At an assembly addressing education, HaGaon HaRav Gershon Edelstein Shlita addressed bochurim who require medical treatment. The Rosh Yeshiva of Ponavezh said that he feels it would be better having those treatments during the zman, and not during the bein hazmanim time, as many might have thought to be the case.
The Rosh Yeshiva explained that during bein hazmanim, less Torah is being learned, and therefore, the Torah being studied has more importance and it should not be stopped. Therefore, he feels one should have the medical procedure done after returning to the zman, when there is far more limud Torah.
While it was not stated specifically, it appears this psak does not apply to a bochur who is not spending his time learning during bein hazmanim.
(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)
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6 Responses
I assume the psak refers to elective medical treatment only.
This seriously needs clarification. Is the Rosh Yeshiva referring to all medical treatment, or just elective or non-serious procedures? The way this article is currently written it could ch’v lead a bachur to postpone treatment that should be given immediately. It seems to me a postponement should only be made if a doctor agrees that doing so won’t cause any medical damage. There are some treatments, for instance for a detached retina, that need to be done immediately or lifelong damage will result.
With all respect, if a bochur needs medical treatment for a serious condition, he should get it done based on his doctor’s advice and not delay, even if he is learning bein ha’zmanim. If the needed treatment is not urgent, than he might consider the Rav’s guidance.
Brilliant comments all. Obviously he doesn’t mean if it’s urgent, get a grip and stop trying to make Gedolim look like fools.
doctors do not establish the times to learn; i no of no basis for a RY declaring the times for medical treatment.
rav edelstein is being maligned by poor reporting and/or editting
The leitzanim are already making choizek of the holy words of wisdom from Gedolei Yisroel.