For the source text click/tap here: Avodah Zarah 28
To download, click/tap here: PDF
We know how seriously the Torah takes the laws of Shabbat, yet for piku’aḥ nefesh – when there is danger to life – the laws of Shabbat are pushed aside.
The Gemara on our daf notes that this is true not only when there is a clear danger, but also when there is any makah shel ḥalal – an internal injury – we will automatically be willing to treat the person, although Talmidei Rabbeinu Yona explain that this does not refer to a minor pain or complaint, only a known injury or serious pain.
This discussion leads to a question about whether an injury or disease to teeth and gums would be included. Are they considered to be “internal”? As a proof to this question, the Gemara tells of Rabbi Yoḥanan who was suffering from tzafdina, and was treated by a Roman matron, who agreed to share the secret of the treatment if Rabbi Yoḥanan swore not to reveal it to others.
We explore the disease of scurvy and the Galenic influences in talmudic medicine.