Saturday, October 29, 2005

Ritalin - Torah enhancing drug for children

On the subject of Jewish kids, a ritalin nation? This ruling by Rabbi Chaim Tabasky via yeshiva.org.il: Ritalin on Shabbat:
According to Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yalkut Yosef Shabbat vol. 4 ch. 328) it is permitted to take pills on Shabbat which are not a "cure" but rather treat symptoms (painkillers, etc.). Also, medicines which are taken regularly are often permitted. Rav Ovadia specifically mentions enhancing Torah study in this regard. There is also a stringent opinion, but in this case where we are dealing with children whose ability to function and learn Torah is at stake, we should not look for stringencies.