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Biblical Perspectives on Child Development
Shoshana Bekerman
rbekerman@netscape.net
12. CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Welcome to the twelfth and final session of the introductory course
on 'The Biblical Perspective on Child Development" A fundamental
concept of Jewish philosophy is that the Bible encompasses all
of life….We have considered the foundations of life, the biblical
perspective on conception and birth, caring for the newborn, infant
and child, child behavior, early childhood education and discipline.
The final session of this semester will consider the Biblical
perspective on health and disease which is vital for proper functioning
and to live life in accordance with Biblical precepts. This session
precedes the advanced course on Biblical Perspectives on Child
Development which encompasses "The Dimensions of Development"
(physical, cognitive, and emotional development, personality development)
and "Child Development in the Social Context (socialization, the
parent- child relationship, education, the rights of the child,
adolescence, and maturity).
Health and Disease
The Biblical term "tza'ar giddul banim" ("the difficulties of
rearing children") relates to all the difficulties and ailments
accompanying child development. The fact that these ailments are
pervasive and sometimes debilitating is evident from the declaration
that "it is easier to see a whole forest of young olive trees
grow than to rear one child in Palestine.(Genesis Rabbah 20:15)
Illness is certainly the most difficult trouble of childhood.
Nothing causes more anxiety and frustration than the sight of
a child who is suffering pain from disease.
While, as we know, parents spend a great deal of time and energy
caring for the health and safety of their children, it is surprising
that we find no description or example of this in the Bible. It
would seem that child care in biblical times was relatively simple,
limited to providing for the child's basic needs, such as food
and clothing. Indeed, it is very likely that mothers in those
days did not have to deal with colds, measles, mumps, or other
childhood diseases, for the Talmud states that man was not afflicted
with illness until the generation of Jacob and that medical treatment
for disease originated in the period of Elijah's prophecy. (Genesis
48; Bava Metzia 87)
Another source says that weakness descended on mankind with the
death of Rabbi Gamliel.(Megillah 21) As one might expect from
these statements, we find references to childhood diseases in
the Prophets and more detailed descriptions of symptoms and diagnosis
as well as prevention and treatment in the Talmud…(As we have
discussed earlier in the course, both the written Torah and the
Oral Torah were delivered by the Almighty at Mount Sinai and the
law, midrash and advice given by Talmudic scholars all emanate
from the revelation at Mount Sinai.)
The obligation to take care of one's health is incorporated in
Judaism as a fundamental halakhic principle Biblical law. Each
person is responsible for safeguarding his/her body and maintaining
health, based on the Biblical verse "heed and take care of yourselves."
(Deut 4:15) Jewish scholars quoted in the Talmud and the Responsa
interpret this as a halakhic rule stemming directly from the Bible
(Rambam, Hilkhot Deot 4) Each individual must strive to be fit
in accordance with contemporary medical knowledge. (Kitzur Shulkhan
Arukh 32:1)
This responsibility is extended to include the parents' obligation
to maintain their children's health and proper nutrition. "A man
must honor his wife his sons by dressing and feeding them more
than himself, for they are dependent on him and he is dependent
on the Almighty, who created the universe." (Rambam, Hilkhot Deot
5-10)
Maimonides also points out that it is wrong for a person takes
care of himself and keep fit so as to make himself able to bear
children who will then do his work for him and labor on his behalf.
Each individual must care of himself in order to be capable of
leading a life in the framework of the Bible, for it is impossible
to learn knowledge and the wisdom of the Almighty if one is hungry
or ill. In caring for one's children, each parent must consider
that his/ her child will grow up to be a scholar and must afford
him/her all necessities to assure that the child is healthy and
safe during the period of development. A parent who acts accordingly
is fulfilling the role assigned to him by the Almighty.(Rambam,
Hilkhot Deot 3)
Maimonides elaborates by detailing the means to be taken in order
to maintain a healthy body. The guidelines set by Maimonides are
incorporated into Halakhah along with prescriptions by other rabbinical
medical experts. (Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 32a) In order to fulfill
the Biblical goal of striving toward knowledge of the Almighty,
man must withdraw from whatever causes him harm and must conduct
himself in accordance with what is healthy and good for him. The
essence of physiological health in Halakhah (based on scientific
principles of physiology) is the maintenance of homeostasis, the
process by which the internal environment of the individual is
maintained relatively constant in the face of changes in the external
environment.(Arthur J. Vander, "Physiology and the Environment
in Health and Disease ; San Francisco, Freeman 1976) The main
influence on man's health related to homeostatis and the adaptative
capability of his body are nutrition, physical environment, psychosocial
stress, and the immune defenses of the body. (Vander, introduction;
Rambam, Hilkhot Deot 1:5) In order to maintain health, man must,
according to Halakhah, take care to receive proper nutrition,
remove damaging elements from his physical environment, relieve
himself of psychosocial stress, and provide for all medical treatment
necessary in case of illness. In the case of parents, this responsibility
is extended to include any offspring who are dependent on them
for healthy development.
GUIDELINES FOR HEALTH AND THE PREVENTION
OF DISEASE
What must a parent do in order to afford his child the maximum
possibility of healthy development? Above all, Halakhah recognizes
the importance of proper nutrition for health and the prevention
of disease. On the basis of medical facts, Halakhah attributes
physical health to proper digestion. (Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 32:2)
It is accepted that proper digestion takes place if one does not
eat too and the food is easily absorbed. (Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh
32:3) In order for a person to be nourished according to these
specifications, the choice of foods must take into consideration
the age and temperament of person involved, and the climate. Young
children require food more often than older people, while elderly
people require that their food be light for digestion. In the
summer portions be smaller than in winter (some doctors suggest
serving two-thirds of the winter meal during the summer) (Kitzur
Shulkhan Arukh 32:4-5)
Children should be served food which agrees with their temperament
and metabolism; an active child should be given food that will
moderate his nature while a bashful child should receive nourishment
intended to induce activity, all in accordance with the environmental
conditions and the season.(Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 32:7; Powers
and Presley, "Food Power: Nutrition and Your Child's Behavior;
N.Y. St,. Martin's Press 1978 )
Children should not be forced to eat if they are not hungry and
they must be taught to chew properly for good digestion (Kitzur
Shulkhan Arukh) Children should not be overfed for .too much food
is like poison. It is of the utmost importance to choose the proper
foods for the child's meals, for "most people's ailments occur
as a result of eating bad food."(Rambam, Hilkhot Deot 4:9; Kitzur
Shulkhan Arukh 32)
The framework for natural and pure nourishment as the basis for
promoting health and preventing disease is provided by the laws
of Kashrut, which regulate the Jewish diet, and by the recommendations
of the Jewish sages which emphasize the necessary nutrients. Adherence
to this framework in the early years of life, when the growing
organ systems require the most and best nutrients available, is
crucial for the developing child. Improper or deficient nutrition
during the critical years of life may result in disease, stunted
growth, or mental deficiency, as has been highlighted by recent
research findings (Vander, Introduction)
With these facts in mind, it becomes clear that the Biblical principles
concerning proper nutrition for health have the interest of the
child at stake. According to sages, a person who does not eat
the proper nutritious food required for health commits a prohibition
rooted in the "Thou shalt not destroy thy body." (Rambam, Hilkhot
Deot 8:61); Shabbat 129:1; Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 91) This is reinforced
by father's legal obligation to feed his young children and provide
for their care. (Kettubot 65a; Takanat Usha, Ketubbot 49b; Shulkhan
Arukh , Yoreh Deah 251:4)
As a consequence of this legal philosophy, a parent must feed
his children the best available food to provide the nutrients
necessary for good health. (Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 91:3) Care must
be taken to maintain proper sanitary conditions and to avoid food
which has a bad odor (i.e., is spoiled by bacteria) or liquid
which has been exposed. (Ketubbot 65a) Everyone's diet must be
chosen according to medical specifications in order to receive
the nutrients suitable for one's temperament, the climate, and
the season.(Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 33:14) Care should be taken
to choose food which is not constipating. If constipation occurs
a doctor should be consulted. Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 33:20) Proper
nourishment and digestion are the primary means of assuring homeostasis
and a balanced metabolism. (Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 32:2)
EXERCISE AND SLEEP
In order to fulfill the requirement of guarding one's body against
illness, one must exercise moderately in accordance with the season,
time, and body size. It is advisable to exercise by working or
walking before a meal to build up an appetite and assure proper
digestion. (Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 32:6) One should not overdo
exercising, nor should one rest too much; both rest and exercise
must be carried out with moderation. One should exercise less
in hot weather and more in cold weather. (Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh
32:21) Children should be instructed to rest during the day, especially
after meals in order to assure good digestion.
Rigorous exercise and bathing are not advisable until digestion
is completed.(Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 32:21, 24)
Children should sleep for the average time required by their age.
Sleep is important for health; while the senses rest, the body
digests the nutrients necessary for growth. (Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh
32:23; Rambam, Hilkhot Deot 4)
FRESH AIR AND SUNSHINE
One simple precaution to take in warding off illness is to maintain
the proper temperature in the home. Overheating in winter may
be the cause of cold symptoms and many other ailments. (Kitzur
Shulkhan Arukh 32:26) Children should be kept out of drafts and
not overheated. Parents must take care to live in an area where
there is unpolluted air, preferably at a high altitude. (Kitzur
Shbulkhan Arukh 32:26) Mountain air is especially recommended
to cure various illnesses.(Kettubot 103b)
Parents should make sure that their home is free of mold and mildew.
The rooms or apartment must be aired frequently and deoderized
to provide maximum comfort and health. Daily outings for children
are recommended, as discussed in an earlier session.
PSYCHOSOCIAL STRESS
In normal human development, man must cope with dangers of all
kinds. According to Jewish philosophy, the various functions of
the soul, such as worry, anxiety, anger, and fear, must be understood
for they may cause illness. (Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 32:22) It is
also man's responsibility to be content with what he has and to
attempt to be in good spirits at all times. Children should be
guided toward acquiring a cheerful disposition in life. The most
effective way to accomplish this is to make the child feel loved
and wanted from his/her very first day of life. The high mortality
rates found in the foundling homes of the and eighteenth and nineteenth
centuries, as well as the psychic and psychosomatic disturbances
characteristic of hospitalized children and children separated
from their parents during World War 11, point out the importance
of loving relationship between parent and child for both phsycial
and emotional health. Bowlby's research on the importance of the
mother-child interaction (J. Bowlby,"Attachment and Loss", Vol
I; New York, Basic Books, 1969) and Gardner's observation that
children who were emotionally deprived when raised in institutions
, developed hormonal imbalances, such as a decrease in the growth
hormone, further attests to the importance of a warm parent-child
relationship for healthy child development.
An awareness of this phenomenon is instituted in Biblical philosophy
with the warning that in dealing with the child the parent should
"repel with the left hand [discipline as necessary) and draw forth
with the right hand [show love and warmth for the child as an
individual." (Sotah 47; Sanhedrin 107) Moreover, according to
Halakhah, the parent must not threaten a child with punishment
and execute it later on. The parent should either punish the child
immediately or keep still. (An example given of a child who ran
away from school. His father threatened to punish him, but as
he did not do so immediately, the child was overcome with anxiety
and killed himself (as related in an earlier session) In addition,
it is forbidden to frighten a child by threatening that a dog
or boogie-man will come and eat him up, or the like. (Kitzur Shulkhan
Arukh 165:7) In all instances, the parent must deal with the child
with understanding and must avoid inducing undue anxiety which
may cause mental or physical illness.
CHILDHOOD DISEASES
Before discussing the references to various childhood diseases in
it is important to note that the talmudic medical analysis and treatment
for diseases were quite sophisticated for their time; the pragmatic
nature of Halakha ensures that modern medical knowledge and techniques
override outdated treatments (see Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 32a). Numerous
childhood diseases are described in Judaic sources. Although the biblical
references pertain mostly to the birth process, care of the newborn,
and the pathology of neonates, later talmudic sources deal in more
detail with pediatrics in general. The talmudic sages advise, among
other things, on nursing, nutrition, and various ailments, often discussing
both their medical and their legal aspects. The childhood diseases
mentioned in the Talmud are: neonatal jaundice, discussed in relation
to the execution of the "berit milah" (Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 163;
(Yoreh Deah 262:3); hemophilia as a disease of the blood transmitted
by females to males (also discussed in connection with "berit milah"
(Yevamot 64b) and diphtheria as the most dangerous and fatal childhood
disease (Berakhot 8 (Rashi) As diphtheria was such a deadly disease,
Wednesday was declared weekly fast-day for praying that it would not
befall little children. (Taanit 27b) It was believed diphtheria occurred
as a punishment for the sin of slander (Shabbat 33a) In order to prevent
the disease, talmudic sages recommended (in addition to fulfilling
the mitzvot) eating lentils once a month, drinking water after any
other beverage, and adding salt to the diet.(Berakhot 40a) If diphtheria
does attack, it usually begins at night. The symptoms are vomiting,
pain in the throat, and finally, suffocation. (Sotah 35a)
The Talmud also mentions tonsillitis and ways to treat it (Gittin
69b) Intestinal worms were recognized as a childhood ailment (Bava
Kamma 82a; Gittin 69b) "Sefer Taamei Haminhagim uMekoreir Hadinim
(The Book of Customs and Laws) by Rabbi Sperling (J-m 1957) lists
various treatments including the use of garlic and several potions
made especially to ward off the worms. Measles was treated by
making sure the child's room was properly aired and the temperature
moderate. The child was to adhere to a simple diet. Teething was
known to cause pain for the baby. In order to soothe the pain,
applications of chicken fat to the gums, neck, and throat were
recommended. An effective treatment for diarrhea occurring in
children was the administering of a solution with carob syrup.
While this remedy is employed even in our times, the "Toledot
Adam" lists another remedy for diarrhea: rubbing the stomach with
a solution of anise and vinegar.
Coughing spells and asthma were relieved by rubbing the chest
with unsalted butter mixed with chamomile oil or by inhaling almond
oil. The remedy mentioned for whooping cough was to drink a broth
of beets and cane sugar or warm milk and to eat sweet foods. Tonsillitis
was treated by having the child suck a medication prepared from
pyrethrum wood and vegetables, or a mixture of bran, and hops.
(Gittin 69a)
Children under the age of one were especially susceptible to the
fatal effects of a hornet sting. As a remedy, the sting was treated
with palm tree moss ground with water (Kettubot 50a)
Medical practice and knowledge are considered so important in
Judaism that some sages declared it to be a legal responsibility
for each person to set aside time to learn about medicine and
health. (Iggerot Rambam; Rabbi Joseph ben Yehuda Vaknin, Berlin,
B.Z. Bacher 1910) Shabbat 82a)
Maimonides notes that every illness must be treated in accordance
with the procedures required to restore health. (Rambam, Mishne
Nedarim 4:45) Since a doctor must be consulted for physical and
mental illness, ((Rambam, Eight Chapters; Bava Batra 116), one
is not permitted to live in a town in which there is no doctor
(Rambam, Hilkhot Deot, chapter 2)
Halakha mentions special means of safeguarding one's eyesight.
Parents should take care not to place a baby's crib near a window
or a source of bright light, for this will cause the child to
look constantly in that direction and his vision will be damaged.
(Sperling, Toldot Adam pg. 591) One should accustom his eyes gradually
to a change from darkness to bright light, and vice versa. Reading
at twilight and at midday is bad for the eyes. It is bad for the
eyesight to live in a dwelling in which the windows face north.
(Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 32:27)
Afflictions such as blindness, deafness, and epilepsy were believed
to be punishments for some transgression as well as the result
of negligence of basic sanitary measures.(Deut 28:28; Nedarim
81a; Pesachim 111b; Bava Kamma 98a, Tosefta 7) Although the legal
status of those who are blind or deaf, is inferior to that of
normal children, Judaism strictly guards their rights as individuals.
The statement that it is prohibited to place a block before a
blind person includes many rulings for this and other cases. (Leviticus
19:14) The Bible recognizes the importance of special education
for afflicted children, for "wisdom opens the mouth of the dumb"
(Book of Wisdom 10:21) The Talmud notes that deaf-mutes are capable
of being instructed and should not be considered idiots. To support
this statement it tells how Rabbi Judah noticed that two dumb
boys attending his lectures were moving their heads and lips as
if repeating his words. Rabbi Judah prayed for their recovery,
and when they were cured it was found that they had indeed absorbed
all his teachings during the period of their affliction.(Chagigah
3a)
THE TREATMENT OF DISEASE
The treatment of childhood diseases is a legal responsibility
mandated in the Bible (as is medical practice in general) (Rambam,
Commentary to Nedarim 84:44) The Talmud notes that a child has
more chance of surviving disease than an older person.( Shabbat
134)
The general halakhic rule is that no treatment that may cure or
relieve an illness may be prohibited, besides idolatry.(Shabbat
67) This is a broad opening for the use of all relevant medical
treatments in curing and relieving illness. As the Biblical perspective
on treating disease is a pragmatic one, it is in keeping with
the advances in medicine. While the Bible mentions disinfection
and isolation in treating certain diseases, (Lev. 8:15) the Talmud
includes the use of various drugs and even lists categories of
pharmaceuticals available in those days. (Gittin 69b) The practice
of surgery is a recognized medical treatment in the Talmud (Avodah
Zarah 29) and there are references to the acceptability of vaccination
in treating disease. (Even Haezer 5:14)
The practice of visiting the sick is important for the good deed
itself and because it cheers the patient. Rav Acha bar Chanina
maintains that caring visitors help the recover (Nedarim 39b)
In time of illness it is beneficial to pray for the recovery of
the patient in the synagogue during the reading of the Bible.
(Genesis Rabbach 53)
The Talmud declares that repentance has the power of curing illness,
based on the passage: " All diseases which 1 brought upon Egypt,
1 will not bring upon you, for 1 am the Lord your healer." That
is to say, "If you follow the Bible, 1 will not bring upon you
the afflictions; however, if you do not heed the words of the
Lord and commit sins, 1 will bring them upon you. Then if you
repent 1 will heal you" (Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 92:1. Thus, although
Judaism acknowledges the need for scientific knowledge and treatment
of disease, it also sees health and illness as originating in
man's actions and his choosing either to follow or to violate
the commandments. Indeed, the Talmud explains that disobedience
to the Almighty causes the death of young and innocent children
so that they may plead the cause of their parents before the Lord.
In cases of severe or complex illness, a Rabbi should be consulted.
MEDICAL CARE ON THE SABBATH
Since the Bible places the value of life above all else (for the
Torah was given for the living), it is a general rule that the
Sabbath must be desecrated in order to save a life, even of a
one day-old infant or a fetus less than forty days old (Tur, Orach
Hayim 517; Kettubot 39a; Neubirt, Shemirat Shabbat ke-Hilkhato
36:2) although a Rabbi must be consulted, as this is a complex
legal matter.
Indeed, it is even permitted to desecrate the Sabbath to fulfill
the needs of a newborn child even if he has the chance of living
only for one hour. (Neubirt, 36:12) The sages permitted the desecration
of the Sabbath to fulfill the needs of any child up to the age
of nine or ten if he/she is weak and requires special treatment.(Responsa
Minhat Yitzhak 1:78; Kitzur Shulkhan Arukh 134) Such a child is
considered to have the same status as a sick person who is not
in mortal danger, and the same halakhic regulations apply to his
care on the Sabbath. (Rema 176:1; Mishne Berurah 6:328 and 5:343)
When life is endangered, it is a mitzvah for the parent himself
or another Jew to desecrate the Sabbath in the attempt to save
the child. If a child is ill but not in mortal danger, the parent
or another Jew must not desecrate the Sabbath by violating a Biblical
prohibition. In this case, a non-Jew is requested to fulfill the
child's needs .(Rambam, Hikhot Shabbat chapter 2; Kitzur Shulkhan
Arukh 92:1; Mishne Berurah 11:47)
The following guidelines have been stipulated by some authorities.
Ifthe doctor has instructed that the child must be given cod-liver
oil or vitamins daily, it is permitted to administer this on the
Sabbath. (Rema 328:37; Mishne Berurah 120:130) It is also permitted
to weigh the child's food or the child him/herself after the meal
if this is necessary for medical purposes (Neubirt 37:5). One
may treat diaper rash or cradle cap on Sabbath by pouring some
oil on the baby's skin and applying it by hand (but not with cotton)
(Rema 327:1; Mishne Berurah 4) In the same manner, it is permitted
to apply gentian violet to a child's bruise to avoid infection
and heal the wound .(Neubirt 37:8) The wound may be washed bandaged
to prevent infection. One may apply dermatol to bleeding, but
no cream may be applied. It is permitted to remove a splinter
from the child's body on Sabbath (Responsa Minhat Yitzhak 79,
4:124)
The child may be given any medication, including eye drops, nose
drops, syrups, and tablets, required for his/her health on Sabbath.
It is also permitted to crush a tablet and dissolve it in water
for the child. (Neubirt 37:9)
If the child is in deep pain from a digestive disturbance or diarrhea,
a doctor must be called immediately. (Chazon Ish 59:4) If the
child is suffering from an earache or the like, the doctor may
light a flashlight to examine him/her (Neubirt 37:14) If the child
has difficulty breathing it is permitted to operate a vaporizer
to ease his/her condition (although it is better to prepare the
instrument before the Sabbath and to use water which has been
boiled and placed in the machine before the Sabbath). (Neubirt
37:14)
If the child is afraid of the dark or may be anxiety as a result
of being in the dark, a non-Jew may be asked to switch the light
on for the child and to switch it off when the child falls asleep.
(Rema 176:a, Mishne Berurah 6) As a child is considered to be
like who is ill but not in mortal danger, a gentile may cook food
for him/her on the Sabbath if necessary for the child's health.
In such cases, it is better for the non-Jew to feed the child,
for the dish is "Muktseh" (may not be handled on Sabbath) (Rema
328:17; Mishne Berurah 58)
A non-Jew may be asked to carry the child if there is no "eruv"
or to drive him to the doctor if necessary. (Rema 328:17) If the
child's life is in danger, a Jewish parent or another Jew is permitted
to drive him/her to the doctor or hospital or to drive the doctor
to the patient's home, or to bring medicine. (Neubirt 40:50) However,
the driver must avoid any unnecessary desecration of the Sabbath
during the drive. It is a]so permitted for a member of the family
or any person trusted by the patient to accompany him to the doctor
or hospital in order to prevent unnecessary anxiety for the child.
A child's temperature and blood pressure may be measured on the
Sabbath if necessary," (Neubirt 40:70) but instead of smearing
the tip of the thermometer with petroleum jelly, it should be
dipped in oil; if no oil is available, it may be dipped in a cream.
The thermometer may be washed with alcohol (but one should not
dip cotton into the alcohol for this purpose), and the thermometer
may be shaken down if one intends to use it again on the Sabbath.
The use of a digital thermometer is permitted if the temperature
is marked only through a change of color (and the numerals or
letters indicating fever are visible beforehand)
If it is necessary to record the child's temperature or weight,
this may be done by preparing signs before Sabbath and inserting
them in the proper place when necessary.
If the child shows symptoms of a simple ailment, such as a sore
throat or hoarseness, he/she may be given any food which may alleviate
the discomfort, such as honey, squeezed on a sugar cube, and the
like." Medications should be prepared before the Sabbath (if it
is necessary to dilute them) (Neubirt 40).
The halakhic regulations concerning the maintenance of health
provide the most concrete evidence that the Bible was given for
the enhancement of life. The sacred value of human life embodied
in the Bible applies to the individual as soon as he/she is born:
"One desecrates the Sasbbath for the sake of a one- day -old
infant, but not for the dead body of David, King of Israel.
(Bor. Shabbat 151b)
Although the sages explain that weakness was not brought upon
man until after the death of Rabbi Gamliel, the responsibility
of each Jew to safeguard his/her health is rooted in Biblical
law as is the parent's obligation to care for his child so that
develop into a healthy adult and a good Jew. Parents must grant
each of their children the maximum care for health, for it is
possible that the child may grow up to be a scholar. In any case,
the obligation to maintain one's health is linked with the goal
of Judaism, which is to learn the wisdom of the Almighty. This
can only be accomplished if one is healthy in mind spirit.
The causes of disease and childhood ailments are numerous. The
Bible recognizes that a child may become ill as a result of unsanitary
environmental conditions, especially polluted water," (Chullin
105b) excessive heat, cold, or draft (Bava Metzia 107b), infection
from afflicted people, (Bava Metzia 107b), heredity,(Pesachim
49a-b; Yevamot 64b, Even Haezer 11), inability of the body's defenses
to ward off disease, (Bava Batra 58b) G-d's punishment for sin
(Berakhot 5b) or the evil eye. (Bava Metzia 107b).
Although we do not find any references to most diseases and the
treatment of illness in the Bible, the sages recorded many of
the diseases prevalent in their time the accepted treatments,
which in most cases are valid to this day.
In order to prevent disease and maintain health, the Bible prescribes
that each child be given proper sanitary and safe environment,
develop in an trusting atmosphere, avoid unnecessary psychosocial
stress and receive the best possible medical care promptly (even
on the Sabbath) in case of illness.
The act of saving a child's life (even a day-old infant fetus)
is considered so essential in Judaism that it is a mitzvah for
the parent or any other Jew to desecrate the Sabbath so that a
child in mortal danger may have the chance to live and develop
as a good Jew. TheHalakhah permitting the desecration of the Sabbath
to perform surgery to save a fetus and the postponement of berit
milah if the infant shows signs of illness are clear indications
of this philosophy, which maintains that it is better to desecrate
one Sabbath for the sake of the child so that he may fulfill the
mitzvah of Sabbath many times .(Gittin28)
If a child's life is in danger, the parent or another adult Jew
must hasten to do whatever is necessary to save his/her life and
must not try to postpone any act until after the Sabbath, thus
endangering the child further. The Sabbath may be desecrated to
save the life of a child even if his life may be prolonged by
the action for only a short while. In doubtful cases, the parent
must consult a rabbinical authority to determine what is permitted
on the Sabbath for a sick child. Excellent guides on the Halakhah
concerning medical treatment on the Sabbath appears in "Shemirat
Shabbat KeHilkhato (by Y.Y. Neubirt) and "Care of Children on
Shabbos and Yom Tov , by Rabbi S. Wagschal).
The maintenance of health occupies a central role in Judaism,
for a healthy child can more readily learn the wisdom of the Almighty
and fulfill the commandments. From the halakhic standpoint, medical
treatment of illness is a mitzvah. The Bible commands us to treat
a child who is afflicted, as it is written: "And thou shalt return
his body to him." If one sees that a person is is danger, one
must attempt to restore his health by helping him physically,
financially, or through the means of medical knowledge. (Rambam
Commentary on Mishna, Nedarim 4:45)
This concludes our introductory course on "Biblical Perspectives
on Child Development". I hope you have enjoyed it and gained insight
which will help you in the most important role you have in life
as parents, educators and adults responsible for the healthy and
successful development of children. Please feel free to contact
me. I look forward to hearing from you and wish you a pleasant
summer.
[Week 1] [Week
2] [Week3] [Week
4] [Week 5] [Week
6]
[Week 7] [Week
8] [Week 9] [Week 10] [Week
11] [Week 12]
[Juice Index] [Homepage]
Created: 29/04/99 Updated:
22/08/1999
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