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would have to desecrate Shabbos in order to administer the remedy light the Chanukah menorah in his house to receive reward, we prob- #
(on condition that he presented his view to the beis din and they re- ably do not prevent him from doing so. However, it is prohibited to
jected it). “Do not deviate from what they tell you,” applies to this allow him to recite the blessings, for how can he say “who performed
decision of the beis din as well. Halachic rulings emanate from the miracles for our forefathers?” This would be speaking falsehood!
Lishkas Hagazis, which is where the Sanhedrin sits and deliberates A proselyte (ger) is permitted to recite this phrase because Avra-
and rules for all of Israel, as it is written (Devarim 17:10): “And you ham Avinu was the “father of many nations,” and a ger is viewed as
shall do according to the tenor of the sentence which they will declare his descendent and is called “the son of Avraham Avinu.” A gentile,
to you from the place the Lord shall choose, and you shall observe all however, cannot be allowed to recite this, for it makes a mockery of
that they shall teach you; do not deviate either right or left” (Rambam, the blessing.
Hilchos Mamrim 3:8). This assertion regarding the status of a medical Therefore, one should tell the gentile that he is basically correct,
remedy is also a halachic ruling, because Jews need to know whether but he is not allowed to recite the blessings. It is also impossible to
or not Shabbos should be desecrated for this remedy. allow him to light in a public place before Jews, lest people say that a
All this applies only if the Sanhedrin studied the science of medi- gentile is allowed to light on behalf of Jews.
cine and ruled according to their medical knowledge that the remedy
is a natural and proven form of healing. If they did not know medi- 1 SuMMaRy and Conclusions 20818_efi-ab - 20818_park-C_efi-ab | 12 - A | 18-08-20 | 13:46:25 | SR:-- | Magenta
cine, and ruled only based on the differing views of various physicians, #20818_efi-ab - 20818_park-C_efi-ab | 12 - A | 18-08-20 | 13:46:25 | SR:-- | Yellow 20818_efi-ab - 20818_park-C_efi-ab | 12 - A | 18-08-20 | 13:46:25 | SR:
then it would be forbidden for any physician who believes the alleged 1. One can light the Chanukah candles and recite the blessings
remedy is merely a segulah to desecrate Shabbos. As ruled by Rav without saying Hashem’s regal and majestic names.
Chaim Berlin (above), if it is clear to a physician that he is correct, he 2. One should tell the gentile that he is allowed to light the can-
is prohibited from desecrating Shabbos in accordance with the view dles, but should not recite the blessings.
of his colleague. However, since the members of the Sanhedrin, who
studied the science of medicine, ruled that the remedy is a natural and
proven form of healing, the Torah’s admonition “Do not deviate” ap-
plies here too, and every physician is obligated to accept their ruling.
According to this, we can better understand the words of the Rad-
vaz, who wrote that the members of the Sanhedrin are obligated to
study medicine, and that the benefit of this will become evident when
there is a difference of opinion. For example, in the case cited in Trac-
tate Yoma (84a), the Sages of Israel argued about a specific remedy
which was customarily given to patients with the illness tsafdina. Was
this a natural, proven remedy or a segulah? The Sanhedrin’s knowledge
of medicine is of great benefit in this situation, whereby their ruling
obligates every physician.
It is possible that the Kesef Mishneh and Ramban left open the
question regarding why the Sanhedrin have to be knowledgeable

362 1 Medical-HalacHic Responsa of Rav ZilbeRstein Shifts on Shabbos and Yom Tov, Dialysis on Chol Hamoed 2 347