By Rabbi Sholom Shuchat – dayan and arbitrator with the Agudas Harabonim – Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the USA & Canada
With the recent news of a measles outbreak in NYC, and the resurgence of the Anti-Vaccine movement in Crown Heights, it is important to step back and take a look at our guiding light, the Torah and the Rebbe’s opinion.
Often, during an argument between pro and anti-vaccine, the anti-vaccine proponent will state that studies have found links between vaccines and autism. Said “study” has been debunked countless times by many medical journals, but the claim still lingers among many, specifically among religious Jews who have only jumped on the bandwagon in recent years, leading to the infamous outbreak of mumps a few years ago.
As Lubavitcher Chassidim, we must look at the Rebbe’s writings for clear directives regarding what we should do. The following includes a sampling of the Rebbe’s directives regarding this matter, leaving no place for doubt or question, and stating clearly what the Halacha is regarding these matters.
THE REBBE’S VIEW
Regarding obeying doctors, the Rebbe writes the following:
“Surely I need not remind you that the Torah granted “permission to the healer to heal,” and thus this directive is of Torah [and not Rabbinic] origin.
It is not similar to those who mistakenly say that if someone is G-d-fearing, he need not listen to the instructions of a doctor [— when the doctor’s instructions seem to interfere somewhat with his religious conduct—] and may act as he understands. Indeed, the opposite is the case.”
Similarly, in another letter, the Rebbe writes:
“I have received a report that allegedly you are not — G-d forbid — obeying the doctor’s instructions. If this report is true, [that you are indeed not obeying the doctor,] then you will surely begin obeying him properly and will do so at the earliest opportunity, particularly as this is an explicit law in Shulchan Aruch — and may you convey glad tidings.”
(Healthy in Body, Mind and Spirit – Volume I, Chapter 4)
Regarding vaccinations, the Rebbe’s view was clear, as stated in the following letter:
“Regarding your question about inoculations against disease:
I am surprised by your question, since so many individuals from Eretz Yisrael have asked me about this and I have answered them in the affirmative, since the overwhelming majority of individuals do so successfully.
Understandably, if there are inoculations that are produced by various drug-manufacturing companies, you should use the ones whose safety is tried and proven.”
And similarly in another letter:
“Regarding your question about inoculations against disease and that which unfortunately transpired in the United States some time back:
The event that occurred in the United States was at the beginning of the use of these vaccines, before the [exact] medical compound was definitively established. This is not the case at present after months of experience with the vaccine.
Therefore once a vaccine’s reliability is firmly established, there should be no hesitation in giving these inoculations. To the contrary, [their use should be encouraged].”
(Healthy in Body, Mind and Spirit – Volume II, Chapter 11)
THE HALACHIC OUTLOOK
When approaching this topic of refusing to inoculate one’s children, the parent must take into consideration the following factors:
1) The health of their child: The Gemara states, that a doctor was given permission by G-d to heal, and it is through a doctor that G-d performs healing. According to Halacha, a person must obey the instructions given by their doctor. In this instance, since the doctor has ordered these vaccinations to be performed, Halacha mandates that they be performed.
2) The need: After hearing the doctor’s orders, a person might doubt the need for said procedure, and doubt whether indeed he should go ahead with it or not. The Rebbe’s view regarding medical procedures was to abstain from unnecessary intervention, but when a doctor mandates the procedure – the Rebbe took the stance that the doctor must be obeyed. In this instance, the vaccines have long proven their effectiveness by severely limiting or completely eradicating a wide swath of crippling and deadly diseases.
3) Putting others at risk: In Parshas Ki-Tetze the Torah commands us “When you build a new house, you shall make a guard rail for your roof, so that you shall not cause blood [to be spilled] in your house, that the one who falls should fall from it [the roof].” When someone does an action which can cause death, or even refuses to do an action which can prevent death, he is compared to a murderer, he “causes blood to be spilled.”
When one refuse to inoculate his children, he exposes his children and other children to a range of debilitating and potentially fatal diseases, putting himself in the above category.
4) The benefit of the community: In many letters the Rebbe discusses the benefit of the community vs the benefit of a single person, i.e. in situations when the benefit of one person is a direct cause of damage to others, the benefit of the many trumps the benefit of the few. In this instance it is the responsibility of the schools and doctors to ensure that the minority who places their children in danger shall not be allowed to cause damage to others by having their children in the same classrooms as children who can be at risk. This is especially important when the teachers are female, who are often pregnant and more vulnerable to sustain irreparable damage to their future offspring from exposure to those illnesses.
To conclude, Halachically a person is obligated to follow the doctor’s opinion, especially in matters pertaining to vaccines and other forms of medicine which prevent illnesses and death.
ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
As a footnote to this article, I would like to present the Rebbe’s view on alternative medicine vis-a-vis conventional medicine, and the Rebbe’s view on certain medical procedures.
In one of his letters, the Rebbe writes:
“With regard to your question about using the services of Mrs. …, who heals without using any healing remedies at all: Inasmuch as “Torah has granted permission for the healer to heal,” I don’t understand why one should pursue unfathomable paths.”
(Healthy in Body, Mind and Spirit – Volume II, Chapter 12)
The Rebbe’s view on the matter is fascinating, as His words infer that G-d’s blessing of healing can only be accomplished via conventional medicine, and not via alternative healing methods.
Even in the instances that the Rebbe has approved using alternative medicines, it was only when the (conventional) doctor approved said treatment, as is evident in the following letter:
“Since the management of your mother’s health by the herbalist/naturopathic doctor has been successful until now, it would be proper of you to inform him of the latest treatments and the tests taken by Dr. … and continue to follow his advice in the future as well, particularly so since — as you write — the doctor who is treating her now agrees that the diet given your mother by the herbalist/naturopath is proper. …”
(Healthy in Body, Mind and Spirit – Volume II, Chapter 12)
If you would like to research further, read “How to End the Autism Epidemic” by JB Handley. Very clear.
Thank you, experienced pediatrician #99 for your post.
Incidentally, is there a reason that kids today get about three times as many vaccines as kids 30 years ago got? Which new diseases have we eradicated? I can think of one: chicken pox (thank G-d!). But which others? In the 1980s, kids were vaccinated (if I’m not mistaken) for mumps, measles, polio, etc. What new diseases are all these new vaccines for? Is it then possible that at least some of these new ones are really not necessary? Can’t you understand a parent being suspicious of flooding her baby with 50 different vaccinations when she and all her friends… Read more »
National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program With the implementation of the NVICP, both vaccine manufacturers and private individuals are considered. The Program promotes public health interests while remaining prepared for negative outcomes in individual cases. What is the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program? The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (NVICP) is a no-fault alternative to the traditional legal system that allows for vaccine-injured petitioners to seek compensation when certain circumstances have been met. The initial goals of the Vaccine Program were to: Ensure adequate supply of vaccines; and Compensate individuals injured by vaccines. The Vaccine Injury Compensation Trust Fund provides funding… Read more »
The “Doctor” who did the vaccination autism study admitted to making up much of the facts he has used, and he is no longer a doctor. He is not able to practice medicine anywhere in the world after a thorough investigation found he was willingly committing fraud that was causing massive public harm…which is against his oath as a doctor. 100s of studies have been done since, and not one of them has concluded that they cause Autism. People may have other questions about vaccines, which ones are really necessary, what is in them, and how can we make them… Read more »
Doctor,
Can you please state your name and/or contact info. I would like to get in touch with you about my child’s adverse reaction to vaccinations.
Thank you,
Mrs. K.
You can tell how many people don’t have a clue about what is really happening with vaccines. Read the ingredients, statistics, speak to parte who kids had reactions, look at the rest of the worlds vaccine schedule, kids death rates …. And do some math! This articles have absolutely no proofs. You can’t quote the rebbe when even you want how ever you want. The rebbe spoke about vacc and not about reg medicine and not every situation had it’s answer and you have to see in what context they were said and in what years. Educate educate yourself both… Read more »
My unvaccinated children will not endanger your shayfelach! If you have vaccinated your children then they are inoculated/ surrounded by the iron clad protection of the vaccine/ immune from the affects of my children – so why worry, my kids can not affect your tzatzkilach!
Thank you. Well said.
Extremist view.
Ppl like to use their brain and not follow blindly.
“The first thing I would say is that going out and getting vaccinated in mass quantities is likely contributing to the spread, since the MMR vaccine is a live virus vaccination and people who receive it are contagious and can spread the vaccine-strain to others for up to a month after vaccination. I would also say that the MMR vaccine has a long history of vaccine-failure and it is common for those who are fully vaccinated to contract measles. It is also not uncommon for the vaccine itself to cause measles infection in those who receive it. The article does… Read more »
Completely agree.
No Rabbi Shochat, the debate over the safety of vaccinations is ongoing. How can you say mumps was caused by unvaccinated kids? Are you a navi as well? You are not a navi or a Rabbi in my book.
Anyone who writes something against this articale is the ultimate misnagid!
Anyone affiliated with the medical profession will tell you honestly that taking medication is frequently a matter of going with the lesser of two evils. The same may be said of standard vaccines; when all is said and done, they definitely prevent more harm than they potentially cause. This is especially true when it comes to preventing the spread of communicable (and often horrible) diseases. Perhaps it would be a sound idea to stagger childhood vaccines over a longer period of time in order to give the body a chance to re-establish its equilibrium after each vaccine, but not to… Read more »
You just take for granted, today, that you don’t hear much about these diseases that existed when I was a child. Back then, these diseases would affect alot of people, and they were CRIPPLING!
No parent must offer ones own child as a guinea pig for the medical business. vaccines are a money making business, why should our children’s health and future be put at risk for those who want to profit from this dangerous business.
people don’t realize that not vaccinating is playing with fire!
I missed my MMR vaccine as a teenager due to negligence and as a result a number of years later while i was a bochur in yeshiva I contracted Mumps.
Now I am married and dealing with infertility due to a very low sperm count because of the mumps.
this besides the fact that I could have infected other bochurim in the yeshiva during the ten day incubation period.
Yes they’ve been proven to be safe. Look at the child mortality rates.
I propose that unvaccinated children should not be accepted to any school or cheder. Those people can set up their own schools & then see what happens when the herd immunity is diminished.
How incredible selfish to put other people in danger because of some stupid conspiracy theories by a bunch of unqualified quacks!
There is a huge mistake in your logic:
You claim that 50 die a year from vaccines. Even if we accepted that as true, do you know how many tens of thousands would have died from these diseases CH”V without the vaccines?
Now that we see how flawed your homeopathic claims are, everyone can go ahead and protect their children properly by getting all the vaccines from the real western health doctors.
The safety and the benefit of vaccinations are well established in the medical literature. We should not be debating the issue. We need to determine how to encourage vaccination in the community. The simplest thing is to require kids to be vaccinated to attend school. No religious exemptions should be given.
David Kahn, MD
Unfortunately, we were clearly brainwashed to believe that doctors can outwit G-ds nature. By getting us to vaccinate through fear we lose sight of who actually runs this world. If we believe that a toxic brew can ” protect ” us from “dangerous diseases” where does it leave our emunah? do we believe in avodah zorah, false gods? That if we inject some toxic chemicals we will be safe? Don’t you believe that G-d designed our bodies with an immune system to know how to fight off disease? If we don’t take care of our body and expect it to… Read more »
The effect of the vaccination greatly outweighs the site effect that the vaccination will possibly give. its is like saying even tho strep will kill me if it goes untreated but the side effects of antibiotics that i may or may not get i will not take those lifesaving antibiotics. Look even if it does have side effects it is worth it to take the vaccinations because it may save your life one day and you wont even know about it
more people die who are vaccinated then not? what??? every medication has certain risks involved,even tylenol. it is disputable that vaccines have saved thousands upon thousands of lives and and all the delusional,cool aide drinking theory can’t change that.
Statistics show: vaccinations save lives!!! Of course there are exceptions!
#8, there is a high dose vit a protocol that can treat measles, vitamin A can be used to decrease chances of bad complications, this even made the news on tv. measles is rarely deadly. (one school broke out with 98% vaccinated some times ago…where’s that herd immunity? ) many doctors fear vaccines are not safe, with regard to testing, in general medicine requires a double blind placebo controlled peer review study to prove it’s safety…but the vaccines do not have to abide by this. the first vaccine babies receive contains significantly more aluminum than the fda’s safe level. …our… Read more »
I’am not necessarily against vaccines but it is well known that flu shots contain aluminum and mercury. Also causing many people to become sick after receiving them. This is what many people that work in nursing homes have told me. So please don’t take a shot which is unnecessary such as the flu shot. Hashem has provided you with an ample immune system. I can’t say the same for MMR vaccines but then again I just don’t know. Moshiach now! so we don’t have to continue to suffer living in this world of sheker.
If Gd forbid those who are pro vaccine, had a
bad experience from vaccines, their
perspective would change rather quickly.
Let’s put the Rebbe’s position in simple terms (a short synopsis): 1) It is not your job to question the Doctor and to do your own research, furthermore, if you do your own research then you will do yourself no good but you may cause only harm (letters 1362, 1619, 1633, 2903). 2) Following your doctor’s advice is the way of Torah, even if you disagree with, or you don’t understand his opinion (letters 605, 606, 628, 734, 1362, 2282, 2903, 5475). 3) When in doubt, consult a second opinion by another competent doctor (letters 1337, 2140). 4) Alternate opinions… Read more »
To #26 and #30 In 2012 alone there were 122,000 deaths globally from Measles. 98-99% of those deaths were people who were not vaccinated. The number of vaccine related deaths or injury is around a thousand SINCE 1983. As you quote from CDC. So 122,000 in one year to 1000 in 20 years. In other words the risk of non-vaccination is hundreds (or even thousands) of times greater than any risks of vaccination. Do your research properly and you will see that all responsible health organizations across the world stand behind vaccination. The halacha follows the preponderance of medical opinion… Read more »
You can state your opinion in a respectful way, no need to put Rabbi Shochat down
In about 30 years, 1000 people have died fro being vaccinated? Before these immunizations, thousands of children died every year from the diseases that the vaccines prevent. And thousands more suffered for the rest of their lives from the side effects of the diseases. Polio alone killed many children yearly, and left many more paralyzed. Even those who recovered from polio develop post-polio weakness and paralysis in late adulthood. And if you’re worried about SIDS, just put the baby to sleep on its back.
As a physician I take issue with your statement: “Said “study” has been debunked countless times by many medical journals” That it was debunked in medical journals is quite insignificant inasmuch as these journals rest upon the support of their pharmaceutical advertisers – all of which produce vaccines. Autism has grown in huge numbers over the last years. The fact that vaccines use a mercury-based preservative is probably the real cause of these illnesses. But medical students do not learn of this poison in medical schools; They only learn about the active ingredient. What medical schools and doctors still don’t… Read more »
don’t just post the views the COL holds and ignore the rest of the comments – otherwise you will be accused of creating news instead of reporting it. i made a respectful comment about 2 hours ago (with 5 points) – post it!
Is it dangerous for a child to get measles, mumps, chickenpox,or German measles?, If not, why not wait till older to vaccinate? Is it better to have a child vaccinated after 2 years old and not so many vaccines at a time?
BH I didn’t read all the comments, but I would like to present a point which i forgot to mention earlier: In Halacha there is the concept of “Bari V’Shema – Bari Adif,” i.e. when there is something which is sure (Bari) vs something which is in doubt (Shema) – then the “Bari” takes precedence. In this instance, the vaccines have shown beyond a shadow of doubt their efficiency by reducing or eliminating the diseases which they purport to eliminate, thus the status of the vaccines are “Bari” and therefore their use trumps any “Shema” / doubt about whether they… Read more »
I really do not understand the people who are against vaccinations. #1 The Rebbe in the letter quoted in this article clearly says to take them (thats enough for me)! #2 Assuming that this is accurate – that 1,000 people have died due to vaccinations. That’s an average of approximately 50 per year…It still has to be viewed in light of the big picture. There have been millions of deaths prevented by vaccinations since their inception. Many (perhaps every) drug that is on the market today has potentially lethal side effects in some people. Read the list that comes with… Read more »
#30 you are a danger. You are spewing lies, with no evidence to back it up. Vaccines cause SIDS? Really? Show me the evidence! Every reputable physician recommends vaccines. Prove your claims! You can literally save lives by vaccinating yoru children. Don’t listen to ignorant, uninformed opinions when dealig with your child’s health.
I’m sure the “average doctor”‘s googling skills are far inferior to yours.
Thank you for a well written, thought out response.
To all those who are on the “Vaccinate at all cost” bandwagon, you owe it to your children to do a LITTLE research and make an educated decision. Don’t just follow your doctor blindly. In most cases they only know what the pharmaceutical reps tell them. Vaccines are a multi billion dollar industry today. And the vaccines of today are NOT the same as 30-50 years ago. The side effects have become an epidemic in our own times.
# 37: It’s good to hear this from someone who remembers. I think most anto-vacciners don’t recognize what the vaccines prevent. They’re measuring vaccine vs no vaccine in a disease-free world. They should be measuring vaccine vs disease..
In today’s fast paced world of high speed internet and instant communication, we are quick to believe that health is determined by a quick dose of shots. Who has time to slow down and consider long term health benefits of a healthy lifestyle?
Of the many deaths r”l in lubavitch recently, do we hear of people actually dyeing of measles or rather of illnesses that can be attributed to weakened immune systems and long term exposure of toxic substances? It is much easier to yell at everyone to vaccinate but to focus on serious lifestyle changes takes a lot more conscious effort.
Thanks for the article. I would appreciate if a knowledgable person in this field can please specify which vaccines are necessary, and which aren’t a must and at what age is it important to give it.
1. there are MD’s out there who are anti-vaccine – and some have written good books about it 2. vaccines are not safe – yes, they save lives, but they also introduce life-long problems. the only time vaccines are necessary is… 3. when there is an epidemic ch”v – then it is safer to have the vaccine then the chance of getting the disease. 4. the Rebbe write (quoted by Shuchat) “Therefore once a vaccine’s reliability is firmly established, there should be no hesitation in giving these inoculations…” unfortunately, the vaccines have become more UNSAFE since the Rebbe write that… Read more »
You are entitled to write your opinion Don’t use letters written to the Rebbe in individual cases to prove your own philosophy . You are giving a half of picture I can get you easily many more letters wher the Rebbe told people to get another opinion and a rhird opinion . So to say the Rebbe said to just trust Dr’s is factually in orrect and very misleading . There were so many times when the Rebbe said not to operate when Dr’s said if they won’t it would be life threatening c”v and there were always great Nissim… Read more »
no one will change their minds. not this article and sadly not even if the Rebbe told them. they r so closed minded and “know it all” I feel bad for them because I see with my own eyes how their kids are always getting sick. and how in school these children hide from their parents what they are eating (due to the parentd being so strict with “healty foods” at home). its never good to be radical on ether sides, but ether way THIS ARTICLE IS POINTLESS BECAUSE THE PEOPLE WHO NEED TO CHANGE WONT !!! NO ONE CANT… Read more »
The comments against this article are ridiculous. Unscientific. Against halacha, Baseless. For people to put their children and their community at risk is sad and inappropriate. Thankfully I took my children out of a system that still allows this behavior to continue. What a sad statement this make on ALL of Chabad.
Watch for the extremists on both sides. There is a perfect middle many people can’t seem to find.
All vaccines are different. The Rebbe has stressed the tested and proven ones. After 20 years, and the children that are born next are healthy is a good test. They should be in Category A – MUST, and Category B – Optional. Some vaccines should be 100% mandatory for school entry, (DTP, HIB, etc) and some should be up the the discretion of the parents as they are NOT a risk to students. There has NEVER been a 12 year old child with the 18yr old version of menegitis in any school, so why make a pre-puberty growing child get… Read more »
To all those that insist on not vaccinating their kids – please make your choice public so I can keep my kids away from yours and keep mine alive!!
You keep saying that we don’t know the side effects and that it has unknown ingredients. Well if you were sooooo concerned about that, then you wouldn’t be eating any food foods with Gmo’s and that aren’t organic. That is something to actually worry. I bet you give your kids candy, well guess what? Do you know what red #40 is? Its petroleum!!! Yah didn’t think you knew that. Its called ignorance.
This is exactly what people need to realize. To the other person who wrote further up that vaccines have not been proven effective, I think the fact that we have not all died from Polio or smallpox is a pretty good testament to the fact that thats simply untrue. You are putting your children and friends and community at risk by not inoculating your children. Read number 37’s post, that is the emes.
Right on!!!!!!
Your reasoning actually implies the opposite.”Bori” (definite) – vaccines have side effects, as all medicine does. “Shema” (perhaps) a person will catch the disease,without vaccination. “bori v’shema bori odif” (a definite is stronger than a doubt)
By the way, usually the “shema” is more severe than the “bori”,that is exactly why it is a “chidush” (novelty).
While your Halachic opinion is sound, you interpretation of the Rebbe’s letters is flawed. For one: the quote “Therefore once a vaccine’s reliability is firmly established” implies that one should not trust a vaccination unless it is firmly established. Two: the letter about alternative medicine refers to a specific kind of medicine that “heals without using any healing remedies at all”. To suggest, somehow, that represents all forms of alternative medicine,is absurd.The word “alternative” only means it is not mainstream (meaning not western),it in no way describes what kind of method is actually used (or not used). In general, it… Read more »
I was born in 86 and never had any vaccines and am fine. I think vaccines are a choice and shouldn’t be forced upon anyone to do them. Thank god we have so many medicines avaliable now because we are not in the time of world war 1,2 etc. on top of that being said I think our government is trying to scam us all into a money making business with these “shots” and scare us if we don’t do them.
Over this whole debate. I do vaccinate my kids but I’m not sure where I stand. On one hand, I’d hate to jam a million vaccines at once into a frail little infant. Even doing them in small doses means the kid is being exposed to extra preservatives and junk. On the other hand, I don’t believe that a healthy, organic diet is enough to prevent these diseases. If rabbanim are speaking up about vaccines and saying it’s a mitzvah d’oraisa, then why aren’t rabbanim banning GMOs, refined sugar, soft drinks, MSG and food coloring (for starters)? Isn’t all this… Read more »
But they are also endangering everyone else in the community!
I greatly appreciate your words of wisdom and sharing with us responses from the Rebbe. As a nursing student who is currently nearing graduation, I can tell you that the opinion of the nursing field of Western medicine, is to promote vaccination. I get vaccinated, and I have my children get vaccinated as well. Those who quote from the CDC, should take a look at their website. They actually support the research that there is no significant data linking autism or SIDS to vaccination! However, the risk of not being vaccinated and hoe disease spreads, are proven medical facts. As… Read more »
When I went to get my green card I had to produce documents listing my immuizations being in my 40s I could not find it nor did my parents down under know where they were as they had moved…. So in the medical interview they asked me to list vaccines I recieved. I said that I surely got all including measles….The doctor said for tetnus and the like that is fine but not fot measles…I asked what to do I do the lady doctor said I mujst take it again. I said I know I had it….She said as a… Read more »
I do not believe the Rebbe was against alternative medicine, meaning holistic medicines , or diets etc. I personally know people that the Rebbe told to go on a macrobiotic diet for various problems. But perhaps the author refers to psychic type of healing…those are more ‘grey” areas. Yes, the Rebbe said a doctor has been granted permision to heal and one should listen to one’s doctor. But the Rebbe never said that other natural remedies should be discarded either. All have a place in Torah, even according to Rambam who prescribed diet and herbs. so it is not all… Read more »
I’ve been able B”H to help a lot of people (also) with alternative approaches, as many can attest. Sure alternative approaches can be helpful even sometimes where conventional medicine doesn’t succeed but when dealing with even a sfek sfeika of pikuach nefesh one isn’t permitted to take a risk, but has to follow conventionally (majority) accepted healers (doctors). That is Halacha. Maybe it is better to space out the vaccinations as much as permited by your doctor. Also, there are some homeopathic remedies to reverse or lessen any possible negative affects of various vaccinations. Ober a bisel seichel meg men… Read more »
I think he is stating the obvious. There is nothing new in the letter. What is mind boggling is people arguing with medicine and doctors. There will always be a small percentage of the population that medicine may harm and not help. That doesn’t prove anything. Doctors operate with statistical data . Such data is never 100% and there never will be. So whoever cited the statistic of 50 deaths from vaccination, may need to see a doctor himself. There are millions of vaccinations given every year that have saved millions of lives.
I personally got vaccinated a few years ago and became immediately sick for over a month. I usually have no opinion in these matters but I shudder to think what would happen if I wasn’t usually strong and healthy. I met three other people in Kfar Chabad here where I live that had the same experience. There are many here that would never vaccinate their children for this reason.
In Russia, my father lost ninety percent of hearing in one ear from measles and lost a sister when she was three to measles.
I have done hours of research on this topic as a developmental therapist studying autism and delays. More children have died or become developmentally delayed from illnesses that have regained their strength due to non vaccinations than have seen correlation from vaccines. Vaccines are crucial to children however there is a science for administration. Vaccines should be spread out and not given one after the other. Never give more than 3 maximum vaccines at once. For those that have developmental concerns such as a sibling with a developmental disability or a traumatiC gestation or birth should spread vaccines a little… Read more »
If the Rebbe could himself tell these people, they would still find a way out to explain that the Rebbe didn’t really mean what he said …I personally know of stories how people would misconstrue brochos from the Rebbe and interpret his words to their liking. It is like talking to a brick wall. They will never listen sadly, it’s hopeless.
Great article. Hopefully this will encourage people to actually do research and speak to their doctors before buying into the “anti-immunization” propaganda. It is really a shame that so many of us are denying ourselves the benefits of modern medicine. We are blessed to be living in a time and place where we have all but eliminated many fatal illnesses (btw, polio didn’t disappear from our society because we are eating more fish and legumes). Let us not get side-tracked by fear based arguments from quack healers. Let us protect our children and the community by immunizing them. P.S. Even… Read more »
Please cite the “many many doctors” and “many studies” that show the dangers of vaccines.
Beautifully written!
… to remember before there was a polio vaccine. Children would just disappear from school, most never to return. One girl I remember did return, but with one withered arm — she had Baruch Hashem great spirit and never let it stop her from anything, but she was the only one who returned. In my house we were not allowed to go swimming except at my cousins’ homes who had their own pools, because swimming pools were a major source of the transmission of the disease. Measles, mumps, chickenpox, German measles, none of them had vaccines yet back then. When… Read more »
Vaccines save lives = bori, vaccines cause autism = shema, according to Torah, bori v’shema bori odif
Don’t be selfish..you homeopathic health freaks..you could be putting a whole community at risk..hashem gave us a matanah, why should we go back to the horrific plagues of the shtetle days.
Where did you hear this? From what I’ve heard in the past, the rebbe never got fillings for it was one of the תנאים to marry the frierdiker rebbes daughter, for there’s a שאלה of חמץ on pesach. That’s why correct me if I’m wrong the rebbe had little to no teeth.
Now do ur research how many kids die a year of the diseases ur being vaccinated for a whole lot more then those vaccinated!!!
Just as with the article about prenatal ultrasounds, you seem to mean well but are completely one sided. Before you write such an article you should do your research.research does not equal talking to your one pcp.
Agree with # 1 how can he pasken if he obviously did not research this topic from every angle?
Since 1983, the Center for Disease Control says that 1,000 people have died due to vaccinations. That’s an average of approximately 50 per year. This does not include many, many others whose young children died of SIDS–sudden infant death syndrome. There are numerous first-hand accounts of children dying within 24 hours of vaccinations and the doctor recording the cause of death as SIDS
there are very strong evidence that the vaccine has caused autism so when the Rebbe said that one mush follow the advice of doctors. And there are doctors whobr very strongly against certain vaccine. So just because a few doctors a very for it one must be very open minded I’m sending this from experiencewith being involved with autism
“Tried and proven”
have all vaccines been firmly established? as the Rebbe required??
Perhaps people with no medical background can now stop giving medical advice that is detrimental and often deadly!
1. The Rebbe said to vaccinate as long as they are “safe”. One does not have to be a dayan to take the existing data and determine that they are unsafe. Since 1983, the Center for Disease Control says that 1,000 people have died due to vaccinations. That’s an average of approximately 50 per year. This does not include many, many others whose young children died of SIDS–sudden infant death syndrome. There are numerous first-hand accounts of children dying within 24 hours of vaccinations and the doctor recording the cause of death as SIDS 2. In the same “Health in… Read more »
How about silver fillings? Are they safe or not? Any comments from the rebbe regarding them? I’ve been told, by reliable sources, that the rebbe himself got fillings in the 40’s.
Mendel Epstein’s dayan quotes a letter in which there was a shinui bmtzius in that there are many more vaccines given, very early and all together. This piece does not give a full picture.
B”H This is shocking. One need not look far to see the autism epidemic and its correlation to the vaccines. I challenge the good rabbi to ask ten parents of autistic kids if they administered shots and how soon after did they notice symptoms. Even if it is a long shot, the risk of damaging the child forever is certainly great. Re alternative medicine: Blanketing all alternative practitioners together is certainly not a way to make a decision. In addition, anyone with siechel knows everyone, even a doctor, needs to be questioned and is liable to have a personal opinion… Read more »
May all our children be healthy, protected from disease, and grow to be G-d fearing adults!
Thank you for this! I hope many undecided people will now vaccinate their children and, instead of being afraid, have bitachon that by following the Torah and the Rebbe’s directives, all will be well with their children.
countless children did not make it to adulthood, if they did many suffered horribly from the deseases now being vaccinated against. Amputations, paralysis, death and horrible sickness came along with these diseases.As well people becoming infertile and countless other complications. Had our forefathers been privy to these vaccines they would have stopped at nothing to get them. They buried their young and watched their loved ones suffer. These diseases are still killing ppl in 3rd world countries. the only reason your children are somewhat safe, if bec i choose to vaccinate mine.
Could not have been written better. Thank you for the research and I hope this will be taken to heart by all the naysayers and especially by Crown Heights schools administrators who refuse to take a solid stance on this and refuse any and all children who are not vaccinated. Of course, except those who have a true MEDICAL exemption from vaccination. In fact, these same administrators also fall into category number 3 as above if they don’t do the right thing. One cannot claim ‘religious exemption’ in our schools since our schools ARE religious education schools and the religion… Read more »
Rabbi Shuchat!!
And it drives me wild.
Please study all the ingredients and effects from vaccines and then state an opinion. Your average doctor is only taught one side of the story and couldnt even list the ingredients in a vaccine if you asked them
The reason people dont vaccinate is not because of wakefields autism study. Its from many many doctors and studies showing other side effects from them. They have not been proven safe and effective.
Thank you for posting!
Very well written ,informative, and to the point.
Dear Rabbi Shuchat:
Thank you for showing us the Rebbe’s outlook and opinion on the matter. It is heartening to see the leaders in our community take a stand on such an important issue.
Thank you for this important reminder.
Just as a side note: There are MANY other reasons “anti-vacciners” opt out of vaccines or choose a delayed vaccine schedule NOT just because it is “popular” or because of “autism.” This can include medical reasons. I think it is important for us not to judge others without having all the facts about their particular situation.
good to read!
there is a girl in crown heights who has measles now, everybody needs to be vaccinated
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wo7nFiOmWbY
and beautifully written
I don’t know how people could still argue against vaccines as chassidim but I’m sure they still will.
its not the autism worry any more, its the amount of vaccines that our chilren are getting all together. have you personally looked at the ingriedients or long term effects of ALL vaccines? tentus? whats in it?
everyone is blaming the austim risk, i think it just brought an awareness to the topic and onece ppl started researching the vaccines in general they realized “wait, somting is not adding up”
Here’s a story I heard from Rabb Gluckowsky in Israel which relates to the question of Western vs. Alternative medicine. A young man in Rechovot, Israel, had a growth on his face. The doctors confirmed that it was cancerous and insisted that it be surgically removed. He went to an alternative healer who said that he could treat it with medicinal creams. But despite the fact that he started using the creams, the tumor continued to grow. The healer said that the continued growth was a sign that the illness was coming out of his body, and that he would… Read more »
Very interesting Thank You!
Your opinion is worthless. Rather, no more than one man’s opinion. You write in the beginning that anti vaccination opinion has been debunked by science. That means you come to the table with daas baal habatim, i.e. with a pre-conceived bias, which renders you unable to offer Torah’s psak.