Why preservation of life overrides all hesitation