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nificance of the results of the x-rays, and that the language used by one should not tell a girl about her father’s death. Since she does not
radiologists is very subjective. recite Kaddish why does she have to know the truth? One who tells
The patient’s mental state has a great influence on the total picture. her is considered a talebearer. Thus one should not reveal painful
Since the results will increase the already-present tension that exists, news to a person unnecessarily.
the final outcome could be tragic. Responsa Maharash Engel (Vol. 6, #10) writes: I know for certain
Fortunately, here in Israel, this is not widespread. However, Amer- that the Gaon, Baruch Baer Taan, z”l ruled that if one son is saying
ican and Anglo-Saxon literature report many cases of patients who Kaddish, it is then necessary to tell the other sons, even if the custom
committed suicide after seeing their test results. In these cases, the is not to do so. I have seen many times that when tzaddikim died,
radiologists are held solely responsible (according to American law) people did not tell all the sons until thirty days passed.
for any incorrect interpretation of a test given over to the patient. In In Melachim 2 (8:7-10) it says:
addition to this, an x-ray report is not histopathological. Even with
the best of intentions of the radiologist and the most advanced ma- And Elisha came to Damascus and Ben Haddad, King of
chinery, a mistake can be made. The ethical responsibility which falls Aram, was ill, and they told him, as follows: A man of G-d
on the radiologist is thus very serious, and it is difficult to deal with has come here. And the King said to Chazael, take in your
the possibility of a legal suit in court. Moreover, if the patient asks to hands a gift and go to the man of G-d and demand of G-d,
hear the interpretation of the results directly from the radiologist, the through him, Will I survive my illness? … And Elisha told
danger is even greater. In my opinion, the radiologist should answer him: Go tell him “Live, you will live and G-d has shown
the patient that the results will go directly to his referring physician. I me that you will surely die.”
myself have fallen into the trap of talking too much, out of a desire to
calm the patient and to be kind to him. The approach boomeranged Metzudos David comments that Elisha said “live you will live” in
against me. Therefore, I wish to ask, what is the Torah view on this order to comfort him. The Sefer Mussar Haneviim explains that had
subject? Elisha immediately told him the truth, he would thereby have has-
Dr. Moran Eliezer tened his death, because he would have died immediately from the
Director, Radiology Department pain. Since one is allowed to lie for pikuach nefesh, he began by telling
Kupat Cholim Meuchedet, Tel Aviv him he would live.
From here we see that, at times, one should not say the truth, even

1 AnsweR though the Torah says “Distance yourself from falsehood.” Even a
Navi of Hashem does not say the truth if doing so will hasten some-
We passed this question on to the honorable Dr. Menachem Brayer, one’s death.
supervising physician of the Geriatric Center, Givat Hashloshah, and In Tractate Kesubos (104a) it says: On that day when Rebbe died…
this is his answer: they said, one who says that Rebbe died should be pierced with a
Informing the patient of medical facts, in whole or in part, is not sword… Bar Kappara spoke and said: The angels and the mortals
a simple matter, as it is liable to impinge on his wellbeing. In order to have taken hold of the Holy ark, and the angels have won over the
decide, one has to examine the positive and the negative aspects of mortals. This is difficult to understand. Should they not have revealed
telling the patient the truth. the death of Rebbe in order to prepare for the funeral? In truth, the

128 1 Medical-HalacHic Responsa of Rav ZilbeRstein Providing results of X-Ray 2 133