A TALMUDIC QUESTION
by Michael B. Druxman on 07/17/11
July 18, 2011
A TALMUDIC QUESTION
A well respected San Francisco psychoanalyst raises the following question in the hopes that Talmudic scholars might think more about it:
Is it okay for Jews to take Viagra on Shabbat?
One rabbi says that Jewish law forbids the ingestion of Viagra on Shabbat, lest one violate the infraction of erecting a structure on the Sabbath.
But another rabbi says that as a medication which adds pleasure to the Sabbath (not to mention the rest of the week), it is permissible. However, taking Viagra is taboo during Passover - as well as any other agent that causes things to rise.
Which raises (you'll excuse the expression) yet another question: What blessing does an observant Jew say before taking the Viagra pill?
There is a choice of three blessings:
1. Boruch Atah HaShem zokeif kfuffim
-- Bless you Lord for straightening those who are bent.
2. Boruch Atah HaShem yaaleh vyavo
-- Bless you Lord for causing things to arise and come.
3. Boruch Atah HaShem mechayei hameitim
-- Bless you Lord for raising the dead.
Amen
You have a creative day.
Michael
