Community Magazine December 2013

Surgical Cleanliness Astory told in the Talmud demonstrates that the sages of the time also understood the importance of maintaining strict cleanliness during surgical procedures. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 83b) describes an operation performed on Rabbi Elazar, the son of Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai: “He was given a sleeping draught, taken into a marble chamber and had his abdomen opened...” Note that the surgery was performed in a marble-lined room, which is easier to clean and keep dust-free. Undoubtedly, a special chamber had been designed to maintain the highest level of cleanliness, to provide the proper environment for the surgery, and to prevent the patient’s body from becoming infected. Conclusion We can now see that through their study of the Torah, the Sages knew the following: Tiny, invisible creatures exist in our natural world. These creatures, now called bacteria (from the Greek word for “small staff,” because the first observed bacteria were rod shaped), can cause the transmission of infectious diseases from one person to another. Bacteria are present throughout the sick person’s body and not only in the affected organ. This includes bodily secretions such as saliva. We should therefore be careful not to drink from someone else’s cup, in case he is sick and the bacteria in his saliva prove contagious. This applies regardless of whether the person is healthy or not, for a person may carry bacteria that do not harm him, but can be dangerous to others. Particularly dangerous bacteria can be found in rusty iron. Thus, we may violate the Shabbat prohibitions in order to treat even a superficial wound of this type. Obviously, such permission is granted only in the case of a wound through which tetanus bacteria can enter and cause infection, and not in the case of a light scrape or bruise. Boiling a liquid will help to destroy bacteria it may contain. To prevent bacterial infections during surgery, the maximum level of cleanliness should be maintained. Rabbi Zamir Cohen is the founder of the Hidabroot organization and has written several books on the topics of Jewish thought and law. Victory over Infection Thanks to the work of Louis Pasteur and Joseph Lister, a newly-discovered antiseptic is used by these doctors performing an 1871 surgery in Edinburgh, Scotland. A carbolic acid (phenol) aerosol is sprayed with this instrument. It showers an antiseptic mist over the patient to minimize pathogens that cause infection, providing a “clean” surgery. January 2014 Wedding Planning Issue Deadline is December 15th! Call 718-645-4460 to reserve your spot! COMMUNITY 68 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE