Every act has a meaning. This is all the more true when it comes to treat a disease and respect the food rules of Judaïsm at the same time. This is the reason why the Mediel editions asked the council of the Rabbis of Paris and its region to give its opinion on specific drugs and check they meet with the laws and principles of Judaïsm.
This was not an easy thing to do since the question was to weigh the respect of traditions and the threat of some serious diseases.
There are two kinds of drugs : those which help patients to regain their optimal health state but which are not necessary, and those which are vital when patients' lives are in danger.
If we try to go further in the analysis, it is possible to distinguish between emergency treatments (when life is at peril), long-term treatments (against serious diseases), treatments against pain and treatments for the physical or moral well-being of patients. The respect of Jewish food rules (called " cacherout ") will vary according to the four types of previously mentioned treatments.
The respect of life is the basic rule in Jewish law. Many obligations which are sometimes thought as being perpetual shall be left aside when it comes to the survival of human beings.
The Mediel guide has ruled on the " cacherout " nature of the drugs listed in this book, according to the dictates of the universal code which rule the different fields of life in Judaïsm.
The (French) Council of Orthodox Rabbis has concluded according to the " Chou…. " code. It also took into account the opinion of rabbinic authorities.
Some other possible treatments are not mentioned in this guide. Furthermore, some non kosher drugs may one day become obligatory for the treatment of life-threatening diseases.
The duty of a physician is to give help and assistance with every useful means and prescriptions.
The Council of Orthodox Rabbis has ruled on all drugs which were submitted before its judgement. It took into account the purpose of the medication, its necessity as well as its composition.
Its aim is to soothe the conscience of people who are already suffering enough from diseases.
If you need any further information, you may write to the rabbis of the Orthodox community at the following names and addresses :
Monsieur Le Rabbin Israël Abib, secrétaire général
Association C.R.E.R.C.O.
138 rue de Tocqueville
Le droit de substitution existe à condition que le prescripteur n ait pas exclu cette possibilité pour des raisons particulieres tenant au patient, par une mention expresse portée sur la prescription ; le Médiel s inscrit dans cet optique.