There is value in
studying science, especially since this enables a
person to recognize the greatness of G-d and to better
the creation for the benefit of society. All this
is under the condition that it be done in a proper
manner and not by unbelievers who want to liberate
themselves or take over the world from G-d, which
was the first sin made by a man.
1. Healing with
the aid of Doctors and Medicines
• As it
is stated in Exodus that a doctor should heal, our
sages learned that a person who can heal his fellow
human being should do so, that a sick person must
go to a doctor to be healed. The important point
here is that he should not rely on doctors alone,
but in G-d who is the true doctor. The person should
make an effort to get well.
2. Transplanting
of Organs
• This is
allowed to save the life of a person as long as
the life of another person is not shortened so as
to withdraw organs from him.
3. Unnecessary Dangers
• A person
should be careful about medical treatment and medicines
so as not to fall into unnecessary dangers like
a dangerous plastic surgery that can have serious
effects on the health of a person. If the dangerous
surgery or treatment is being carried out to try
to save the person’s life, then it is allowed.
4. The Purposes
of Medical Treatments
• The main
purpose is to increase the life span of a person
and to prevent suffering, to increase fertility,
but not to increase the pleasure of a person. It
is prohibited to cause abortion without the medical
reason of saving the life of the pregnant woman.
(As it is not certain that a Noahide is permitted
to perform an abortion even in such a situation,
one should try to find a Jewish doctor to do it.)
• A doctor
is not allowed to stop the suffering of his patient
by shortening his life.
5. Medical Experiments
• If such
experiments endanger the life of the patient, but
there is a chance that it can save his life, it
is allowed. However, there is a need for the approval
of the patient. It is not enough to request the
permission of the family. It is also may be allowed
if the experiment might help a terminal patient
who otherwise will die. A rabbi who is an expert
in Jewish law should be consulted before doing such
a thing.
• If the
experiment cannot endanger the patient, it is worthwhile
to receive the patient’s approval because
there might be some side effects, or it might endanger
him later.
A person should be
faithful to his country and leader. A person should
not only pray for the welfare of his country but for
all the world and humanity. It is forbidden to evade
paying taxes and customs. Tax evasion is not to be
confused with tax avoidance. Tax evasion is criminal.
However, one is allowed to avoid paying taxes by using
all possible deductions, depreciation, amortization
and transfers of properties to heirs before death
to avoid taxation. It is legal and should be pursued.
A pledge is a positive
mild commitment, “If I can, I will.” It
is a matter of conscience and ability to fulfill.
It is probably appropriate that it should be fulfilled.
A vow is a commitment
made to someone else. It should be fulfilled because
of the obligation to abide by the laws of interpersonal
relationships.
An oath is an unconditional
commitment. When undertaken in the name of G-d it
must be honored because of one’s duty to respect
G-d. Abraham made Eliezer place his hand under his
thigh and swear by an oath (Genesis 23:2-3). A person
must keep all vows, and oaths he made, especially
if he has promised to give alms to the needy or a
sacrifice to G-d.
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