PART IV
There is a commandment in the Torah which states that You should love your neighbor like yourself. This principal of behavior is rooted in the concept that the whole world is a unit. Furthermore, the Jewish nation is a special unit in itself, tracing its roots to the forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Abraham, our father, initiated the practice of translating the concepts; kindness and righteousness, into action. His goodness was displayed towards all people regardless of class, title or economic status. This is exemplified by the hospitality which Abraham extended to the three wanderers in the desert. Though the wanderers were unclean physically as well as spiritually, being among those who bowed to the earth, they were made to feel fully welcome and comfortable. Abraham's kindness and attention to their needs was flawless, despite the fact that Abraham was still ill and in pain due to the circumcision he had very recently undergone.
Through Abraham's deeds, the trait of kindness and caring for the needy has become ingrained in the nature of the Jewish people for all generations. We constantly see demonstrations of this aspect of the Jewish character, throughout the world. Whenever a need for assistance arises, however varied the circumstances, offers of help arise from Jewish sources. The Torah also commands that You should Walk in Hashem's ways.
Hashem's way is one of tremendous goodness and caring for all people in all situations. One example of a situation in which extreme care is required is when a person becomes so ill that he is bedridden or otherwise unable to function normally. When a person is sick and bedridden, he is not only unable to attend to his own physical needs, but he will often become spiritually weak and needy as well. It is incumbent upon all to attend to the needs of the sick - both the physical and spiritual needs.
The act of Hashem visiting Abraham during the illness, following his circumcision, demonstrated some basic principals involved in the concept of visiting the sick. The day of Hashem's visit was very hot and sunny. There were few people about. Hashem's visit alleviated Abraham's loneliness and gave him a feeling of importance. This is one of the foremost goals of visiting an ill person. The visit, in itself, provides relief. The following is a brief summary of laws and customs associated with visiting the sick.
We know that the recovery of an ill person is completely in the hands of G-d. We refer to G-d as Healer of the sick, three times a day in our prayers. We implore Hashem to heal us and acknowledge that our lives are totally in His hands. Nevertheless, a physician is given permission by G-d to heal a person in a natural way. Without this permission, medical care would be forbidden. Hashem wants us to act naturally and not rely on miracles. Therefore, if one is ill, he must try to heal himself and seek medical attention.
However, a person should always remind himself and know in his heart that Hashem is the true healer, and that the medical procedures and medicines are sent by Hashem - G-d's messengers, so to speak, in the healing process. It is important that efforts to heal should be in accord with accepted medical practice. Unusual and strange methods of healing should be avoided. We are, of course, speaking in general terms. Each individual case must be evaluated by a competent Halachic authority and we must act in accordance with Halachic decisions. In the event that there is danger to life, Halacha permits us to take whatever action is necessary, including eating otherwise forbidden foods, eating on Yom Kippur and transgressing the holy Sabbath.
Therefore, we see how crucial it is to consult a Rabbi competent in Halacha.
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Part V - Vidui -
Confession
Part VI - The Law of a
Goses