Rabbi Yehuda Finchas

“Rabbi, I was wondering about something regarding Shabbat,” Sammy began. “I’m generally healthy, but I take vitamins regularly to help me feel strong. I’m unsure if the rules about taking medication on Shabbat apply to vitamins as well. Could you clarify this for me?”

Maachal Breiim for Mild Ailments

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 328:37) establishes that one may consume maachal breiim – regular foods and beverages that healthy individuals consume – even if they provide medicinal benefits. For example, someone with a mild cold, who is generally prohibited from taking medication on Shabbat due to the rabbinic decree of gezerat shehikat samemanim (the prohibition of grinding herbs to prepare medicine), is permitted to drink chicken soup or lemon tea with honey for relief, as these are considered regular foods and drinks consumed by healthy individuals. Gezerat shehikat samemanim does not apply to everyday foods. Based on this principle, Hacham Ovadia Yosef, zt”l, permits consuming soda water for heartburn relief on Shabbat (Halichot Olam Vol. 4, p. 205) as soda water is a regular, commonly consumed, beverage.

Maachal She’eino Breiim for Mild Ailments

Conversely, maachal she’eino breiim – foods not typically consumed by healthy individuals – should not be taken for medicinal purposes by someone with a mild ailment, due to the concern of gezerat shehikat samemanim (O.C. 328:37). For instance, homemade herbal remedies using herbs not commonly eaten are prohibited on Shabbat for minor illnesses. However, this restriction does not apply to a choleh she’ein bo sakana (a non-critically ill person), who is permitted to take necessary medication on Shabbat.

Maachal She’eino Breiim for Healthy Individuals

Regarding healthy individuals, the Beit Yosef (ibid) explains that the issue of eating maachal she’eino breiim on Shabbat does not apply to them,and there is noconcern of gezerat shehikat samemanim  as they are not sick. Therefore, a healthy person may consume natural herbal remedies (maachal she’eino breiim) even to strengthen their health. The Magen Avraham (328:43), however, disagrees, permitting such foods only when consumed for hunger or thirst, not solely for health enhancement. Hacham Ovadia Yosef (Chazon Ovadia, Shabbat, Vol. 3, p. 363) explains that those following the Shulchan Aruch may consume maachal she’eino breiim to maintain or improve their health.

Vitamins on Shabbat

In this context, Hacham Ovadia Yosef explicitly permits healthy individuals to take vitamins on Shabbat (ibid), even for the purpose of maintaining good health (Halichot Olam, Vol. 4, p. 207). This is because a healthy person is allowed to consume maachal she’eino breiim.Bottom of Form It’s important to note that those who follow the opinion of the Magen Avraham might not permit taking vitamins on Shabbat, as they are typically not consumed to satisfy hunger. However, Hacham Ben Zion Abba Shaul (Ohr Lezion 2:36:10) suggests a potential leniency even according to the Magen Avraham’s view, arguing that vitamins could be classified as maachal breiim due to their common consumption by healthy individuals.

Conclusion

In response to Sammy’s question, it is permitted for a healthy person to take vitamins on Shabbat. This is because the issue of eating maachal she’eino breiim on Shabbat does not extend to healthy individuals. This aligns with the ruling of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, who permits healthy individuals taking vitamins on Shabbat even for health reasons. While some authorities, like the Magen Avraham, might hold a more restrictive view, the prevailing Sephardic approach, following the Shulchan Aruch and the rulings of Hacham Ovadia Yosef, considers it acceptable for  healthy individuals to take vitamins on Shabbat. Furthermore, the suggestion of Hacham Ben Zion Abba Shaul offers a potential basis for leniency even within other halachic perspectives, given the common use of vitamins by healthy people. Therefore, according to the Sephardic tradition, Sammy would be allowed to take his vitamins on Shabbat.

Rabbi Yehuda Finchas is a worldwide expert, lecturer and author on Medical Halacha. He heads the Torat Habayit Medical Halacha Institute. His latest book is “Brain Death in Halacha and the Tower of Babel Syndrome.” To contact Rabbi Finchas, email rabbi@torathabayit.com.

Pnina Souid

One day, the Mitzvah Man organization received a unique request. The caller, Mrs. H, explained:

“Baruch Hashem, we are a wealthy family living in a luxurious home. Everything our family could possibly need is at our fingertips. Financially we are on top of the world. However, our 14-year-old son, Joey, just takes it all for granted. He is becoming extremely spoiled and doesn’t seem to be appreciative of what he has. We want to instill inhim a sense of values and a sense of appreciation.

“I have an idea, but it might not work. We know that the Mitzvah Man organization sends volunteers to deliver food packages to the needy and elderly. Might you be able to send a volunteer to pick up my son so that he could help him with the deliveries?”

The Mitzvah Man replied, “It would be our pleasure.”

The Experiment

The following Thursday afternoon, a volunteer named Avi arrived at Mrs. H’s home to pick Joey up. Their first stop was to pick up the boxes to be delivered.

Avi explained, “These food packages are goingto people who are ill, elderly, or in financial trouble. They have no family members to provide for them. Today, we are making six deliveries. Thank you for helping with this act of kindness.”

That day, the temperature hit 95 degrees and it was extremely humid. It was not a day you would find many people happily schlepping heavy boxes.

After Avi and Joey loaded the van, they headed to an apartment building where there were two families receiving food boxes. As Avi got out of the van Joey asked him if he should wait for him.

“No, I want you to feel the mitzvah,” Avi responded.

Joey had never seen such a rundown building. He had never been exposed to abject poverty in his life.

Joey told Avi that he was not going to liftthe boxes. But Avi responded that he needed his help.

“I will take one box and you will take one box.”

Joey looked up at the tenth floor and asked, “Why are the windows open? Don’t they have A/C?”

Avi said, “They can’t afford it. Not everyone can.”

Joey noticed all the flies in the building and hesitated. Avi was right there with him.

“We have no choice. This is poverty and this is how these people live their lives 24/7. Let’s go. These families are waiting for their food delivery. You go to apartment 10L, and I will go to apartment 8B. You go first.”

“How do I open the lobby door?”

“You put the box down, press the button to open the door, pick the box back up, and push the door open. Then, when you get to the apartment, knock on the door and leave the box there. Don’t wait for them to open the door. We don’t want to embarrass the family.”

Joey looked around. He took in the reality of what it must feel like to actually live in such a dilapidated building. His expression was at first questioning, then thoughtful.

By the time Avi and Joey finished all the deliveries they were both covered in sweat. Avi reported back to the Mitzvah Man that their mission was accomplished. He assumed that Joey would not be back.

The Happy Ending

Mrs. H called the Mitzvah Man. “What did you do to my son? He loved it!”

“Excuse me, but what do you mean?” the Mitzvah Man asked.

“He wants to go again!”

Avi picked up Joey the following week. It was just as hot and humid as the previous week. Joey did his share of the deliveries with a smile. He continued to join Avi for another five weeks until school started.

His mother called the Mitzvah Man thrilled. “I think that this hesed has really made a difference. Joey is showing more appreciation for everything. I am incredibly grateful for the hesed that you did for our family.”

Eight years later, Avi sawhis old delivery buddy Joey, now with his own car,which was loaded full of food boxes!

Joey toldAvi, “I have my own car and I decided to dedicate myself to making food deliveries. The people need the food, and I am going to get it to them no matter what.” Train your children early in life to give to others. They deserve your investment in making them ba’alei hesed. Doing hesed is best learned young. Lead by example and b’ezrat Hashem you will see the results.

In the heart of our vibrant and close-knit community, we hold fast to traditions that define us: strong family values, a deep sense of responsibility, and a commitment to both spiritual and personal success. These values have helped our community flourish across generations, blending the sacred and the practical with remarkable grace.

As our community continues to grow, so too does the need for purposeful careers – roles that not only support our families but also align with our beliefs, character, and long-term vision. For those who prioritize a balanced life, this harmony is essential: we seek integrity in our work, flexibility in our lives, and the ability to positively impact those around us.

A Career with Purpose and Flexibility

At New York Life, we understand the unique rhythm of a values-driven lifestyle. Personal commitments holidays, and time with family aren’t just “benefits” to accommodate – they are priorities to be honored. That’s why we offer career opportunities that provide the flexibility to uphold your commitments while building a future rooted in financial security and community leadership.

A career as a financial professional isn’t simply about numbers. It’s about building relationships, guiding families through important financial decisions, and becoming a trusted presence in your circle. Many of our top-performing professionals are individuals who have successfully balanced familyand professional achievement.

Why This Career Resonates with Our Values

• Family-Oriented Work: You’ll be helping families safeguard their futures – whether it’s through life insurance, retirement planning, or intergenerational wealth transfer.
• Community-Centered: Your clients are often people you already know and care about. Your integrity and understanding of their needs become key assets.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: With the freedom to build your own practice, you’re not tied to the conventional 9–5. You control your schedule, your goals, and your impact.
• Legacy Building: Just as we pass down traditions and values, we also pass down financial stability and ethical business conduct. This is a career that honors both.

Support from a Community-Focused Team

We are actively seeking candidates who are passionate about making a difference. As a Managing Partner at New York Life Brooklyn General Office, I understand the importance of balancing personal values with professional growth. I work personally with new professionals to provide mentorship, understanding, and long-term career development.

Whether you’re exploring a new path or looking for a career that aligns with your values, I invite you to consider how a role at New York Life can empower you and those around you. Let’s build something meaningful together – something that honors our past and secures our future. For more information, please contact Managing Partner, David Hoory, dhoory@newyorklife.com, (718) 307-3400.For more information about financial professional income and benefits, please visit www.newyorklife.com.New York Life is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Excitement is mounting among the thousands of Oraysa students around the globe as they approach the end of their study of Masechet Ta’anit. The students have been working hard for the last three months, learning and reviewing this Masechet, which focuses on the fasts to be observed and prayers to be recited in situations of drought. Masechet Ta’anit also includes numerous aggadic (non-halachic) sections which present vital, fundamental concepts relevant to one’s service of Gd.

With this Masechet nearing completion, the students of Oraysa are now preparing to begin the next Masechet – Moed Katan, which deals mainly with the halachot of Hol Ha’mo’ed (the interim days of Pesach and Sukkot), and the halachot of avelut (mourning). This program affords students a unique opportunity to delve into these topics which are somewhat less familiar than many other sections of the Talmud.

Moed Katan is the second-to-last Masechet in Seder Moed, and the students are already excitedly anticipating their siyum celebrating the completion of this seder, scheduled for the beginning of Kislev, 5786 (end of November of this year). The siyum will be celebrated here in the United States, as well as in Israel and Europe. Thousands of Oraysa participants are expected to attend each event to mark this special milestone and monumental accomplishment.  This celebration of the completion of an entire seder will be the first of its kind since the Oraysa program was founded nearly six years ago, marking the culmination of 12 Masechtot – hundreds of pages of Gemara.

The Oraysa Amud V’Chazara program was developed in collaboration with leading Rosheh Yeshivah and Torah sages to meet the growing demand for a Gemara learning framework that balances consistent progression with meaningful review. This worldwide initiative is designed to unite and empower devoted students through a structured daily learning regimen that incorporates both new material and review of previously studied material. The pace is perfect for mastering the Talmud and retaining the knowledge. The structured yet flexible approach makes the program accessible to the entire spectrum of Torah learners – from kollel students to educators to laymen. Oraysa enables every participant, regardless of his background and schedule, to grow in Torah scholarship and deepen his connection to Torah learning. Numerous different resources are provided to participants on a daily, weekly and monthly basis, both digitally and in print, to help with the study, including world-class shiurim available in video or audio format.

The Oraysa project has, with Gd’s help, seen extraordinary growth with every new Masechet, as new study groups continue to form, and new participants continue to join throughout the world.

Oraysa has become a global movement, connecting approximately 30,000 participantsin 370 groups across 100 cities worldwide.

Join thousands of Oraysa students as they embark on their journey through Masechet Moed Katan. Savor the satisfaction of learning in a goal-oriented way with a built-in system for review and retention, ensuring that every pagestays with you for years to come.

To join the program, for more information, or to help establish a study group in your community, please contact Oraysa at 914.8.ORAYSA or email info@oraysa.org.