Wednesday 5 September 2012

IV Drips - Exploiting a Loophole, or Implementing a Good Eitzah?

« On Yom Kippur ..
Rabbis have traditionally allowed exceptions for those who are frail or ill, encouraging people to eat rather than gamble with their health. Some Jews ignore their cautions, which explains why Yom Kippur is one of the busiest days of the year for Hatzolah, the volunteer ambulance corps located in many Jewish communities; too many elderly or sick people try imprudently to fast. Yet many of those who are rigorously Orthodox say they feel guilty for breaking the tribal taboo against eating.

Enter Mr. Fleischer, who is active in the Bobov sect's communal efforts to aid the sick and homebound. Ten years ago, after a frail friend told him that he needed an intravenous feeding to get through the day, Mr. Fleischer, with the help of Maimonides Medical Center nearby, set up virtual clinics at the Bobov synagogue, five other locations and people's homes. Medical technicians at the clinics administer IV nutrient drips as worshipers lie on 20 hospital cots for half an hour or so each before returning to prayer. »

NYT: Ailing Yom Kippur Fasters Are Helped by IV Drips
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2012/09/25/nyregion/ailing-yom-kippur-fasters-are-helped-by-iv-drips.xml

Gmar Tov,
Best Wishes for 5773!

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