1. Work as a moral vale: G-d encouraged work to help mankind, as a moral value and in partnership in the work of the creation.

2. Restrictions in Agriculture: a. It is forbidden to castrate animals. b. It is forbidden to crossbreed animals that are not of the same type.

3. A person should work as much as he can: Especially if he is a hired worker As Jacob told his shepherds (Genesis 29:7), "that they should not stop work at high noon."

4. Being a Faithful Worker: As Jacob told his wives that he had worked with all his power under the employ of their father. So should a person work, in honesty and move away from dishonest ventures.

1. Being healed with the aid of Doctors and Medicines: As it is stated in Exodus that a Doctor heals, our sages learned that a person that can heal his fellow human being should do so. That a sick person must go to a doctor to be healed. But 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. Transplant of Organs: Is allowed in order to save the life of a person, but as long as the life of another person is not shortened in order 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. But if the dangerous surgery or treatment is being carried out to try and save the persons life then it is allowed.

4. The Purposes of Medical Treatments: The main purpose being to increase the life span of a person. To prevent suffering. To increase fertility, but not to increase the pleasure of a person. It is prohibited to cause abortion without a medical reason (like the need for an abortion so as not to endanger the life of the pregnant woman). 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. but there is a need for the approval of the patient. It is not enough to request the permission of the family. it is also allowed if the experiment might help a terminal patient that otherwise will die anyway. Even 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 his life at a later date.

A person should be faithful to his country and leader. A person should not only pray for the welfare of his country but of all the world and humanity. it is forbidden to evade paying taxes and customs.

This matter is explained in chapter 4.

A person must keep all vows, oaths, and pledges he made, especially if he has promised to give alms to the needy or a sacrifice to G-d.

Article contributed by Jack E. Saunders

Back