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5%, but all in all there is a 100% chance that at least one of these side #
effects will occur. Moreover, it is forbidden for the woman to become
pregnant while in treatment, and the complexities of the treatment do
not allow for the simultaneous use of contraceptive pills. If the first
line therapy is not successful, she will require surgery (splenectomy),
which, while relatively simple, still has its dangers. There is also a
small chance of 5% that the illness will suddenly become malignant.
Should we inform the groom of the situation if he does not in-
quire? What would the halacha dictate if he does ask?
Section 6:
Doctor Aharon Tzechanover, Tel Aviv
SHemiras HalasHon –

1 AnsweR SHidducHim and SHalom Bayis

In the Chafetz Chaim (Issur Rechilus, Principle 9 #3), it says: If some-
one sees a couple about to be married, and the groom has serious 20818_efi-ab - 20818_park-C_efi-ab | 1 - B | 18-08-20 | 13:46:23 | SR:-- | Magenta
deficiencies which the bride is unaware of, and if she knew she would #20818_efi-ab - 20818_park-C_efi-ab | 1 - B | 18-08-20 | 13:46:23 | SR:-- | Yellow 20818_efi-ab - 20818_park-C_efi-ab | 1 - B | 18-08-20 | 13:46:23 | SR:--
not marry him, then one is obligated to tell her about the deficiency.
This is included in the Torah precept “Do not stand idly by the blood
of your fellowman.”
There are a number of conditions regarding this halacha.

1. The groom has a great physical deficiency and not just “weak-
ness”.
2. It is forbidden to exaggerate the illness, but only to relate the
facts accurately.
3. One’s intent must be to benefit the bride; he cannot be moti-
vated by hatred of the groom. Also, if he knows that the bride
would marry the person despite his illness, it is forbidden to
reveal it to her.
4. If the deficiency in the groom is a lack of Torah knowledge, it is
forbidden to reveal it to the bride, since she herself is to blame
for not verifying his knowledge by asking Torah scholars to test
him.

In light of the first condition above, we always have to clarify

4 1 Medical-HalacHic Responsa of Rav ZilbeRstein Table of Contents 2 1