Health, Illness and Healing

Dr. Mordechai Shani is an Israeli physician and medical Professor. Intrigued by the Rebbe’s words to him one Simchas Torah, he decided to follow up with a private audience. The meeting, which discussed developments in healthcare, continues to impact him t...

The name of this month, Iyar, spells an acronym for the phrase “I am the L‑rd your healer.” What does the unique nature of this month teach us about illness as well as healing? What role do we play in blocking or facilitating our own healing?

Maimonides was not only the greatest Torah scholar of his generation, but one of its leading physicians. Maimonides wrote many treatises in how to take care of one's health. But what would Maimonides say about modern medical issues?

The pressure of dieting and physical appearance is something that my eight-year-old daughter is already aware of! Occasionally she will pat her round little belly and ask me if I think that she is fat. She is a little chubbier than some of her friends, bu...

For physical pain we run to the doctor, but so many of us allow other pain to stay in our lives, never pushing to treat the root of the issue...

There is a chain smoker who sits near me in the new office. According to Jewish law, am I allowed to ask him to stop smoking?

Though he can no longer walk or speak, and needs assistance with many basic daily functions, he is determined to continue living as he would have before his diagnosis...

There is a mitzvah to protect one's own body (Deuteronomy 4:9). How far does this obligation go? Does it prohibit us from partaking in dangerous activities? What about cosmetic surgery?

Hey, is red bull kosher? I would ask my dad, but if he knew I was staying up later, he would give me an even earlier curfew so I would get more sleep.

I settled my mother in at the center, and returned to my hosts’ home in time for the holiday. As I blessed the candles, a wave of gratitude enveloped me...